Piedmont Environmental Center - Nature preserve in High Point - 1220 Penny Rd, USA

Piedmont Environmental Center is a wonderful place for nature lovers. We have been visiting this center for decades now, and we are always impressed with the quality of their hiking trails. While we generally stick to the paved paths, there are also unpaved hiking trails that you can follow. We were delighted to see that they have extended a wooden bridge all the way to City Lake Park. This is a great addition to the center, and it makes the hiking experience even more enjoyable.

While it is quite beautiful, the trails are not well marked especially right near the parking lot. There are many steep climbs which could have been eased by creating trails that zig zag rather then going straight up the sides of the hills.

My husband and I ran the quick 1.8 mile Bill Faver loop trail on Halloween. There were only two downed trees across the trail. Lots of roots but that’s to be expected. I grew up coming here and this is my first visit in close to 20 years. Happy to see it still mostly well maintained, though one side of the sign on Penny Lane is now illegible with wear and we had to u-turn in because we missed it.

The center is opened on Sunday with helpful people inside. This place has maps and trials guided with reassurance on where you are with trials. This place has a lot of fun places and is connected to university park and the greenway.

This is a very nice place to visit if you are in the area. My son and his wife used the trails there for their marathon training. Unfortunately, not fishing allowed within the reserve but some beautiful walking trails!!

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit here in fall ‘22! I hiked the Bill Faver Lakeshore Trail (1.8 miles) and was surprised by how hilly the trail was. The trail followed the lake, surrounded by beautiful trees, unique fauna, and wildlife—deer and birds. There were not a ton of people there, so it was particularly relaxing. A beautiful, well-kept local gem!

A great 1.8 mile lakeside trail, and a good way to be active for an afternoon. The trail has lots of roots to consider as you meander around the trail; so if you’re klutzy like I can be (😂), be careful, and watch your step! What a great resource in our new home town!!

This is a beautiful area to walk and enjoy nature AND it's close to town! Multiple trails in the area that you can connect to. (Paved and unpaved) There is plenty of parking spots/lots that are easily accessible and free of charge. Great place to take the family or walk the dog.