Hike through history this National Trails Day at Ridge’s Mountain Nature Preserve
In honor of National Trails Day on June 1, the North Carolina Zoo is inviting visitors to explore the beautiful Ridge’s Mountain.
Locals are invited to head to the trailhead (located at Asheboro at 504 Summit Court), where zoo staff will be sharing information about the mountain’s history and the surrounding landscape from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can then explore the area on your own — or with friends, family, and the surrounding wildlife.
Ridge’s Mountain Nature Preserve, managed by the North Carolina Zoo, was established back in 2000 through a partnership with the Piedmont Land Conservancy. The entire mountain, now permanently protected as a State Nature Preserve, is located in the Uwharrie Mountains, about 10 miles west of Asheboro.
Rising to an elevation of 840 feet, Ridge’s Mountain serves as an important site for wildlife conservation due to its high-quality natural communities and an extensive, unfragmented area that offers excellent habitat for a variety of plants and animals including bobcats, deer, box turtles, and various bird species.
The North Carolina Zoo is expanding opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation by adding to Ridge’s Mountain Nature Preserve, which includes extending hiking trails and offering guided hikes. According to AllTrails, the existing 1.6-mile hiking trail takes you to the summit with an elevation gain of 141 feet, showcasing massive boulders and unique rock formations along the way.
No dogs are allowed on the trail. Usually, you would need permission from the zoo to hike here, but on June 1, everything is welcome!
About the North Carolina Zoo and the DNCR
The North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, is home to over 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore nature’s diversity. This year marks the zoo’s 50th anniversary. For more information about the Zoo and its mission, visit NCZoo.org.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the state’s diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
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