Section 24: Greensboro’s Watershed Lakes

Approximately 21 miles

The popular Greensboro Lakes section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail comprises a network of interconnected trails that trace the outline of two of Greensboro’s municipal water reservoirs. The section extends from U.S. 220 near Bur-Mil Park east to Bryan Park.

Section 24 includes beautiful views of Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend, gentle elevation changes, mixed pine and hardwood forests and a walk across a railroad trestle. Just a few minutes from the city of Greensboro, this section of trail feels quite rural in places as if you are in the North Carolina mountains rather than in the urban piedmont. You might see deer, wild turkey, or fox along the trail and bald eagles nest in the area as well.

This section of the Mountains-to-Sea trail picks up at the intersection of U.S. 220 and Strawberry Road. Parking is available along Strawberry Road. Take the paved A&Y Greenway, following the abandoned Atlantic & Yadkin railroad corridor south. Cross Lake Brandt on a 150-foot railroad trestle bridge into Bur-Mil Park, a former corporate recreation area that is now a 250-acre park. The park has picnic shelters, restroom facilities and the Frank Sharpe Wildlife Education Center, a former barn converted to house animal exhibits.

After crossing Lake Brandt, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail follows the Owls Roost Trail (marked by trail signage and an MST blaze). And yes, owls do roost here. The MST/ Owls Roost Trail follows the elbow of Lake Brandt for 4.25 miles before rejoining the A&Y Greenway to cross the lake on a 150-foot steel pedestrian bridge with great views of Lake Brandt to the north and south.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail proceeds east on the Nat Greene Trail as it follows the eastern shoreline of Lake Brandt for 3.25 miles to Lake Brandt Marina. The marina has restrooms, vending machines, water and parking for section hikers.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail continues east along the Laurel Bluff Trail from Lake Brandt Marina for approximately 3.25 miles. Most of the several hundred feet of elevation change occurs in Section 24 as the MST traces the Nat Greene and Laurel Bluff trails. The trail eventually follows the western reach of Lake Townsend.

At Church Street, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail joins the Peninsula Trail. There is a large parking lot near the trailhead. Continue on the Peninsula Trail for 1.19 miles. The trail rejoins Church Street to cross Lake Townsend on a roadway bridge.

After crossing the lake, the MST picks up the Osprey Trail, which traces the southeastern shore of Lake Townsend, the largest of Greensboro’s watershed lakes and a popular spot for boating, canoeing, kayaking and small boat sailing. The MST follows the Osprey Trail for 2.3 miles, ending at Yanceyville Road. There is roadside parking here.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trails continues east on the Townsend Trail along Lake Townsend until it swings south into Bryan Park, which serves primarily as a municipal golf course. Bryan Park has parking and a restroom.

Parking available:

• Strawberry Road
• Lake Brandt Marina
• Church Street
• Yanceyville Road
• Bryan Park

No camping is allowed along this section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Guilford County and the State of North Carolina purchased additional land for the MST in 2009, and they plan to begin trail construction there soon. Help build this new trail by contacting Kate Dixon kdixon@ncmst.org of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail or Mike Simpson Mike.Simpson@greensboro-nc.gov of Greensboro Parks & Recreation.

Resources
Maps of the Trails on Greensboro’s Watershed Lakes http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3194
Greensboro/Guilford County Tourism http://www.greensboronc.org/

Volunteer Task Force Leader:
Greensboro Parks & Recreation: Mike Simpson Mike.Simpson@greensboro-nc.gov
Join them!