Hidden Gems: Charlotte NC and Beyond Series Overview
Some of the most unique outdoor adventures take place at your lesser-known spots. This series of articles aims to give you the inside scoop about some of my favorite places to be outside of my travels. Whether you’re down to hike, bike, run, or just enjoy the fresh air, this series is for you. These locations are based around the Charlotte NC metro region (where I grew up), but I will bring spots that are more of a day trip or weekend getaway.
I hope you enjoy this series. Please always remember to leave these areas better than you found them. It’s up to us as individuals to conserve these beautiful spots. Thank you!
Forney Creek Trail in Denver, NC
Located just off of Highway 16 in Denver North Carolina is a little-known but amazingly beautiful hiking trail. Part of the Carolina Thread Trail, Forney Creek Trail is part of a small network of trails in the Catawba Springs Preserve. This preserve is one of many maintained by the Catawba Lands Conservatory A non-profit land trust focused on permanently conserving natural areas in the North Carolina Piedmont. I highly recommend you read more about them and the Carolina Thread Trail in the links provided. Without these organizations, many of the places I write about would not be possible.
If you’ve ever been to Denver, North Carolina, it is mainly known for Lake Norman. Beyond that, it’s not much more than a suburb of the Charlotte region. However, this trail and nature preserve in general is truly a gem making it worth the drive. The uniqueness lies in the wetlands on the northern part of Forney Creek Trail. It’s a blessing that the Carolina Thread Trail and Catawba Lands Conservatory preserved this area.
Getting There and Hiking Forney Creek
As I mentioned, this section of the Carolina Thread Trail lies just off of NC-16, north of the Walmart in Denver, NC. If you are coming up from I-485, pass the Walmart then take a right on Optimist Club Rd. Immediately after you turn, you’ll find Forney Creek Parkway on your left. Drive up the parkway, just past the YMCA and you’ll see the gravel parking lot for the trailhead on the right.
You should see the main trail map, maybe a sign for the Carolina Thread Trail, and the trailhead itself descending into the undergrowth. Once down the trailhead, look out for the swinging bridge. There, you are presented with three options to hike. To the left is Forney Creek Trail which leads to the wetlands. The swinging bridge trail is a small out-and-back trail. Finally, the trail to the right continues to follow the creek to the end of the preserve.
I’ll guide you through the main portion of Forney Creek Trail. But, you should check out all portions of the network if you have the time. Heading down this section, it should be roughly 1.2 miles to the second wetlands area. Out and back. You’ll follow the creek in, entering a grassy part of the trail, almost like a meadow. While the creek itself is small, it’s a wonderful little waterway. Eventually, you’ll come to a small bridge crossing a tributary. This feeds water runoff into the creek. As you pass down this bridge, you’ll see a school up on the left. Keep following the trail as it brings you into the woods.
The Wetlands Among Forney Creek Trail
Eventually, you’ll come up a hill and be located on a bluff overlooking the first pond that’s part of the wetlands. It will truly feel as if you’re located in a swampy region here. In the summertime, bugs can be a concern. As you continue along the trail and down the bluff, there should be an option to head right towards the pond. I recommend heading down here. There will be a beautiful overlook.
Beyond that, you can head back and continue down the main trail. You will eventually come to the second pond as part of the wetlands. This will be the end of the line for Forney Creek Trail. I’d recommend this spot as a place to enjoy the water and have a picnic or snack. It’s a pleasure that the Carolina Thread Trail provides this opportunity.
Once you’re done, heading back should be simple. Follow the way you came in, eventually coming back to the main trailhead of Forney Creek Trail. Again, if you have the time, check out the other trails. Both should be around a mile and some change. Regardless, I hope you enjoy your time there! I’m thankful to the Carolina Thread Trail and Catawba Lands Conservatory for preserving this land.
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