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Rivers, Railroads, and Lakes—MST Segment 8

HANGING ROCK STATE PARK TO GREENSBORO'S BRYAN PARKBy Jim Grode

This 64-mile MST segment allows hikers to explore the peaceful country-side and small towns of Piedmont North Carolina just north of Winston-Salem and Greensboro. The western half of the segment roughly paral-lels the Dan River–from Hanging Rock State Park through the towns of Danbury and Walnut Cove to Belews Lake, built by Duke Energy on a tributary of the Dan. The eastern half falls within the watershed of the Haw River, and the route runs through the towns of Oak Ridge and Sum-

Lake Brandt in autumnPhoto by Cathy Leonard

Segment 8 | 2

Rivers, Railroads, and Lakes—MST Segment 8

merfield and then onto trails along the shores of Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend, built to provide water to the city of Greensboro.

The western end of the route is at the visitor center of Hanging Rock State Park. For westbound hikers, this park will be the first taste of the mountains, and the 1.7-mile trail leading to the visitor center rises 1,000 feet past wa-terfalls and mountain plants like rhododendron, mountain laurel, and galax.

Just to the east of the park, hikers will visit Danbury, the county seat of Stokes County. The tiny town of beautiful historic buildings sits on the Dan River. In the town’s Moratock Park, visitors can see the remains of a massive stone iron furnace built in the Civil War.

From the town of Walnut Cove east to Greensboro, much of this segment traces the historic route of the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad, which ran from Mt. Airy to Sanford. You can still see traces of the old railroad bed in Walnut Cove, and you will cross a bridge over the old railroad bed on Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield. The route through Oak Ridge will take you past the Oak Ridge Military Academy, founded in 1850. The town of Summerfield is working to turn its portion of the old railroad bed into a rail-trail which will become the route of the MST when complete. As you pass through Summerfield, look for monuments to James Gillis, a 14-year-old bugle boy who was killed in a skirmish during the Revolutionary War, and to Charles Bruce, a local Patriot.

The eastern third of the segment starts on Greensboro’s Atlantic & Yad-kin Greenway and uses it twice to cross over Lake Brandt. From there the MST follows trails in the Greensboro Watershed Lakes complex, passing through classic second-growth Piedmont oak-hickory-beech forest still showing signs of its previous agricultural use. Nearly all of this portion of the MST is on the shores of the watershed reservoirs, and there are many beautiful vistas over the lakes.

The road portions of this segment are great to explore by bicycle as well as on foot.

Thanks to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, REI, and the Ecology Wildlife Foundation for grants that made this trail guide possible.

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HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

• The cool getaway from Piedmont heat found in Hanging Rock State Park

• Tiny and quaint downtown Danbury and the Moratock Furnace

• Priddy’s General Store, two miles east of Danbury, in operation since 1888

• The railroad towns of Walnut Cove and Summerfield

• The campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy

• Revolutionary War monuments in Summerfield

• The Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway in Greensboro and its long bridge over Lake Brandt

• Miles of peaceful, natural-surface trail along Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend in Greensboro

Segment 8 | 4

Total Distance: 64.0 miles (19.3 on trail, 1.5 on paved greenway, and 43.2 on roads) Difficulty: Moderate on trail; easy to moderate on greenways and roads. The road and greenway stretches are ideal for traveling by bicycle; on the trails, the Owls Roost Trail is highly technical mountain biking, but cycling is prohibited on all other trails in this segment.

Trail UpdatesWhen planning your trip using this guide, take a moment to see whether Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Friends) has posted any up-dates about the trail route by visiting Friends’ “Trail Updates” page at MountainstoSeaTrail.org/updates.

Trail AngelsThe MST is fortunate to have many Trail Angels: friendly people who have volunteered to provide assistance to long-distance hikers ranging from local information to lodging and food. We greatly appreciate our Trail Angels’ willingness to give back to the hiking community and the MST. For information about Trail Angels in Segment 6 and the services they can provide, see MountainstoSeaTrail.org/the-trail/trail-angels.

Camping/LodgingEB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.0Hanging Rock State Park Campground, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd., Danbury, 27016, 336-593-8480. This campground, which has water, rest-rooms, and showers, is approximately 0.7 mile west of the western end of Segment 8 (Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center). Campsites cost $15 per night, and cabins are $97 per night. There is generally a two-night minimum stay for cabins, but the park will sometimes waive this require-ment based on availability. For reservations call 1-877-7-CAMP-NC or go to northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com.

EB Mile 4.9; WB Mile 59.1Whippoorwill Inn, 105 Old Church Rd., Danbury, 27016, 336-420-6003; www.whippoorwillinn.com. Rooms are $109/night.

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1.5 miles from EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 58.9Sunset Park Campground, 1070 Sunset Park Rd., Walnut Cove, 27052, 336-593-2992 or 336-816-2940; www.sunsetparkcamp.com/index.php. From the intersection of NC 8 and 89 and Sheppard Mill Rd., head south on NC 8 & 89 1.3 miles, then left on Sunset Park Rd. 0.2 mile. Tent sites are $20/night, and the campground has showers, restrooms, and water

EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 58.9Dan River Cottage, 105 Dan River Rd., Danbury, 27016, 336-593-8780; danburygeneralstore.net/thegeneraldantubingco/DanRiverCottage.aspx. This two-bedroom cottage rents for approximately $110 to $130 per night.

EB Mile 10.0; WB Mile 54.0To camp in a beautiful spot 0.4 mile from this location, please call at least a day or two in advance for information and directions. Campsite, shelter, water, and restroom available. No fires allowed. Call W.T. Heath at 336-871-9163 (home) or 336-455-2733 (cell) or S.J. Durham at 336-427-4497 (home) or 336-707-5437 (cell).

EB Mile 35.3; WB Mile 28.7There is one campsite at Oak Ridge Town Park available to MST hik-ers. It is located across from the fire station on Linville Rd., 407 feet from the sidewalk and behind the gray barn at GPS coordinates N36.17386, W79.99927. Restroom facilities are adjacent to the site and potable water is also available. There is no charge to use the site, but you must regis-ter with the town at www.oakridgenc.com/index.asp?SEC=86B3D62E-5F3F-4DD6-85C3-0EAF1BBFE126&Type=QUICKFORM or go to www.oakridgenc.com and search for “campsite.”

Also check Friends’ “Trail Angels” page at MountainstoSeaTrail.org/the-trail/trail-angels for additional camping and lodging options.

Food/Supplies/Post OfficeEB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.0 Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Cen-

ter has water and drinks.

EB Mile 4.1; WB Mile 59.9 River Rock Café

EB Mile 4.7; WB Mile 59.1 Danbury post office

EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 58.9 Convenience store

Segment 8 | 6

EB Mile 7.3; WB Mile 56.7 Priddy’s General Store

EB Mile 14.2; WB Mile 49.8 Jim Booth’s Catfish Pond has drinks and snacks, spring through fall.

EB Mile 21.4; WB Mile 42.6 Walnut Cove has a few restaurants and a general store.

EB Mile 21.5; WB Mile 42.5 Produce stand

EB Mile 25.6; WB Mile 38.4 Convenience store

EB Mile 27.4; WB Mile 36.6 Belews Creek post office

EB Mile 35.4; WB Mile 28.6 Oak Ridge post office

EB Mile 36.0; WB Mile 28.0 Oak Ridge has multiple businesses, in-cluding a supermarket and drugstore.

EB Mile 42.9; WB Mile 21.1 Summerfield post office

EB Mile 43.5; WB Mile 20.5 One block to the east of the intersection of Summerfield and Auburn Roads are multiple businesses, including a super-market and drugstores.

EB Mile 53.3; WB Mile 10.6 Lake Brandt Marina office with water, drinks, and snacks

Water/RestroomsAlthough surface water is plentiful throughout the trail portions of this segment, we strongly advise using water from drinking-water fountains and spigots or bottled water from convenience stores in this area. All sur-face water should be treated before drinking.

Water and restrooms can be found at several locations throughout the road portions of the trail.

EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.0 Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Cen-ter has water and restrooms. N

EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 58.9 Convenience store N

EB Mile 7.3; WB Mile 56.7 Priddy’s General Store N

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EB Mile 21.4; WB Mile 42.6 Walnut Cove has a few restaurants and a general store. N

EB Mile 25.6; WB Mile 38.4 Convenience store N

EB Mile 27.8; WB Mile 36.2 The Piney Bluff boat ramp has a port-a-john. N

EB Mile 36.0; WB Mile 28.0 Oak Ridge has multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drug-store. N

EB Mile 43.5; WB Mile 20.5 One block to the east of the intersection of Summerfield and Auburn Roads are multiple businesses, including a super-market and drugstores.

EB Mile 53.3; WB Mile 10.6 Lake Brandt Marina office has water and restrooms. N

EB Mile 64.0; WB Mile 0.0 The Jim Batten Parking Lot has water and restrooms. N

HuntingIn this segment, the trail is not on any land that is open for hunting.

Signs/BlazingThe trail portions of the MST in Segment 8 are generally well marked with the MST blaze—a 3-inch white circle. In addition, the section of trail within Hanging Rock State Park, also called Indian Creek Trail, is marked with orange squares. There are no blazes or other markings on the road portions of this segment.

Special ConsiderationsOn road sections, watch for traffic and narrow shoulders.

Dogs are allowed on this segment of the MST, but should be leashed at all times.

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Segment 8 | 8

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFriends office: 919-825-0297 or info@MountainstoSeaTrail.org

Trail MapsGoogle map of the entire MST: MountainstoSeaTrail.org/mapHanging Rock State Park: files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/

hanging-rock-park-map.pdfGreensboro Watershed Trails Guide: www.greensboro-nc.gov/modules/

showdocument.aspx?documentid=3194

Park SitesHanging Rock State Park website:

www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-parkGreensboro Watershed Lakes:

www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=1372

Links for Other Points and Organizations of InterestDanbury/Stokes County: www.townofdanbury.org/index.

php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=63Stokes County Historical Museum:

www.sc-hs.org/museum-of-history.phpTown of Walnut Cove: www.townofwalnutcove.orgTown of Oak Ridge: www.oakridgenc.comTown of Summerfield: www.summerfieldgov.comGreensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau:

www.visitgreensboronc.com

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Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.0

A G N K N36.39476, W80.26596

Cascades Preserve Parking Area EB Mile 32.7; WB Mile 31.3

K N36.19493, W80.0308

Anna Long Marshall Wayside Parking Area EB Mile 44.9; WB Mile 19.1

K N36.17763, W79.88226

Bur-Mil Park Picnic and Parking Area EB Mile 46.0; WB Mile 18.0

K L N36.16966, W79.86739

Lake Brandt Marina (if gate is closed, or you will be returning late, park outside the gate) EB Mile 53.4; WB Mile 10.6

E N K N36.16743, W79.83783

Church St. near Laurel Bluff and Crockett Trails EB Mile 56.8; WB Mile 7.2

K N36.17389, W79.79208

Church St. at Osprey Trail EB Mile 58.1; WB Mile 5.9

K N36.16206, W79.78802

Osprey Trail Parking Area on Yanceyville Rd. EB Mile 60.1; WB Mile 3.9

K N36.16566, W79.76843

Bryan Park Soccer Complex Parking Lot EB Mile 64.0; WB Mile 0.0

K N N36.17028, W79.74392

PRIMARY PARKING LOCATIONS

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Segment 8 | 10

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Hiking Directions, Eastbound

0.0 Begin Segment 8 at the edge of the Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center parking area, at the wooden Hanging Rock overlook. Note: The visitor center has water, restrooms, drinks, and a small museum of the cultural and natural history of the park area. In addition, the Hanging Rock State Park campground is approximately 0.7 mile west of here; for more information about camping, see the “Camp-ing/Lodging” section for this segment. To reach the parking area, drive west from Danbury, NC, on NC 8 and 89 approximately 1.7 miles, then turn left to follow Hanging Rock Park Rd. a little more than 3 miles. A G N K

Hidden FallsPhoto by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com

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0.1 At end of parking area, continue straight onto Indian Creek Trail. Note: The trail here is marked with orange squares as well as the white circular MST markers.

0.2 Pass picnic shelter on right. L N0.5 Pass trail to Hidden Falls on right.0.6 Pass Window Overlook on right, then pass through Window Falls

Overlook.0.7 Cross Indian Creek. Note: In the next mile, you will cross this creek

6 more times. 0.9 Cross Indian Creek on footbridge (the only bridged crossing).1.0 Pass trail to group camping on left.1.7 Turn right on Hanging Rock Park Rd.3.2 Turn right on NC 8 and 89 at Pioneer Community Hospital.3.7 Enter Danbury town limits.4.1 Pass Stokes County Government Center on left and River Rock

Café on right. E4.4 Pass Danbury Baptist Church on left.4.6 Pass Danbury Community Church on left.4.8 Enter downtown Danbury, with a historical museum and post office.4.9 Where Old Church Rd. continues straight, bear right to stay on

NC  8 and 89. Note: The Whippoorwill Inn (see the “Camping/

Segment 8 Eastbound

Segment 8 | 12

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Lodging” section for this segment for information) and the Danbury Volunteer Fire Department are on Old Church Rd. I

5.1 Turn left on Sheppard Mill Rd. at intersection with convenience store. Note: The Dan River Cottage is at this intersection across the road from the convenience store. If you continue straight on NC 8 and 89 instead, the Sunset Park Campground is 1.5 miles away. See the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment for more informa-tion. G A I

5.2 Cross bridge over Dan River. Danbury’s Moratock Park is located on both sides of the road after you cross the bridge. The remains of a Civil War-era iron furnace are to the right.

7.3 Turn right on Pitzer Rd. at Priddy’s General Store. This historic landmark, first opened in 1888, has been operated by the same fam-ily for three generations. G

10.0 At T-intersection, turn right on Dodgetown Rd. Note: For informa-tion about camping near here, see the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment. A

10.1 Cross bridge over Dan River.10.5 Turn left on Stewart Rd., then pass Meadows Baptist Church on left.11.4 Continue around curve to right, past intersection with Bumpy Hol-

low Rd. on left.

Elevation Profile

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11.9 Turn left on Power Dam Rd., a gravel road.13.1 Continue on Power Dam Rd. as it becomes paved.13.2 Continue past Power House Rd. and Hemlock Golf Club on left.14.1 Turn left on Tilley Rd.14.4 Turn right on Old Tilley Rd.14.9 Continue straight onto Tuttle Rd.15.7 Continue straight past Fulp Rd. on right.18.0 At T-intersection, turn right on US 311.18.3 Turn left on Oldtown Rd.18.8 Continue on Oldtown Rd. as it curves to the right and Farmer Rd.

comes in from the left.20.5 Pass Refuge Baptist Church and Walnut Cove city limit sign on

right.20.8 Pass Lakeside Dr. on left.21.4 At T-intersection, turn left on S. Main St. Note: The town of Walnut

Cove is to your right. The small business district has several restau-rants and a general store. E G

Danbury CourthousePhoto by Sharon McCarthy

Segment 8 | 14

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Danbury CourthousePhoto by Sharon McCarthy

21.5 Cross bridge over Town Fork Creek and pass produce stand on left. E

21.7 Turn left, following signs to Stokesdale, then cross railroad tracks and immediately turn left on NC 65.

23.8 Pass Fagg Rd. on right.24.9 Pass sign to enter Forsyth County.25.4 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. on left.25.6 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. and convenience store on

right. G26.8 At T-intersection, turn left on Belews Creek Rd. 27.0 Pass Pegram Rd. on left.27.3 At curve in road where Craig Rd. continues straight, bear right to

stay on Belews Creek Rd.27.4 Pass Belews Creek post office on left.27.7 Cross Belews Lake.27.8 Pass entrance to Piney Bluff boat ramp on right. Note: There is a

port-a-john here. N28.1 Turn right on Kernersville Rd. Note: This is a busy road with a nar-

row shoulder. Use caution.29.8 Continue straight across US 158. Road name changes to Piney

Grove Rd.30.8 Just before Goodwill Baptist Church, turn left on Goodwill Church

Rd. (also shown on maps as Freeman Rd.).32.3 Pass sign to enter Guilford County.32.7 Pass parking area for Cascades Preserve on left. K33.3 At T-intersection, turn left on Haw River Rd.33.5 Take first right onto Linville Rd.34.9 Pick up sidewalk on left side of Linville Rd.35.3 Pass Oak Ridge Town Park on left. Note: For information about camp-

ing here, see the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment. A35.4 Pass Oak Ridge post office. In front of Oak Ridge town hall, cross

Linville Rd. at crosswalk and continue on sidewalk.35.7 Turn left on Oak Ridge Rd.36.1 Continue straight across NC 68. Oak Ridge Military Academy is

just beyond this intersection. Note: There are several restaurants, a drugstore, and a grocery store at the intersection. E G N

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Map and elevation profile produced for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail by Curtis Belyea, 2018.

Segment 8 | 16

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36.7 Pass Oak Ridge United Methodist Church on right.36.9 Pass Oak Ridge First Baptist Church on left.37.2 Turn right on Bunch Rd.38.0 Turn left on Brookbank Rd.39.3 Continue straight past Mounce Farm Rd. on right.39.5 Cross construction area for future I-73 crossing.40.1 Continue straight past Banning Rd. on right.40.9 Continue straight through 4-way intersection with Henson Farms

Way on left and Henson Farms Rd. on right.41.3 At T-intersection, turn right on Oak Ridge Rd.42.3 Turn right on Summerfield Rd. at Summerfield town hall.42.8 Pass Summerfield Elementary School on right.42.9 Pass Summerfield post office on left.43.0 Pass Summerfield fire department on left and Full Gospel Worship

Center on right.

Moratock ParkPhoto by Dan River Basin Association

Segment 8 | 18

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43.3 Pass Cathedral of Faith Christian Center on left.43.5 Pass Auburn Rd. on left. Note: Following Auburn Rd. for one block

leads to US 220, with multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstores. E G

44.4 At T-intersection, turn right on US 220.44.9 Turn left into driveway at sign for Anna Long Marshall Wayside,

Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway. K45.0 Turn right onto A&Y Greenway. You are entering the city of Greens-

boro watershed trail system.45.2 Cross wooden bridge, then cross Strawberry Rd. at small parking

area. K45.4 Continue straight past Piedmont Trail on left.45.7 Cross Lake Brandt on bridge, then pass Bur-Mil Park Big Loop Trail

on right.46.0 Pass fishing pier on left and Bur-Mil Park picnic and parking area on

right. Turn left on Owls Roost Trail. Note: Fishing is by permit only; permits are available at Lake Higgins. K L

46.2 Cross two small footbridges.46.4 Cross short boardwalk.47.0 Cross two footbridges.47.7 Continue straight past Owls Roost Shortcut (Fire Lane) on right.48.1 Cross footbridge.48.6 Continue straight past Owls Roost Shortcut (Fire Lane) on right.48.7 Cross footbridge.49.1 Cross footbridge then boardwalk.49.3 Cross footbridge.49.5 Bear right at Y-intersection where fainter trail goes left.49.7 Continue straight past Owls Roost Shortcut (Fire Lane) on right,

then bear right at Y-intersection.50.0 Cross footbridge, then bear left at Y-intersection.50.2 Turn left on A&Y Greenway, then continue straight past Palmetto

Trail on right.50.5 Cross bridge over Lake Brandt.50.6 Turn left onto Nathanael Greene Hiking Trail (Nat Greene Trail).

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51.2 Turn left at T-intersection where Wild Turkey Trail comes in from right, cross bridge and immediately turn left to stay on the MST, then cross another footbridge.

52.0 Cross footbridge.52.7 Cross two boardwalks, staying to the left and following signs for Nat

Greene Trail.53.2 Cross footbridge, then continue straight past Jesse Wharton Nature

Trail on the right.53.3 Just before reaching Lake Brandt Marina parking area, pass to right

of fence, then continue on trail. Stay right at trail intersection.53.4 Cross footbridge, then turn left just inside of chain link fence (Wild

Turkey Trail is to the right). Continue straight across Lake Brandt Ma-rina Rd. Note: The Lake Brandt Marina Office has restrooms, water, drinks, and snacks. Operating hours vary seasonally.  E N K

53.6 Cross another bridge (with no railing), then go through an opening in the fence. Cross Lake Brandt Rd. at the crosswalk, then turn left. In about 200 feet, turn right on Laurel Bluff Trail.

53.6 Turn right at trail sign.53.7 Turn left at trail sign by old tobacco barn.53.8 Cross footbridge, then cross natural gas pipeline right-of-way.54.2 Cross two footbridges.54.8 Cross two footbridges.54.9 Cross footbridge.55.4 Cross small unbridged stream.56.6 Cross footbridge.56.8 Cross N. Church St. and continue onto Crockett (formerly Pen-

insula) Trail. Continue straight past trail blazed with white dia-mond. Note: Follow white-diamond-blazed trail 0.1 mile to parking area. K

56.8 Continue straight past trail on right.57.0 Cross footbridge.57.6 Cross boardwalk across swampy area.57.9 Turn left on N. Church St. and cross Lake Townsend on causeway.58.1 Turn left onto Osprey Trail at small gravel parking lot. K58.3 Pass chimney from old house on right.58.8 Cross boardwalk.

Segment 8 | 20

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58.9 Cross boardwalk.59.3 Cross large power-line cut with four sets of towers.59.5 Cross footbridge.59.7 Cross footbridge.60.1 Just before a white diamond on beech tree, turn left, downhill, to stay

on MST, then cross bridge. Note: Follow white-diamond-blazed trail 0.2 mile to parking area. K

60.3 Cross Yanceyville Rd. and continue on Townsend Trail.61.0 Cross footbridge.61.2 Descend a set of wooden steps and cross stream on rocks.61.3 Cross footbridge.61.4 Cross footbridge.62.0 Turn right to cross power-line cut.62.4 Cross footbridge.63.2 Cross footbridge, then enter power-line cut.63.6 Leave woods at Bryan Park Soccer Complex parking area. Follow

sidewalk and then follow paved driveway out of parking area.63.8 After a sharp right turn in the driveway, follow second trail into

woods on the left, then pass a picnic area on the right.64.0 Turn left onto a maintenance path, then reach a parking area for the

Bryan Park Soccer Complex and the end of Segment 8. Note: The Jim Batten Soccer Parking Lot, across Southshore Rd., has water and restrooms. To reach the trailhead by vehicle, drive north from Greensboro on O. Henry Blvd. (US 29) and take the Hicone Rd. exit. Turn right on Hicone Rd. and travel approximately 0.7 mile, then turn right on Summit Ave. After another 0.6 mile, turn left on Scott Rd., then immediately right on Rudd Station Rd., following signs to Bryan Park Soccer Complex. Travel 0.9 mile on Rudd Sta-tion Rd., which changes its name to Southshore Rd. at the railroad tracks, and the parking area will be on your left, across from the Jim Batten lot. K N

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Hiking Directions, Westbound

0.0 From Bryan Park Soccer Complex parking lot across Southshore Rd. from Jim Batten Soccer Parking Lot, head south onto a mainte-nance path to begin Segment 8, then turn right onto a smaller trail. Note: The Jim Batten lot has water and restrooms. To reach the park-ing lot by vehicle, drive north from Greensboro on O. Henry Blvd. (US 29) and take the Hicone Rd. exit. Turn right on Hicone Rd. and travel approximately 0.7 mile, then turn right on Summit Ave. After another 0.6 mile, turn left on Scott Rd., then immediately right on Rudd Station Rd., following signs to Bryan Park Soccer Com-plex. Travel 0.9 mile on Rudd Station Rd., which changes its name to Southshore Rd. at the railroad tracks, and the parking area will be on your left. K N

0.2 Pass a picnic area on the left, then turn right on paved driveway.0.4 At back side of parking area, follow trail into woods.0.7 Cross power-line cut.0.8 Cross footbridge.1.6 Cross footbridge.2.0 At far end of power-line cut, turn left to remain on trail.2.6 Cross footbridge.2.7 Cross footbridge.2.8 Cross stream on rocks and ascend a set of wooden steps.3.0 Cross footbridge.3.7 Cross Yanceyville Rd. and continue on Osprey Trail.3.9 Just after crossing bridge, climb a short hill and turn right at a white

circular marker where the trail on the left has a white diamond. Note: Follow white-diamond-blazed trail 0.2 mile to parking area. K

4.3 Cross footbridge.4.5 Cross footbridge, then cross large power-line cut with four sets of

towers.5.1 Cross boardwalk.5.2 Cross boardwalk.5.7 Pass chimney from old house on left.5.9 Turn right on N. Church St. at small gravel parking lot, then cross

Lake Townsend on causeway. K

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6.1 Turn right onto Crockett (formerly Peninsula) Trail.6.4 Cross boardwalk across swampy area.7.0 Cross footbridge.7.2 Continue straight past trail on left blazed with white diamond, then

cross N. Church St. and continue onto Laurel Bluff Trail. Note: Fol-low white-diamond-blazed trail 0.1 mile to parking area. K

7.4 Cross footbridge.8.6 Cross small unbridged stream.9.1 Cross footbridge.9.2 Cross two footbridges.9.8 Cross two footbridges.10.2 Cross natural gas pipeline right-of-way, then cross footbridge.10.3 Turn right at T-intersection near old tobacco barn into tunnel

through bamboo grove.10.4 At T-intersection in front of fence, turn left.10.5 Emerge from Laurel Bluff Trail to Lake Brandt Rd. Turn left and

cross road at crosswalk, then turn left. Just beyond the speed limit sign, go through an opening in the fence to a trail, then cross a foot-bridge with no railing.

Priddy's General Store Photo by Danelle Hallenbeck

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10.6 Continue straight across Lake Brandt Marina Rd., then turn right at end of fence (straight ahead is Wild Turkey Trail). Cross footbridge then stay left at trail intersection. Note: The Lake Brandt Marina Of-fice has restrooms, water, drinks, and snacks. Operating hours vary seasonally. E N K

10.7 Pass fence on right to merge onto Nat Greene Trail.10.8 Continue straight past Jesse Wharton Nature Trail on the left, then

cross footbridge.11.3 Cross two boardwalks, staying to the right and following signs for

Nat Greene Trail.12.0 Cross footbridge.12.8 Cross footbridge. At T-intersection, turn right, cross another foot-

bridge and turn right at Y-intersection, marked for the Nat Greene Trail.

13.4 Turn right onto Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway.13.5 Cross bridge over Lake Brandt.13.8 Continue straight past Palmetto Trail on left, then turn right on

Owls Roost Trail.14.0 Bear right where trail comes in from left, then cross footbridge.14.3 Continue straight through 4-way trail junction, then pass Owls

Roost Shortcut (Fire Lane) on left.14.5 Bear left where fainter trail comes in from right.14.7 Cross footbridge.14.9 Cross boardwalk then footbridge.15.3 Cross footbridge.15.4 Continue straight past Owls Roost Shortcut (Fire Lane) on right.15.9 Cross footbridge.16.3 Continue straight past Owls Roost Shortcut (Fire Lane) on left.17.0 Cross two footbridges.17.6 Cross short boardwalk.17.8 Cross two footbridges.18.0 Turn right onto A&Y Greenway. Pass fishing pier on right and Bur-

Mil Park picnic and parking area on left. Note: Fishing is by permit only; permits are available at Lake Higgins Park. K L

18.3 Pass Bur-Mil Park Big Loop Trail on left, then cross Lake Brandt on bridge.

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18.6 Continue straight past Piedmont Trail on right.18.8 Cross Strawberry Rd. at small parking area, then cross wooden

bridge. Note: Although, as of the writing of this part of the guide (February 2018), a sign here says there is no outlet from the green-way, this is incorrect; the route described in this guide is open. K

19.0 Turn left onto spur trail to parking area.19.1 At end of parking area driveway, turn right on US 220. Pass Sum-

merfield town limit sign. K19.6 Turn left on Summerfield Rd.20.5 Pass Auburn Rd. on right. Note: Following Auburn Rd. for one block

leads to US 220, with multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstores. E G

20.7 Pass Cathedral of Faith Christian Center on right.21.0 Pass Summerfield fire department on right and Full Gospel Worship

Center on left.21.1 Pass Summerfield post office on right.21.2 Pass Summerfield Elementary School on left.21.8 Turn left on Oak Ridge Rd. at Summerfield town hall.22.7 Turn left on Brookbank Rd.23.2 Continue straight through 4-way intersection with Henson Farms

Way on right and Henson Farms Rd. on left.23.9 Continue straight past Banning Rd. on left.24.5 Cross construction area for future I-73 crossing.24.7 Continue straight past Mounce Farm Rd. on left.26.1 At T-intersection, turn right on Bunch Rd.26.8 At T-intersection, turn left on Oak Ridge Rd.27.2 Pass Oak Ridge First Baptist Church on right.27.3 Pass Oak Ridge United Methodist Church on left.28.0 Continue straight across NC 68. Oak Ridge Military Academy is

just before this intersection. Note: There are several restaurants, a drugstore, and a grocery store at the intersection. E G N

28.3 Turn right on Linville Rd. just before State Employees Credit Union, following sidewalk.

28.6 In front of Oak Ridge town hall, cross Linville Rd. at crosswalk. Continue on sidewalk, then pass Oak Ridge post office.

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28.7 Pass Oak Ridge Town Park on right. Note: For information about camping here, see the “Camping/Lodging” section for this seg-ment. A

29.1 Sidewalk ends; return to shoulder of road.30.5 At T-intersection, turn left on Haw River Rd.30.7 Take first right onto Goodwill Church Rd.31.3 Pass parking area for Cascades Preserve on right. K31.7 Pass sign to enter Forsyth County.33.2 At T-intersection, turn right on Piney Grove Rd.34.2 Continue straight across US 158. Road name changes to Kerners-

ville Rd.

A tobacco barn on the Laurel Bluff Trail in GreensboroPhoto by Wendy Burchette

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35.9 Turn left on Belews Creek Rd.36.2 Pass entrance to Piney Bluff boat ramp on left. Note: There is a port-

a-john here. N36.3 Cross Belews Lake.36.6 Pass Belews Creek post office on right.36.7 Continue straight past Craig Rd on right.37.0 Pass Pegram Rd. on right.37.2 Turn right on NC 65.38.4 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. and convenience store on

left. G38.6 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. on right.39.1 Pass sign to enter Stokes County.40.2 Pass Fagg Rd. on left.42.3 At T-intersection, turn right. Cross railroad tracks and immediately

turn right on US 311.42.5 Pass produce stand on right, then cross bridge over Town Fork

Creek. E42.6 Turn right on First St. Note: If you continue straight, you will enter

the town of Walnut Cove. The small business district has several res-taurants and a general store. E G

43.2 Pass Lakeside Dr. on right.43.5 Pass Refuge Baptist Church on left.45.2 Continue on Oldtown Rd. as it curves to the left and Farmer Rd.

comes in from the right.45.7 At T-intersection, turn right on US 311.46.0 Turn left on Tuttle Rd.48.3 Continue straight past Fulp Rd. on left.49.1 At left-hand curve on Tuttle Rd., continue straight onto Old Tilley

Rd.49.6 Turn left on Tilley Rd.50.0 At T-intersection, turn right on Power Dam Rd.50.8 Continue past Power House Rd. and Hemlock Golf Club on right.50.9 Continue on Power Dam Rd. as it turns into a gravel road.52.2 At T-intersection, turn right on Stewart Rd.52.6 Continue around curve to left, past intersection with Bumpy Hollow

Rd. on right.

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53.5 Pass Meadows Baptist Church on right, then turn right on Dodgetown Rd. at T-intersection.

53.9 Cross bridge over Dan River.54.0 Turn left on Pitzer Rd. Note: For information about camping near

here, see the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment. A56.7 Turn left on Sheppard Mill Rd. at Priddy’s General Store. This his-

toric landmark, first opened in 1888, has been operated by the same family for three generations. G

58.8 Cross bridge over Dan River. Danbury’s Moratock Park is located on both sides of the road before you cross the bridge. The remains of a Civil War-era iron furnace are to the left.

58.9 At T-intersection with convenience store, turn right onto NC 8 and 89 (also called Main St.). Note: The Dan River Cottage is at this in-tersection across the road from the convenience store. If you turn left on NC 8 and 89 instead, the Sunset Park Campground is 1.5 miles away. See the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment for more information. G A I

59.1 Bear left to stay on NC 8 and 89 where Old Church Rd. comes in on right. Note: You are entering downtown Danbury, with a historical museum and post office. The Whippoorwill Inn (see the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment for information) and the Danbury Volunteer Fire Department are on Old Church Rd. I

59.4 Pass Danbury Community Church on right.59.6 Pass Danbury Baptist Church on right.59.9 Pass Stokes County Government Center on right and River Rock

Café on left. E60.3 Leave Danbury town limits.60.9 Turn left on Hanging Rock Park Rd. at Pioneer Community Hospi-

tal.62.3 Turn left onto Indian Creek Trail at MST sign, then cross Indian

Creek. Note: You are entering Hanging Rock State Park. The trail here is marked with orange squares as well as the white circular MST markers. In the next mile, you will cross this creek 6 more times.

63.0 Pass trail to group camping on right.63.2 Cross Indian Creek on footbridge (the only bridged crossing).

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63.4 Pass through Window Falls Overlook, then pass Window Overlook on left.

63.5 Pass trail to Hidden Falls on left.63.8 Pass picnic shelter on left. L N63.9 Reach Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center parking area and

continue straight on left side of parking area.64.0 Reach wooden Hanging Rock overlook and the western end of Seg-

ment 8. Note: The visitor center has water, restrooms, drinks, and a small museum of the cultural and natural history of the park area. In addition, the Hanging Rock State Park campground is approximate-ly 0.7 mile west of here; for more information about camping, see the “Camping/Lodging” section for this segment. To reach the parking area, drive west from Danbury, NC, on NC 8 and 89 approximately 1.7 miles, then turn left to follow Hanging Rock Park Rd. a little more than 3 miles. A G N K