Two hikes this week

Hikers will have an opportunity to take part in a pair of organized hikes this week in Randolph County.

On Thursday, a rare Thursday evening event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at a new hiking spot, the Caraway Creek Preserve.

And on Sunday, May 21, the monthly Healthy Communities hike will be to the Russell Gold Mine beginning at 2 p.m.

Here’s a little more about both hikes:
 

Caraway Creek Preserve

This event is more than a hike. It includes an opening celebration for the site, where the Piedmont Land Conservancy has, with the help of local volunteers, built several trails on the site trails:

Caraways Forks Trail (0.7 miles).

Laurel Loop Trail (1 mile).

Burl Trail (0.6 miles).

Plus, a small Pine Path Trail (0.2 miles).

A parking lot at 829 Jerico Road lets the public access the property. 

The Piedmont Land Conservancy acquired 167 acres to help create a conservation corridor between Mt. Shepherd and Camp Caraway and help protect water quality in Caraway Creek, which is home to several rare aquatic species. The property has a historic rock check dam on Caraway Creek and woods with spring wildflowers, mountain laurel and mature hardwoods. There is also historic evidence of the Great Trading Path crossing the property or nearby.

Opening remarks at 6 p.m. will be followed by guided tours over the total 2.5 miles of trails in the Uwharrie.

In case of bad weather, a raid date has been set for Friday, May 19, at 10 a.m.
 

Russell Gold Mine

Russell Gold Mine, part of our area’s rich history of gold mining. Until the California gold rush of 1849, North Carolina was the largest producer of gold in the US and Russell Gold Mine was one of the largest mines in the area. This mine with a shaft of over 100 feet in depth continued in production until the early 1900s. During its prime, several hundred miners worked at the site.

The hike distance is about 2 miles. It is an easy hike for all ages to enjoy.

Participants can meet at the Asheboro Farmers Market, 124 S. Church St., at 1:30 to carpool to the site, which is in the Uwharrie National Forest in nearby Montgomery County, north of Eldorado.
 

What you’ll need

For all hikes, wear comfortable closed toe shoes, bring water and a walking stick if needed. Dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. There is no cost for these hikes and no pre-registration is required.