Murray's Mill Trail

The Murray's Mill Trail is a natural surface trail running along a farm on the south side of Murray's Mill and follows Balls Creek to the north of Murray's Mill Road.
Trail Uses
Walking / hiking / running Mountain biking
Location
Catawba (NC)
Length
1.40 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Surface
Gravel/Crushed stone, Natural surface, Boardwalk, Mowed grass, Pavement
Motorized Vehicles
Not Permitted
Fees
No
Pets
Permitted on leash
Parking Spaces
20
Restrooms
Yes
Hours
Dawn - Dusk

Description

**The boardwalk section of this trail, near the cemetery, is temporarily closed for repairs -- updated 11/08/2022.

The trail north of Murray's Mill Road begins at the information board across the creek from the general store and starts off as a gravel trail which eventually changes to a natural surface trail. The trail is narrow with a number of exposed roots. The trail runs through a heavily wooded area, providing lots of shade in the spring and summer months.

The portion of the trail south of Murray's Mill begins at the two stone circles on the hill near the Carolina Thread Trail sign. The route follows the edge of the lake through the grass and past the two white buildings. Small Carolina Thread Trail blazes on the trees will mark the trail. Continue along the lake and past the agricultural field in order to find where the trail resumes to the right in the woods. At the church cemetery, follow the trail to the right into the woods to arrive at Shiloh Road.

"Preserved intact are the 1913 mill itself, the 1890s Murray & Minges General Store, the 1880s Wheathouse, used as an exhibit gallery, the 1913 John Murray House, furnished to the period, and numerous outbuildings. Run by three generations of the Murray Family, who abandoned operations in 1967, the picturesque structures and surrounding land form the last milling complex in the county, meticulously preserved and interpreted by the Catawba County Historical Association since 1980 when restorations began, Governor James G. Martin attending the opening ceremony in 1988." More history can be found at the Historical Association of Catawba County website.

Trail Manager

Visit the Catawba County Historical Association online for more information, or contact:

Catawba County Historical Association
30 N. College Ave.
Newton, NC 28658
828-465-0383
cchamuseum@gmail.com
View website

Featured Post

Building Trails That Last
Building Trails That Last
So you think you know about sustainability? We’re willing to bet that when you hear the word, trails aren’t what come to mind. Nevertheless, sustainability is a crucial factor in building a trail network that lasts. And lasts.
> 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: 1489 Murrays Mill Road, Catawba, NC 28609. MAP

Click on an icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
justgowalking25
September 02, 2024
We entered the trail by crossing the bridge and going the opposite direction around the pond. Trail entrance was not clearly marked off of Shiloh road going this direction. We followed what we thought would circle the lake and guessed correctly. Trail markings from this direction would be helpful.
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…