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A wide gravel trail through the flatlands of Mason Farm.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

3.0

KM

100%

Runnable

253' 77 m

High

235' 72 m

Low

19' 6 m

Up

20' 6 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (1°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers

Access is by permit only. Permits are available at the North Carolina Botanical Garden Education Center at 100 Old Mason Farm Road Chapel Hill, NC 27517.

Runner Notes

A flat, even trail.

Description

Getting to Mason Farm is the biggest difficulty. You have to pass through the parking lot of Finley Golf Club and drive on a gravel road until you can cross the stream on a low overflow bridge. You'll have to drive through the stream to cross. After heavy rains, there may be too much water flowing over the bridge for a safe crossing. Use caution.

From the parking lot, you jump on the obvious gravel road that leads into the park. Take a right at the intersection after which you cut through two separate fields.You pass the Shagbark Hickory Trail on your right and go through a lovely field and back into the forest. Shortly, you enter a swampy area with a long boardwalk. Eventually, you make it back to higher land and head north through the forest until you reenter the first big field you crossed when you arrived.

Flora & Fauna

Between the creek and the swamp, this is one of the best places for birding in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Russell Hobart with improvements by A Neely

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#23130

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
75%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#897

in North Carolina

#23,130

Overall
9 Views Last Month
3,215 Since Apr 20, 2017
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

Fallow farmland creates beautiful scenery along the trail.
Apr 21, 2017 near Chapel…, NC
A boardwalk aids your passage through the swamp.
Apr 21, 2017 near Chapel…, NC
After a day enjoying the trails at Mason Farm Biological Reserve, head north from the parking area to enjoy a quiet lunch by Morgan Creek before hopping in the car.
Apr 21, 2017 near Chapel…, NC
New stiltgrass along the Mason Farm - Main Trail.
Apr 25, 2017 near Chapel…, NC
The beginning of the Shagbark Hickory Trail.
Apr 21, 2017 near Chapel…, NC
Boardwalk is gone, time to swim
Apr 9, 2021 near Chapel…, NC
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