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DH started his job today in Raleigh! Woohoo, 6 months of unemployment is OVER. Enough song and dance about that..... :-)
I can see Hemlock Preserve on the map, in addition to some great pics of the place. Does this preserve have running trails? Is it well mapped out and safe? Leash or unleashed dogs? We had a huge preserve in a town we used to live in (Aiken,SC) that was really well managed/mapped/great trails and I would love to have something like that again. We really look forward to the move from Dallas! Trees!!
Hemlock has nice trails, though I've only walked them, not run. Some are packed gravel and some are a little rougher. They are safe and very clearly marked. You would need to slow to pass walkers a fair amount.
Dogs on leash. There are a lot of dogs there.
It is not the biggest park in the area. For really extensive trail running you would want to go to Umstead.
I've run on Hemlock Bluffs' trails many times. The surface is a nice soft hardwood mulch, so it's nice on the feet. . . . .but the trails are hilly, narrow, and with sharp turns in some places. The longest trail is less than 1.5 miles. I run it fast to get a quick intense cardio session after my strength training workout. Same goes for the trails at Yates Mill Park, which is a bit farther east.
I love that place just for it's natural uniqueness. Much of the flora can only be found in the Mountains of NC. It's amazing was a steep north facing slope can do!
I am just so excited to get back to a place with trees and trails. We have been in TX for 2+ years and while we have enjoyed our home & friends it lacks big beautiful trees. (If there are in Dallasites reading this about to flame me.....yes I know they are actual trees in TX but it is just different back in the SE.) I can hardly wait to see the pictures my hubby took today! If they are anymore 'hikable' spots let me know. Nothing better than bundling everyone up with a LEASHED up dog to spend a few hours in the woods. ;-)
Sales Director. We were surprise to have to move since we are in Dallas currently and thought he would be able to land something locally since our metro is much bigger than Raleigh. He started looking the day of his layoff in Dallas but we let his recruiter know we were willing to move. '09 has been a adventure for us. Grateful and happy though!
Think you'll have ample walking/hiking/running trails in this area. Hemlock Bluffs is hilling, especially in the area from the main building going down to the water area. I presume you are looking to live in this area, then.
Someone mentioned Umstead, and I thought of this when I first read your post too. Don't forget to check into the American Tobacco trails, Lake Johnson (also has nice lake, paddle boat rentals) in Raleigh off of Avent Ferry, and Bond Park in Cary. The latter would be less of a preserve but more of a community park. All are tree filled. Just wait until the spring, and you probably missed the crepe myrtles.
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