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Shallow Ford Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 294 Google reviews · Running trail in Elon, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shallow Ford Natural Area'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.
Beautiful park with a network of trails for hiking, kayaking and camping.
What runners say about Shallow Ford Natural Area
“Trails are well maintained, well-marked, and it has some primitive camping sites that I've wanted to check out.”
“Beautiful trails, multiple access points to the river for boating, fishing or just a walk in the water.”
“There are plenty of well marked trails, nice bridges over the small creek, and an old homesite on top of one of the hills.”
“Very nice, well maintained, easy trail excess; moderate hiking, as well as Kayak access.”
Been hiking at this park since 2011 and I still love it. Trails are well maintained, well-marked, and it has some primitive camping sites that I've wanted to check out.
Shallow Ford is a great place to spend an hour or a weekend. Beautiful trails, multiple access points to the river for boating, fishing or just a walk in the water. Nice camp sites. Great section of the Mountains to Sea Trail!
This trail is pretty cool. I would say it's a little challenging with all the hidden and cross trails around. Definitely recommend coming out here on a nice cool day. And definitely bring your dog for a great hike!
Went hiking here a couple of weeks ago with the dog. This area is beautiful and the trails are well maintained and easy to follow. Did a bit of geocaching along the way. :)
Trail conditions & character
“It is a steep climb down to the water from the trail, so wear appropriate shoes and be careful with pets/young children.”
“Beautiful trails, multiple access points to the river for boating, fishing or just a walk in the water.”
“The trails are hilly in parts and some muddy spots but nothing too strenuous.”
“There are plenty of well marked trails, nice bridges over the small creek, and an old homesite on top of one of the hills.”
“Several trails that can be combined to for hikes from less than a mile to @4 miles, good sinage, ample parking,”
“Went hiking here a couple of weeks ago with the dog.”
Plan your run at Shallow Ford Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitethehaw.org
- Phone+1 336-270-5124
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
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