Forney Creek Trail: Catawba Springs Preserve Segment

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Visitors can park at the end of Forney Creek Parkway or in the parking lot of the Sally's YMCA and hike down to the trailhead.

The entrance to Forney Creek Trail is at the northern end of the Sally's YMCA parking lot. From this entrance, you can either go south for approximately 1 mile or north for approximately 2.3 miles. If you choose to go south, you'll take a right after entering the trail. There is a swinging-bridge soon after beginning this portion of the trail. The trail winds around a wooded area along Forney Creek before ending at Optimist Club Road. If you choose to go north, you'll take a left after entering the trail.

The trail goes through a 310-acre Forney Creek Conservation Area that is protected by Catawba Lands Conservancy and the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The northern trail will take you past two waterfowl impoundments once used by the Catawba Springs Hunt Club. There is a short spur trail at the northern end which takes visitors out to an observation deck.

Parking is available at Sally's YMCA (1601 Forney Creek Parkway, Denver, NC 28037).

Many species of oaks are found in the preserve, providing nice shade along the trail and shelter for the wildlife. Occasionally, trail visitors will be treated to the sight of an eastern box turtle or other small critters meandering along in the leaf litter.