Glennstone Nature Preserve

Glennstone Nature Preserve is an 83-acre nature park in the Glennstone subdivision in northeast Durham.  The preserve protects lands surrounding lower Ellerbe Creek adjacent to Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land in Durham County.  In 2002, Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association worked with developers to build a conservation subdivision, where land is protected in exchange for an increased housing density.  Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association manages the trails and works to restore wildlife habitat in the preserve.  There are several miles of trails for hiking.  Street parking is available on Glennstone in front of the gazebo.

Directions:

From Durham, head north on I-85 for a few miles to exit 180.  Turn left on Glenn School Road and go 0.4 miles, then turn right on Glenn Road.  Drive 1.3 miles and turn left onto Glennstone Drive.  Go 0.2 miles and park in front of the gazebo.

Map:

Trails:

There are over two miles of hiking trails throughout the preserve.

Ellerbe Creek Trail:

Blaze: Pink

Ellerbe Creek Trail splits from Woodcock Trail and connects with Heron Way Trail at the property boundary.

Heron Way Trail:

Blaze: Red

Heron Way Trail leads splits from Woodcock Trail and leads along the property boundary close to Ellerbe Creek.

Heron Way Loop Trail:

Blaze: Yellow

Heron Way Loop Trail splits from Heron Way Trail and crosses a tributary to make a loop running down to Ellerbe Creek.

Honeysuckle Path:

Blaze: Blue

Honeysuckle Path leads from the trailhead kiosk at the preserve entrance and connects to Tributary Trail and Woodcock Trail.

Lone Pine Trail:

Blaze: Orange

Lone Pine Trail splits from Heron Way Trail and crosses Woodcock Trail before ending back at Glennstone Subdivision.

Prairie Loop Trail:

Blaze: Light Orange

Prairie Loop Trail starts from near the preserve entrance and makes a short loop around the eastern part of the preserve.

Tributary Trail:

Blaze: Magenta

Tributary Trail is a short trail that crosses a tributary of Ellerbe Creek and connects Honeysuckle Path and Prairie Loop Trail.

Woodcock Trail:

Blaze: Green

Woodcock Trail splits from Honeysuckle Path and connects up with most of the other trails in the preserve.

External Links:

Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association website: https://www.ellerbecreek.org/glennstone