Parks, Trails, Preserves, and Greenways
What do you love to do outdoors? There are so many ways to enjoy nature, from family outings to adventure sports, fly fishing to photography, rock climbing to riding horses. At Conserving Carolina, we’re passionate about providing great places to enjoy the outdoors.
From state parks to nature preserves to local parks and greenways, we have protected over 23,000 acres of land for recreation!
Take a Challenge
Conserving Carolina offers two challenges that invite you to explore protected lands.
- The White Squirrel Hiking Challenge will take you on eight beautiful hikes in places Conserving Carolina has helped to protect.
- The Flying Squirrel Outdoor Challenge offers more flexibility to tailor the challenge to your interests and abilities.
With either challenge, you’ll discover wonderful places and gain a more personal connection to land conservation.
Find a Place to Play
There are now over 30 places that we’ve helped protect that are now open to the public! There are many more places where we’re currently working create trails or infrastructure so you can come explore them. If you want more places for recreation, you can help as a Conserving Carolina member or volunteer.
Buncombe County
Henderson County
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Cane Creek Greenway at Bill Moore Community Park
- DuPont State Recreational Forest
- Florence Nature Preserve
- Horseshoe French Broad River Put-In
- King’s Bridge Wildlife Conservation Area
- Mud Creek Campsite on the French Broad River
- Oklawaha Greenway
- The Park at Flat Rock
- Additions to Pisgah National Forest
- Trombatore Trail
- Twin Lakes Park (Saluda)
- Wildcat Rock Trail
- Rhododendron Lake Nature Park
Rutherford County
- Buffalo Creek Park
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Eagle Rock Climbing Crag
- Weed Patch Mountain Trail
- Youngs Mountain Trail
Polk County
- Additions to Green River Game Lands
- Little White Oak Mountain
- Norman Wilder Forest
- Alexander’s Ford at Bradley Nature Preserve
- Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
- Vaughn Creek Greenway
Transylvania County
- DuPont State Recreational Forest
- Headwaters State Forest
- Sassafras Mountain Overlook
- Additions to Pisgah National Forest
- Brevard Area Trail System
- Connestee Falls Park
Create More Places for Everyone to Enjoy!
We’re always working to create new parks, trails, greenways, and public lands. If you enjoy the great outdoors, become a member of Conserving Carolina! Your membership supports conservation and we’ll keep you in the loop about the latest news, outings, and events.
Leading the Way on Greenways
All of us need green space close to home where we can enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with nature. That’s why Conserving Carolina is helping create local greenway systems that link neighborhoods, parks, schools, and businesses. Learn more.
Guided Hikes and Volunteer Days
Do you want to make a difference by building trails or restoring habitat? Do you want to discover some sweet new hiking spots? Do you want to connect with other people who enjoy the outdoors? Would you like to learn more about our region’s unique natural habitats?
If so, there are lots of ways you can get outside with Conserving Carolina and we’d love to have you.
LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Pathways to Parks: A Nature Group for People of Color
Parks and trails are for everyone—but, often, people of color don’t benefit from them as much as white people. At an event co-sponsored by Conserving Carolina, Frank and Audrey Peterman asked “Where are the black and brown faces?” The Petermans inspired members of the audience to start a new group, called Pathways to Parks. See their story.
This group encourages black and brown people to take advantage of parks, trails, and nature preserves through activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, tennis, walking, and picnicking. You can connect with Pathways to Parks on their website.
