The West House Trail - Greensboro, NC
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” - Jack Kornfield
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” - Buddha
“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” - Rumi
The Story -
On Saturday afternoon, Sophie and I hiked two miles on the easy yet beautiful West House Trail in Greensboro, NC. Clouds, wind gusts, and a gentle mist were all in the air, leftover remnants from Hurricane Ian that seemed to help set the tone of my solo hike and mirrored my mood.
All By Myself - Eric Carmen
I cannot remember the last time I hiked alone. I do often go on early morning walks alone around my neighborhood before sunrise, but this felt different. It was exciting, and I realized why hiking alone appeals to so many people. My inner feelings of serenity and independence were hard to ignore. I felt connected with nature in a way that was unlike hiking with Ginger, friends, or my kids. The trail, stream, and lakes seemed to beckon me to slow down, take more breaks, be more intentional, and to take notice of all the natural beauty around me.
I also experienced another emotion that I did not expect. I admit that I felt frightened when two other young male hikers approached me unexpectantly. I was startled and even a little scared. I was fine of course, yet afterward, my thoughts immediately turned to what hiking alone as a female must feel like. Maybe that’s sexist, not my intent I assure you, as I am well aware of the fact that all of my manliness would not have posed much of a resistance to a surprise attack. Yet, I have never put much thought into a solo hiker’s, whether male or female, mentality. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Can solo hikers truly immerse themselves in the experience without ominous thoughts ruining the moment? These and other questions can only be answered by the hiker themselves. What I do know is that when hiking alone, whether girl or boy, you should take certain precautions before heading out on the trail and maintain a certain vigilance once there.
The West House Trail -
The West House Trail meanders through a gorgeous forest, just north of the Lake Jeannette spillway that feeds into Lake Townsend. The end of the trail leads to an historic home site known as the West House, built between 1815 and 1820. The decorative “Flemish Bond” brick work was relatively expensive to construct and somewhat rare for this area. The West House Trail is located on the west side of North Church Street, across the street and north of the southern trailhead of the Crockett Trail. Hikers will enjoy mixed woodlands, streams, and views of the lake with some wetlands. Several man-made bridges and boardwalks crossing over the gentle creek can also be found along the trail. There aren't any extraordinary views, but it is a gorgeous trail nonetheless.
Spill The Tea -
Parking on North Church Street just after crossing Lake Jannette can be a harrowing experience and I advise extreme caution. I’m not sure what the city of Greensboro can do to slow down traffic in the area but it is a speeder’s paradise, and therefore a hikers/bikers nightmare. The trailhead is next to a City of Greensboro service road and immediately immerses you in the thick forest. The sound of the speeding cars quickly dissipates as you walk along the heavily wooded trail. During the summer and fall, you can see glimpses of the lakes from the trail, yet I imagine the views of Lake Jeannette in the winter would be more prominent. I left the trail several times to get better views of Lake Jeannette at the water’s edge. I crossed over a small stream several times, I imagine much fuller than normal due to Hurricane Ian, and the trail ends at a service road directly at the back of a housing development. This service road delivers you to the house for which the trail is aptly named. The house itself is nothing special, boarded up and inaccessible, yet you can admire the aged structure’s beauty from the standpoint that it is over two hundred years old and totally out of place in the city development all around it. Like a brief step back in time.
Wrap It Up -
The West House Trail is a wonderful “walk” in the woods, alone or with friends. It would be an excellent choice for someone looking to take that first hike or for experienced hikers longing for a short relaxing nearby getaway. Take caution parking on Church Street and if you go alone, be sure to take precautions before and during your hike. Happy Trails!
Sassafras and Skinks