Greensboro Watershed Lakes

The Greensboro Watershed Lakes - Lake Higgins, Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend provide drinking water for the city. In addition, there are nearly 50 miles of trails running through the protected areas surrounding the lakes. All of the trails are open to hiking and there are several trails for mountain biking. Segment 8 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs along the lakes as well. Besides trails, there are several parks along the lakes with opportunities for picnicking and boat launches to provide access to the water.

Map:

Trails:

There are almost 50 miles of trails surrounding the lakes. All are open to hiking and some are also open to mountain biking.

Osprey Trail:

Length: 2.3 miles

Osprey Trail runs along the south shore of Lake Townsend between N Church Street and Yanceville Road. This natural surface trail is hiking only and is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Townsend Trail:

Length: 3.8 miles

Townsend Trail is the longest hiking only trail and leads from the Bryan Soccer Complex to Yanceyville Road along the south shore of Lake Townsend. This natural surface trail is hiking only and is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

West House Trail:

Length: 0.7 miles

West House Trail is a natural surface, hiking only trail that leads from Yanceyville Road to the spillway of Lake Jeannette.

Wildlife:

Rosepink (Sabatia angularis)

Blog Entries:

26-Jul-2020: Lake Townsend Hike

External Links:

Greensboro Parks and Recreation website: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/trails-greenways/hiking-trails