Purgatory Mountain and Ward Nature Preserve
Choose a quiet woodland walk at two nature preserves.
Two woodland walks in the Asheboro area, with different entrances.
Purgatory Mountain Trails begin at the north end of the North Carolina Zoo's North America parking lot. Four trails total nearly five miles; the first 0.2 mile of Purgatory Trail has an accessible fine-gravel surface, while later sections are rocky and steeper. The Zoo lists April–October access 6:30 AM–6:30 PM and November–March 7:30 AM–5 PM, on days the Zoo is open.
Ward Nature Preserve is at 6526 Old NC Highway 13, Asheboro, NC 27205. Its two-mile Spring Trail loop crosses two footbridges and includes rocky sections and moderate slopes. Access is dawn to dusk daily.
Leashed dogs are allowed on these named trails. That permission does not extend to Zoo visitor areas or the parking-lot connector trail. Check the official trail maps and current access conditions before leaving.
Trail maps and access details: https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/attractions/hiking-trails
Two woodland walks in the Asheboro area, with different entrances.
Purgatory Mountain Trails begin at the north end of the North Carolina Zoo's North America parking lot. Four trails total nearly five miles; the first 0.2 mile of Purgatory Trail has an accessible fine-gravel surface, while later sections are rocky and steeper. The Zoo lists April–October access 6:30 AM–6:30 PM and November–March 7:30 AM–5 PM, on days the Zoo is open.
Ward Nature Preserve is at 6526 Old NC Highway 13, Asheboro, NC 27205. Its two-mile Spring Trail loop crosses two footbridges and includes rocky sections and moderate slopes. Access is dawn to dusk daily.
Leashed dogs are allowed on these named trails. That permission does not extend to Zoo visitor areas or the parking-lot connector trail. Check the official trail maps and current access conditions before leaving.
Trail maps and access details: https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/attractions/hiking-trails