Blue Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildlife

This trail begins at the end of the Florence Nature Preserve Access Trail, introducing the runner to several miles of beautiful trails in the Preserve. The Florence Nature Preserve Access Trail intersects the blue trail near its middle, allowing you to go right or left. Turning left will lead you on the fastest route to Rattlesnake Knob, a gorgeous view within the Preserve. Turning right will lead you winding down a tributary of Hickory Creek, where you can see several small waterfalls and enjoy the sound of the babbling brook. This trail can be steep in places, but is largely easy to maneuver and friendly to all running experience levels!

Dr. Tom Florence and his wife Glenna left a legacy of natural wonders when they donated their 600 acre property on Little Pisgah Mountain to Conserving Carolina. The couple started acquiring this land on the southern slopes of the mountain in the 1960s and they made regular trips from Georgia to enjoy it. In their retirement, they lived on the land for 20 years. They came to have a deep sense of connection to the land, and they didn't want its natural treasures ever to be lost. And they didn't want to just keep them to themselves.

The Florences donated 300 acres to Conserving Carolina in 1996, which was the first property that the land trust owned. They went on to donate an additional 300 acres in 2001. Conserving Carolina adopted and improved nearly five miles of existing trails and has opened the land to the public as the Florence Nature Preserve.