Near the Denver, NC community is the Rock Springs Nature Preserve, a public park that offers a large playground, event shelter, amphitheater and an outdoor classroom/wildlife viewing area. An asphalt and gravel loop trail connects to a natural surface trail. The Carolina Thread Trail portion of about 1 mile will eventually connect to the existing Forney Creek Trail, about two miles to the south, near Sally's YMCA.
This 108-acre preserve is protected by Catawba Lands Conservancy. The majority of the forest is dry oak-hickory with pines dominating the tops of the ridges. River birch, yellow poplar and sycamore grow in the floodplain areas, along with other wetland plant species. The habitat surrounding the wildlife viewing area is home to Box turtle, barred owl, white-tailed deer and numerous types of birds.
Visit Lincoln County's website for more information or contact;
Parking Address and Trailhead Location: Rock Springs Nature Preserve - 6684 Pine Ridge Dr, Denver, NC 28037 MAP
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Serendipitously, they had written about the property in the most recent version of their newsletter. Here's an excerpt:
"The chimneys are associated with Freeman Shelton, who purchased the property on Little Creek in 1822. Shelton erected a farmstead in the early nineteenth century and upon his death in 1869, the house and property were inherited by members of the Lowe family who intermarried with the Sheltons. It remained in the Lowe family until 1950."
Thanks to the LCHA for a quick and informative answer to my question! :-)