Turnipseed Nature Preserve

Turnipseed Nature Preserve is a 265-acre natural area in southeastern Wake County near Wendell close to the Johnston County line.  As one of the newest Wake County parks, the first phase was opened in 2017, featuring a parking area on Hunt Valley Trail, hiking trails and picnic areas.  The second phase included a second parking area on Pleasants Road, additional trails and an overlook.  The area protects a section of Gin Branch Creek, a tributary of Marks Creek.  The preserve is open daily during the summer and on weekends during the off season.  The preserve's name comes from Turnipseed Road, south of the area.  Originally called Wendell-Raleigh Road, it was straightened in the 1960s.  The Turnipseed family sold part of the their land for the road project and the road took their name.

Map:

Trails:

Boulder Trail:

Boulder Trail leads just over half a mile from the Pleasants Road entrance to Gin Branch Creek, passing by some impressive boulders.

Gin Branch Creek Trail:

Gin Branch Creek Trail leads from the main parking down to the bridge over Gin Branch Creek and connects with Boulder Trail.

Hidden Boulders Trail

Hidden Boulders Trail is a single-track partial loop that runs past some cool boulders.

Lupine Loop

Lupine Loop is a half-mile trail looping around a meadow in the north of the preserve.

Meadow Loop:

Meadow Loop make a half-mile loop around open meadows near the main parking area.

Wildlife:

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Small's ragwort (Packera anonyma)

American yellow fly agaric (Amanita muscaria var. guessowii)

Blog Entries:

18-Dec-2021: Wake County Preserves

External Links:

Wake County Parks & Recreation website: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/turnipseed/Pages/default.aspx