First Broad River TrailFirst Broad River Trail is currently closed to the public for trail maintenance. Please check back and enjoy the improved trail once work is done.

Dan Nicholas Park Trail

The 2-mile Dan Nicholas Park Trail follows the park entrance road around Lake Murtis and includes the Persimmon Branch Trail loop. The park is home to a campground, lake, carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium and nature center, animal habitats, and more. 
Trail Uses
Walking / hiking / running
Location
Salisbury (NC)
Length
2.00 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Surface
Natural surface
Motorized Vehicles
Not Permitted
Fees
No
Pets
Permitted on leash
Parking Spaces
20
Restrooms
Yes
Hours
9 AM - 5 PM except during special events

Description

The Carolina Thread Trail winds around Lake Murtis where the paddle boats are rented during the park's water activity season. It connects to the Persimmons Branch Trail which is noted for bird watching opportunities. NC Birding Trail Website  The Rowan Wildlife Adventure area, for which there is a fee, is home to black bear, bald eagle and various foxes.

Dan Nicholas Park was created originally with a gift in 1968 of 330 acres of land from its namesake, who was a local entrepreneur and philanthropist. Dan Nicholas Park Webpage  The park is now 450 acres and is home to the Hayden's Carousel and Miner Moose Gem Mine. There are cabins to rent to ensure enough time to enjoy all the park has to offer.

 

Other Information

See the Dan Nicholas Park Map for all the attractions available at the the park. Train, carousel, golf, gem mine, and paddle boats are close during the off season.

Trail Manager

Contact the Park Maintenance Supervisor at 704.216.7812

Rowan County Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Director
6800 Bringle Ferry Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
704-216-7800
View website

Featured Post

Falcon Trail Takes Flight in Stanly County
Falcon Trail Takes Flight in Stanly County
Expanding the Carolina Thread Trail in rural communities takes a different approach than in urban centers. Even though the Village of Misenheimer is tiny (only 650 residents as of the last census), they have an outsized commitment to building the Thread Trail.
> Read Post

Trail Tips

Think About Drinks
It’s a good idea to drink water or hydrating fluids during the day, especially when you’re active. Bring along a water bottle or hydration backpack on the trail.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Parking Address and Trailhead Location: MAP

Park Address: Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146

Click on an icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
SHARE THIS TRAIL
PRINT THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Carolina Thread Trails: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…