Around 1,800 acres of natural parkland and more than 60 miles of trails shape the offerings of the Guilford County Parks and Recreation Department. The parks and preserves have different focuses: some highlight forests and distinctive tree species, while others feature wildlife, water, or historic structures. This lets you tailor your explorations to the subjects that interest you most.
Trails Through Forest and History
Cascades Preserve covers around 130 acres and has a hiking trail just over two miles long. At the 240-acre Company Mill Preserve, natural landscapes, wildlife, and historic structures line the trail. Together, the two areas offer trails with different experiences: a designated hiking route at one, and nature and traces of history along a trail at the other.
At Saferight Preserve, a forest trail marked by an arbor and distinctive tree species shape the character of the route. Thomas Built Bus Preserve offers a different focus: fruit and nut trees grow on a six-acre urban site, crossed by a marked walking trail. The larger parks also offer different opportunities: the 409-acre Hagan-Stone Park is a wildlife preserve with cross-country running trails; the 374-acre Northeast Park has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Bur-Mil Park covers 250 acres on Lake Brandt.
Guilford County Farm brings several themes together in one place: it has walking trails, greenhouses, vineyards, and fishing ponds. Formerly known as Prison Farm, it has been in existence since the early 1930s. Its four-acre pond is open for free fishing seven days a week during daylight hours. If you plan to fish, it is a good idea to check the latest access information.
Experience Water and Wildlife
At the Randleman Regional Reservoir, Southwest Park offers several miles of open water for boating and fishing. Canoes, kayaks, and jon boats are available to rent on site. This sets the park apart from areas whose trails mainly invite visitors to hike, bike, or observe wildlife: here, the water is central to the visitor experience.
Rich Fork Preserve also combines activities with history. It offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, as well as preserved historic structures. Hagan-Stone Park focuses on its wildlife preserve and cross-country running trails. Which of these different aspects you explore first depends on whether you are looking for trails, wildlife, water, or historic landmarks.
History and Culture in Greensboro
In Greensboro, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park offers insight into the history of the battle: its 250 acres of original battlefield include a visitor center, historic structures, monuments, and trails. The paved Tour Road is a 2.25-mile loop with eight stops. Historic New Garden Road was a colonial-era road and served as an artillery route during the battle. Free self-guided audio tours are available through the NPS app.
The Greensboro History Museum and the International Civil Rights Center and Museum offer further historical perspectives. The History Museum holds more than 30,000 artifacts documenting the history of the city and its people over several centuries; its exhibitions explore Greensboro and beyond. The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is located in the historic F. W. Woolworth Building, where the Greensboro sit-ins took place in 1960. Its interactive exhibitions focus on the struggle against racial segregation.
Gibson Park also tells the story of regional history. The Deep River Cabin, built around 1800, and a hand-dug well offer insight into the simple dwellings that characterized the Deep River Valley before the Civil War. The park also commemorates the gunsmiths who lived and worked in the Jamestown area in the mid-19th century, as well as the handcrafted muzzle-loading rifles that became known as Jamestown Long Rifles.
Local Life and Getting Around
The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is made up exclusively of producers. It offers locally grown and made goods, including seasonal foods, prepared dishes, and artisan products. For getting around by public transportation, the J. Douglas Galyon Depot is a multimodal transportation center and hub for GTA, Amtrak, PART, and Greyhound. Along with parks and historic sites, Greensboro offers these additional themes to consider as you plan your explorations.
Discover more destinations: High Point, Greensboro, Mcleansville, Whitsett, Rowan, Haywood County, Jackson, Stokes County
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