Photo by Julie JarvisThe Johnston Mill Nature Preserve is a 296-acre natural area owned and managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC). Located in Orange County just north of Chapel Hill, the preserve has 3.6 miles of scenic hiking trails with beautiful views of a two-mile section of New Hope Creek.  Nestled between two sections of Duke Forest, hikers will experience a stone-covered stream bed as well as a mixed hardwood forest that includes beech, hickory, tulip poplar and sweet gum trees.  Additionally over 125 species of birds have been observed at the preserve as well as a large variety of Spring wildflowers.

You can find a current trail map at the TLC website here: Johnson Mill Nature Preserve Trail Map
You can find the trail guide at the TLC website here: Johnston Mill Nature Preserve Trail Guide

Note:  Certain trails at the preserve do not allow dogs due to trail width and fragile plant life, so watch trail markers/signs if you choose to bring your dog (leash required).
 

Directions:

The preserve is located just a few miles north of I-40 near Chapel Hill in Orange County.  Two parking areas provide access to the preserve.
Note:  Each parking area allows parking for about 8 cars.

Mt. Sinai Road Parking Area
GPS 35.99555, -79.05416
Take NC 86 north from I-40 (exit 266) 1.8 miles.  Turn right on Mt. Sinai Road and follow it for 1.1 miles.  The parking area is on the right just before the New Hope Creek bridge.

Turkey Farm Road Parking Area
GPS 35.99166, -79.04694
Take NC 86 north from I-40 (exit 266) .1 mile.  Turn right on Whitfield Road and follow it for 1 mile.  Turn left on Turkey Farm Road and follow that road for 1.2 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

About the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC)

From the Johnston Mill Nature Preserve Guide:  "TLC's mission is to protect important open space - stream corridors, forests, wildlife habitat, farmland, and natural areas - to help keep our region a healthy and vibrant place to live and work.  TLC is a private, nonprofit land trust serving Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Orange and Wake counties."