Explore Trails
Connecting People to Nature
Get Outside on PLC Protected Land
It’s right there in our mission: “PLC connects people to nature.” We work hard to protect land for public access. Getting outside is good for our health, our communities, our environment, and our economies. We’re proud to continue expanding opportunities for trails across our region. Access to open space and natural areas is critical for our region’s future, and PLC plays an important role in making these places available.
Knight Brown Nature Preserve
This 189-acre preserve just off Belews Lake is teeming with life. Come explore! Three miles of trail follows a creek, passes ravines, and winds around hills within a gorgeous hardwood forest.
Caraway Creek Preserve
On the northern edge of the Uwharrie Mountain range, hike up to 3 miles at Caraway Creek Preserve, PLC’s second nature preserve, opened in May of 2023.
The natural surface, hand-built trails meander across beautiful, historic land primarily under tree cover. The hike will give you grand views of surrounding hills in the winter and early spring.
Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve
This preserve is only open by group appointment.
Home to 28 of the 35 known eastern North American Trillium, 30 species of ferns, the state and federal species of special concern Oconee Bells (Shortia glacifolia) and many others, the Preserve was permanently protected in 2000 by Emily Allen and her husband O.G through a donated easement. In 2014, Emily’s family donated the Preserve and the residence on site to PLC to be used as an educational resource.Â
Find more trails through Piedmont Legacy Trails
 Together with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council we created Piedmont Legacy Trails, the trails collective in the Piedmont Triad whose primary goal is to highlight our natural places, connect trail efforts, and give voice to regional trail interests for the the benefit of our communities.Â
