Waterfall Hero Hikes: Johnston Mill Nature Preserve

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve is a 296-acre nature preserve along New Hope Creek in Orange County. It is a private nature preserve owned by Triangle Land Conservancy but is open to the public during daylight hours for hiking and nature observation. There are about 3.5 miles of trail through the preserve, following the main waterways - New Hope Creek and Old Field Creek. The tract of land had been owned by the Johnston family since the 18th century and evidence includes the ruins of chimneys and dams.

Location:

2713 Mt. Sinai Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Map:

Trails:

Aphid Alley:

Length: 0.7 miles

Blaze: Green

Aphid Alley bisects Old Field Bluff Trail on the west side of Old Field Creek.

Bluebird Trail:

Length: 0.3 miles

Blaze: Blue

Bluebird Trail runs along the powerline clearing, connecting Robin's Trail with Old Field Bluff Trail.

Old Field Bluff Trail:

Length: 1.8 miles
Blaze: Orange

Old Field Bluff Trail makes a loop, splitting off from Beech Loop in the southeast of the preserve and looping through the southern part. The trail leads along bluffs high above Old Field Creek with nice views of the small stream. The trail ends at Robin's Trail near the footbridge over Old Field Creek.

Robin's Trail:

Length: 1.2 miles
Blaze: Red

Robin's Trail is the main trail in the park, leading between the two parking areas. All the other trails split off from Robin's Trail. From the parking on Mt. Sinai Road, the trail follows New Hope Creek downstream for most of it's length. The creek has some rocky sections and cascades, more like a mountain creek than one in the Piedmont.