FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why should I do the TLC Hiking Challenge?It’s a fun way to challenge yourself, explore the Triangle, and win fun prizes!

Do I need to be a TLC member to participate? Why?Yes. In order to participate in the TLC Hiking Challenge, you need to be a current TLC member. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of our hikers and keep you up to date on Challenge news and winners.

Is there a time limit?No! There is no time limit.

When can I start counting my hikes toward the challenge?You can count any hike that matches one of the official TLC Hiking Challenge hikes if it occurred on or after Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

Can I bring my dog?Yes! Dogs are allowed on all of TLC’s public nature preserves. We ask that while visiting TLC’s public nature preserves you keep pets on leash and clean up after them.

Can kids and families participate?Yes! The TLC Hiking Challenge is for people of all ages. We encourage you to complete the hikes with family or friends. Just remember that each person participating in the Challenge should register themselves on our website and log their hikes. Parents may register and complete the hike log for their children.

If I have additional questions, who should I contact about the hiking challenge?Great question.

Please contact our Hiking Challenge guru, Diana Hackenburg, at dhackenburg@triangleland.org or at 919-908-0056.

Photo credit: Erika Zambello & Kelvin Taylor

TRAIL HIKING CHALLENGE5

The bluffs within this nature preserve provide unique habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Massive beech trees dating back to the times of James Madison grow from its slopes, as well as hydrangea, bigleaf snowbell, with-hazel, and alternate-leaf dogwood. At the bottom of the bluffs lies beautiful Swift Creek.

The ChallengeFrom the parking area, take the trail until it reaches Swift Creek. Follow the path until it ends, and then turn around until you reach the Stairway to Heaven. Ascend the stairs and follow the trail until it loops back, then return to the parking area.

Distance: about 2 miles

Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve7800 Holly Springs Road, Raleigh, NC 27606

White Pines Nature Preserve548 South Rocky River Road, Sanford, NC 27330

The 275-acre White Pines tract was preserved because of its namesake pine, a tree more commonly found in higher, cooler climes. The preserve also includes classic Piedmont habitat, as well as a patch reminiscent of a coastal swamp.

The ChallengeFrom the parking area, take the White Pines Trail and follow it until it reaches the River Trail. Continue along this path, until it once again reaches the White Pines Trail. Instead of follow-ing this same trail back, travel away from the parking lot once more for about 250 feet, then take the Gilbert Yager Trail back to the parking area.

Distance: about 2.5 miles

HIKING CHALLENGE RULESYou must be a TLC member to participate in the

Challenge and receive Challenge incentives.

Before beginning, please read the rules and hiking challenge safety guidelines.

There is no time limit for completing the challenge. Hikes may be completed alone or with a group.

Hikes must be logged on the TLC Challenge website.

Hikes must have occurred on or after March 3, 2015.

Upon completion of all six hikes, the participant will receive a one-of-a-kind patch from TLC.

Horton Grove Nature Preserve7360 Jock Road, Bahama, NC 27503

At 708 acres, Horton Grove is TLC’s largest nature preserve. Trails wind through mature forest, including upland oak-history forests, beech slopes, and several stands of mixed pine and hardwoods. In addition, TLC has restored two native meadows.

The ChallengeBeginning with the Holman Loop, take the Hart Trail to the Justice Loop, and then return along the Hart Trail.

Distance: 3.4 miles

Flower Hill offers a quick escape to the high country. A short, half mile trail briefly passes across the bluff’s more Piedmont-like plateau before tiptoeing atop a cliff face cloistered with rhododendron. It’s an impressive collection, as dense as you’ll find in western North Carolina’s Pisgah or Nantahala national forests.

The ChallengeFollow the Flower Hill Trail across the property, and then return. The trail is short, but steep.

Distance: 1 mile

At 296 acres, Johnston Creek includes beautiful views of New Hope Creek, with rocky segments reminiscent of a mountain stream, as well as grasslands, early successional forests, and mature forest stands.

The ChallengeFrom the parking area, follow the Robin’s Trail until it meets the Old Bluff Trail. Continue on this path until it ends in the Beech Loop; follow the loop until it returns to the Robin’s Trail, and then back to the parking area.

Distance: about 3 miles

Flower Hill Nature PreserveFlower Hill Road, Middlesex, NC 27503

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve2713 Mt. Sinai Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

TRAIL HIKING CHALLENGE