Last updated: July 31, 2025 @ 2:00 p.m.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal, TLC is actively assessing the extent of flooding and storm-related damage across our nature preserves. The storm brought heavy rainfall and significant flooding to the western region of the Triangle, impacting trails and infrastructure on several of our properties. Our Stewardship team began site inspections as soon as it was safe to do so. Early reports indicate downed trees, washed-out trails, and erosion in low-lying areas. We will provide updates as our assessments continue. In the meantime, we encourage the public to stay safe and respect all posted closures.
Regardless of trail status, visitors should exercise caution as all trails were impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal to a certain degree. With the week’s upcoming weather forecast in mind, use your best judgement as you make your way through TLC preserves.
Here are the updated preserve statuses:
Brumley
North – OPEN
Brumley North is now fully open! On Wednesday, July 9, our Stewardship team addressed the erosion that occurred near the bridge that connects Stony Creek Bluff Trail to Dairy Farm Trail. The bridge is now safe to cross. All trails are open at this time.
South – OPEN
Brumley South is now OPEN after drying out from Tropical Storm Chantal. Unfortunately, the large bridge crossing Stony Creek on Springhouse Loop was washed away during the storm, and the rebuilding process may take months and significant resources. Trails on both sides of Stony Creek are open; however, visitors will be restricted on what trails they can access depending on which parking lot they use. Please plan accordingly and thank you for your patience as we work to restore full trail connectivity!
Brumley South Parking Updates
- Visitors should park at University Station Road or New Hope Church Road parking lots to access Brumley South trails. If those lots are full, mountain bikers may use the Brumley North parking lot and ride on NC-10 to access their preferred entrance. (Note: Brumley North is still walking only.)
- The driveway into Brumley South off NC-10 is NOT open for mountain bikers. It is a staff and day camp service road, not a preserve entrance.
- We strongly discourage all visitors crossing Stony Creek on foot while the bridge is out.
New Hope Church Entrance Accessible Trails
- Kids Loop – Multi-use
- Chimney Swift Circle – Hiking Only
- Wood Duck Way – Multi-use
- Walnut Grove Loop – Multi-use
- Grand Oak Loop – Hiking Only
University Station Entrance Accessible Trails
- Lava Loop – Hiking Only
- Quartz Loop – Multi-use
- Black Cohosh Trail – Hiking Only
- Buckeye Loop – Multi-use
- Manor connector – Multi-use
- Atamasco Alley – Multi-use
- Conservation Corps – Multi-use
- Running Cedar Trail – Hiking only
- Flat tail Trail – Hiking Only
- Springhouse Loop – Multi- use
Johnston Mill – OPEN
Johnston Mill is open to the public. On Tuesday, July 8, TLC Stewardship staff replaced all foot bridges that were impacted by the storm. The trail is still very slippery due to mud, so be extra cautious to mind your footing.
White Pines – OPEN with Limited Access
White Pines is open with limited access. The River Trail is inaccessible at this time and should be considered closed. All other trails are reported to be in good condition.
Horton Grove- OPEN
As of now, Horton Grove is open. Regardless of trail status, visitors should exercise caution as all trails were impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal to a certain degree. With the week’s upcoming weather forecast in mind, use your best judgement as you make your way through TLC preserves.
We appreciate the immense support we have received over the past few days. At this time, we are not looking for volunteers for trail clean-up as we continue to survey the impacts of Chantal on our preserves. If you are interested in donating to Triangle Land Conservancy to help support the work we do in the Triangle, visit here.
