Rock Springs Nature Preserve

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: Conservation Area, Green Space, Urban Park, Wildlife Sanctuary

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Rock Springs Park Preserve, a public park that offers a large playground, event shelter, amphitheater, an outdoor classroom/wildlife viewing area, paved walking trail, and a naturist hiking/mountain biking trail.

Register your visit with KidsinParks.com

LiveWell Catawba

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: 6684 Pine Ridge Dr, Denver, NC 28037
Located .2 miles on Pine Ridge Drive which is slightly off Slanting Bridge Road. If you see that railroad tracks you have gone too far!
DIRECTIONS

kParking Instructions: Big parking lot.

TADA Accessible: Yes

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Open Space, Trails, Birdwatching, ADA Accessible

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Seating, Picnic Tables, ADA Accessible

Playground Size: Large

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Wood chips

Pets: Allowed On-Leash, Bags Provided

Additional Features: Nature Center, Picnic Shelter, ADA Accessible

Trash Cans: Yes

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Two Trails to Choose From! There is a smaller .4-mile loop asphalt and gravel trail that connects to a .63-mile natural surface trail. The Carolina Thread Trail portion of .5-mile will eventually connect 2 miles south to the existing Forney Creek Trail that crosses Sally's YMCA.

Wildlife Along the Trail. This 108-acre preserve is protected by Catawba Lands Conservancy. The majority of the forest is dry oak-hickory with pines dominated the tops of the ridges. The floodplain areas are home to river birch, yellow poplar and sycamore among other wetland plant species. From the wildlife viewing area or along the trails you may encounter a Box turtle, barred owl, white-tailed deer and numerous types of birds.

Trail Surface: Paved & Unpaved

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Inline Skating, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, ADA Accessible

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: 0.5 to 1 mile

Trail Shade: Lots

Trail Surface Type: Asphalt, All-weather track

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle, Moderate

Trail Width: 2-4 ft, 4-8 ft, 8-12 ft

Trail Extras: Benches/Rest Areas, Playground, Mountain Biking Features

OTHER:

Park Information: Maps, Information Kiosk

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic, Do Yoga

Open Space Size: Between basketball court and football field

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: Wetlands