Nat Greene Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

There are some steep climbs and some roots to watch out for, but this trail has been used for organized trail runs/marathon sections, so it is a very acceptable run.

This is a footpath which is part of the Greensboro Watershed Trail System and can be used as part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This is an alternate to the semi-parallel, multi-use Wild Turkey trail. There are sections which are common to both trails so watch for cyclists in these areas.

The official website claims the trail to be 3.6 miles.

There are two trailheads and both have parking areas. The northern trailhead departs out of the southeastern corner of the Lake Brandt Marina parking lot. The southern trailhead is located off of Old Battleground Rd, east of Horsepen Creek. Parking there is very limited with space for only five or six cars.

As with all the Greensboro Watershed trails, this trail is well developed and well maintained. It passes through forests of hardwoods and southern pines. Since the trail roughly follows the east edge of Lake Brandt, it crosses some streams and other wetlands. There are well-built bridges for the streams and boardwalks in the marshier areas.

Some of the trail follows the banks of Lake Brandt and at other points it veers off into deeper woods. There is some rolling terrain which may be difficult for some. It is a very fun trail, though.

There are also opportunities to connect to other trails to extend your outing. It connects with both the aforementioned Wild Turkey trail and the paved Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway. The greenway can (less than a mile) also be used to reach the Palmetto Trail, Owl's Roost, and the Shady Side Loop area as well. Using Old Battleground Rd, one can connect with the southern end of the Palmetto Trail.

Lots of trees and other forest flora. There are also plenty of wetland plants due to the proximity to the streams, lakes, and wetlands. Deer, squirrels, and chipmunks are the most common mammals but water fowl such as egrets and herons are not uncommon on the lake. Other birds are also in abundance.