By Cara Lewis, Senior Communications Manager
Opened in 2012, Horton Grove Nature Preserve is Triangle Land Conservancy’s largest public preserve with approximately eight miles of hiking trails located near Stagville State Historic Site.
Volunteer trail guide Patrick Craft regularly leads evening walks at Horton Grove for hikers looking to connect with nature before they call it a day.
A family physician at the Department of Justice, Craft’s special interests include urgent/emergency care and wilderness medicine. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he can identify the strands of mixed pine and hardwoods in the mature forests.
Patrick also appreciates the history of the area frequently noting that the trails at Horton Grove are named after Black families — Holman, Peaks, Hart, Justice, Latta, Walker, Jordan, and Sowell. The ancestors of these families were enslaved and forced to work on the land, which was once part of one of the largest plantations in North Carolina.
As we move into the season of gratitude, we want to thank all of our volunteer trail guides who introduce people to our preserves and trails throughout all the seasons. We appreciate you!
Interested in an evening hike at Horton Grove?
New and seasoned hikers are welcome on this hike held on the first Wednesday of each month to explore the preserve’s trails, socialize, and learn something along the way. Visit our Events page and be sure to register in advance.
