View Connector Trails
Trail Tips
Ride Safe
When biking, wear a helmet and use a bell to signal your approach to other trail users. Consider bringing a spare tube and pump so that you can fix a flat tire and offer help to other cyclists in need. When riding on roads, bike in the same direction as traffic.
Trailhead
Parking Address: Sally's YMCA, 1601 Forney Creek Parkway, Denver, NC 28037 MAP
Trailhead Location: MAP
Description
The Forney Creek Trail - Catawba Springs Preserve Segment is a natural surface trail stretches 1.3 miles north to south along Forney Creek in eastern Lincoln County, connecting directly to the Sally’s YMCA Trail segment for a total of 2.4 miles. Hikers and bikers will enjoy exercising in a wooded, shady area as the property surrounding the trail is part of a 135-acre preserve called Catawba Springs Preserve that is protected by Catawba Lands Conservancy and the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Difficulty level is easy to moderate with beautiful views of Forney Creek and two impoundments once used by the Catawba Springs Hunt Club.
Many species of oaks are found in the preserve, providing nice shade along the trail and shelter for the wildlife. Occasionally, trail visitors will be treated to the sight of an eastern box turtle or other small critters meandering along in the leaf litter.
Other Information
Forney Creek Trail is a part of the Butterfly Highway. "The Butterfly Highway is a statewide conservation restoration initiative that aims to restore native pollinator habitats to areas impacted by urbanization, land use change and agriculture across North Carolina. From backyard Pollinator Pitstops to large-scale roadside habitat restoration, the project is creating a network of native flowering plants to support butterflies, bees, birds and other pollen and nectar dependent wildlife." NC Wildlife Federation-Butterfly Highway Website
Trail Manager
Visit the Catawba Lands Conservancy's website for more information or contact:
Catawba Lands Conservancy
4530 Park Road, Suite 420
Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 704-342-3330 x209
sharon@catawbalands.org
