Trail Status
Check here for updates on preserve hiking and mountain biking trails.
For Mountain Bikers & Hikers
Two of our preserves have mixed use trails. In case of bad weather, trails may be closed to both mountain bikers and hikers.
Hikers may access walking-only paths at Williamson via the Neuse River Greenway entrance.
Hikers may access walking-only paths at Brumley by visiting the north section of the preserve.
Other Trail Notifications
- Brumley South: Stony Creek Bridge washed out
- The large bridge crossing Stony Creek on Springhouse Loop was washed away during Tropical Storm Chantal, and the rebuilding process will 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. We strongly discourage all visitors crossing Stony Creek on foot while the bridge is out
- Brumley South: Parking Notes
- Brumley South parking lots are seeing extra activity due to the bridge washout.
- Mountain bikers 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.) Mountain bikers should only use the Brumley North parking lot if others are full.
- 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.
- White Pines: a portion of the River Trail is closed. See kiosk maps upon arrival to plan your hike.
- Williamson: parking notes
- NC Department of Transportation is doing major road work near Williamson Preserve. The intersection of Major Slade and Mial Plantation Rd will be closed permanently in the coming weeks. All preserve visitors should access the preserve’s public parking lot via Smithfield Rd and Old Country Mial Rd (see map here). Please do not drive past the Church as major road work will be ongoing in this area.
- Swift Creek Bluffs: The Swift Creek spur trail at the bottom of the Stairway to Heaven is permanently closed due to streambank erosion.
Why do some trails close?
Some mountain biking trails close during or after rain to prevent damage and protect the trail's long-term health. If the parking lot gate is closed at Williamson or Brumley South, the preserve is closed to both hikers and mountain bikers (with the exception of Bootleggers Loop at Williamson Preserve, which can be accessed via the Neuse River Greenway Trail). Please do not park along the side of the road to access trails.
Please note that trails may be closed for longer periods in winter due to cold temperatures and a reduction in evapotranspiration. We may also close preserves to conduct important but hazardous management activities, such as prescribed burns.
Trail closures aren’t just suggestions—they’re in place to protect the environment, the trail itself, and your safety. Riding on closed trails can cause significant, often irreversible damage to sensitive ecosystems, especially during wet or muddy conditions. It also contributes to erosion, increases maintenance costs, and may prolong the closure.
