Triangle Land Conservancy closed on its last project of 2016 on Dec. 29. The 39.5-acre…
Land that was once slated for housing development is now permanently protected and open to the public as Triangle Land Conservancy’s Old Creedmoor Nature Preserve, a 65-acre landscape of mature forest habitat, critical streams, and nearly four miles of multi-use trails.
“With green space in the Triangle rapidly disappearing, TLC’s work is more important than ever, and we could not do it without all these many partners,” said Sandy Sweitzer, Executive Director of Triangle Land Conservancy.
“Together, we were able to conserve land that filters water for Falls Lake and provides critical habitat area, while also saving and enhancing the community-built trails. From lizard’s tail plants, to mountain bikers, to dog walkers, to orb weaver spiders, we are excited everyone will have a home at the TLC’s Old Creedmoor Preserve.”
Old Creedmoor Preserve sits within the Upper Neuse River Basin, a 770-square-mile area draining to the Falls Lake Reservoir. This important reservoir provides drinking water to more than half a million customers in eight municipalities, including Raleigh. The Upper Neuse Basin contains nine public drinking water sources across six counties and offers recreational opportunities, habitat corridors, and water quality benefits for the entire Triangle region.
Before it became a preserve, Old Creedmoor already had a well-loved, unofficial trail system popular with mountain bikers from across the area. Recognizing both the ecological value of the land and the community’s connection to it, TLC partnered with Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) and Engineers Without Borders to reimagine the trail system.
Together with these partners, TLC rerouted and renovated trails in erosion-prone areas and installed infrastructure like bridges to improve accessibility while protecting water quality.
Old Creedmoor also introduces more technically challenging terrain than TLC’s other mountain biking-friendly preserves. Non-motorized cyclists can explore increased elevation, alternative bike routes, and small trail features that provide varied riding experiences. Hikers can enjoy a variety of habitats as well as connections with the Mountains-to-Sea trail around Falls Lake.
Like TLC’s George & Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve and Bailey & Sarah Williamson Nature Preserve, trails at Old Creedmoor will close periodically to bikers and hikers during wet conditions to prevent erosion and long-term damage. Visitors should check trail status updates on TLC’s website before heading out.
TLC purchased and protected Old Creedmoor thanks to funding from the City of Raleigh Watershed Protection Program and the Wake County Open Space Program. Additional funding to open the preserve came from the State of NC through the Great Trails State Grant Program, The Caterpillar Foundation, Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, and The Barnhill Family Foundation.
FAQs
What is the conservation value of Old Creedmoor?
Old Creedmoor Preserve sits within the Upper Neuse River Basin, a 770-square-mile area draining to the Falls Lake Reservoir. This region provides drinking water to more than half a million customers in eight municipalities, including Raleigh. The preserve helps safeguard this drinking water and keeps habitat intact for wildlife.
What are the trails like?
Visitors will enjoy two main trails totaling about four miles – Lizard's Tail Loop and Orbweaver Loop. In addition to the main trails, bikers can also try out alternate routes, with features like small jumps that offer more advanced routes to experience the preserve. TLC has partnered with Triangle Off-Road Cyclists on creating these. These trail splits will be clearly marked on trail posts at each intersection.
Most of the trails were community built, so they do have slightly steeper grades and have more roots and rocks than TLC’s other multiuse trail systems at Brumley and Williamson Preserves. TLC considers the trails to be intermediate level.
*TLC has a partnership with Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) to manage the trails. Please do not add features or new routes.
Trails close periodically after weather events to prevent damage. Visitors should check TLC’s website to ensure trails are open before visiting.
Can visitors ride on the adjacent WRC managed land?
No. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) manages the adjacent land for hunting and wildlife habitat and does not allow bike access to their property. TLC is working with WRC to ensure that Old Creedmoor Preserve is compatible with their management objectives.
Note: Please take extra precautions – such as wearing orange – when walking or biking during hunting season. Though hunting is not allowed on Old Creedmoor Preserve, the neighboring WRC land is part of the NC Game Lands Program. Click here for more information about North Carolina’s hunting seasons which in general run from September through December and April through May.
How did TLC fund the preserve purchase and opening of Old Creedmoor?
TLC purchased and protected Old Creedmoor thanks to funding from the City of Raleigh Watershed Protection Program and the Wake County Open Space Program. Additional funding to open the preserve came from the State of NC through the Great Trails State Grant Program, The Caterpillar Foundation, Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, and The Barnhill Family Foundation.
