By TMoM Team Member Rachel Hoeing
This summer has been a unique season, but we hope that TMoM has been a great resource for you when finding new opportunities for family fun. We’ve shared plenty of exciting Day Trips, Waterfall Chasing Ideas, new Parks & Trails to explore, Indoor fun, and Watering Hole spots. To find what you missed, you can always check our blog roll, or use the search bar to enter key words.
Today I wanted to highlight Cascades Preserve, which is a hidden gem right in the heart of the Triad.
Cascades Preserve’s actual address is 7359 Goodwill Church Rd. Kernersville, NC 27284. It’s right near Oak Ridge as well. So, it’s under a 40 minute drive from basically anywhere in the Triad. The preserve itself is over 130 acres. The trails cover only two miles, but feels like much more! You can choose to spend just an hour at the preserve by exploring and sitting by the water. You can also spend an entire afternoon here, by hiking the trails, enjoying a picnic, exploring, wading in the water, or finding waterbugs!
An easy way to begin your adventure is to arrive at the address previously mentioned and park in the gravel lot. You will see this sign and the entrance will actually be across the street, so use caution crossing with kids!
Immediately when you step onto the path, you can exhale and forget your worries! Nothing can soothe the soul like a trip into the woods while digesting the beauty of nature all around you.
Only about 10 minutes into your walk, you will find a quaint bridge over a stream. We saw families sitting here with a picnic, while kids splashed around and searched for bugs in the water. If you have toddlers, and just wanted a few moments to escape for the day, you could enjoy time here and then turn to head back home! Otherwise, you can continue on the pathway. Another 5 – 10 minutes down the trail is another bridge with plenty of water for creek walking.
From this point there are different paths to explore. If you keep going to the right of the bridge, a trail winds around alongside the creek with more opportunities for wading, splashing, and exploring. You will also find larger rocks within the creek to sit and rest. Every so often you also might find a bench or picnic table inviting you to relax.
This is an easy hike for most, but I will warn you that it is definitely not flat. There are lots of little hills and valleys, and plenty of tree roots coming up through the pathway. Make sure you have good walking shoes!
When you come upon a waterfall, be sure to sit and listen and enjoy the sound! Such a peaceful way to escape for the day!
For a map and additional info, you can visit the county’s website here. I also loved this blog about the area.
Almost every day trip I take has to end with a stop for ice cream. So, if you also have a sweet tooth like mine, be sure to check out Doss’ Old Fashioned Ice Cream. It’s less than 10 minutes from Cascades and can be a fun way to end your day.
For more day trip ideas, click here!
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