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Parker Preserve Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Running trail in Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Parker Preserve Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Parker Preserve Trailhead
“A peaceful trail that is well-maintained, Be cautious of protruding rocks and roots.”
“Trail was clearly marked most of the way and it was super quiet - only saw one other person.”
What a wonderful place! Very peaceful trails with no road sounds. There are two parking areas, a southern one by Parker Preserve and a northern access point behind the golf course. The northern access point requires a creek fording on a low bridge.
There are two trailheads here, connecting Parker Rd to Mason Farm. Great trek through a diverse forest, about 1 1/4 miles to Mason Farm. These trails have been here for a while but are now officially part of NC Botanical Garden, which promises more trails in the future.
This is a great, quiet trail off the beaten path. Behind a neighborhood. Quite a little work out too...trail goes up and down in elevation. If you walk all of the trail you'll end up in a pretty meadow with benches.
We did the Parker Preserve loop today which allows dogs. It was 1.87 miles and took 50 minutes at a leisurely pace. The path started out really wide which was nice for conversation and two dogs. Most of the walk was a narrower path that had a lot of roots and stones and regular ups and downs.
Trail conditions & character
“Trail was clearly marked most of the way and it was super quiet - only saw one other person.”
“Most of the walk was a narrower path that had a lot of roots and stones and regular ups and downs.”
“The Mason Farm trail doesn't allow for dogs, but otherwise a very nice walk through the woods.”
“The full loop through both areas came out to a little over 5 miles.”
“There are two parking areas, a southern one by Parker Preserve and a northern access point behind the golf course.”
Plan your run at Parker Preserve Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitencbg.unc.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
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