Every day
Hiking Trails at the North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo invites guests to venture down one of our many hiking trails. Please respect the Zoo rules and the privacy of adjacent landowners.
Purgatory Mountain Trails
Location
North end of the North America parking lot
The Purgatory Mountain Trails are open year-round on days the Zoo is open.
Hours:
April – October: 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
November – March: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Purgatory Mountain Trails consist of a network of four trails totaling nearly 5 miles that meander through mature hardwood forests, across small creeks, past rock formations, and reach the summits of Purgatory Mountain (945 ft) and Middle Mountain (835 ft). The first 0.2 mile of the Purgatory Trail features an accessible fine gravel section and the remainder of the trail network consists of natural surface trails that are rocky and contain steeper slopes. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Parking Lot Connector Trail
Locations:
- North America trailhead: Solar Pointe picnic area at the south end of the North America parking lot
- Africa trailhead: North end of the Africa parking lot
The Parking Lot Connector Trail is open April – October on days the Zoo is open.
Hours:
April – October: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Parking Lot Connector Trail links the North America and Africa parking lots, and signage is posted at both trailheads. This trail is 0.7 miles in length and has a fine gravel surface and some moderate slopes. It is a beautiful, forested trail along a creek. This trail is an alternative way to get between the North America and Africa parking lots instead of taking a shuttle bus. No pets are allowed.
Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve
Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve Trail Map
Hiking and rock climbing are allowed at Ridges Mountain, but guests must obtain permission before their visit. Access requests may be made online.
Make rock-climbing reservations
Location:
- Hikers’ trailhead: 504 Summit Ct, Asheboro, NC 27205
- Climbers’ trailhead: Access to gated road provided upon reservation
Hours:
Open daily: dawn – dusk
Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve is one of the Zoo’s offsite nature preserves, which protects 423 acres in the Uwharrie Mountains. Reaching 840 feet in elevation, Ridges Mountain consists of mature hardwood forests and wetlands that provide important habitat for wildlife and plants. The crowning feature of Ridges Mountain is the massive boulders located at the summit that offer views of the surrounding landscape. The 2-mile trail follows the ridgeline of the mountain to the summit and then loops back down, highlighting interesting rock formations along the way. This is a natural surface trail that is rocky and contains some steeper slopes. No pets are allowed.
Ward Nature Preserve
Ward Nature Preserve Trail Map
Location:
6526 Old NC Hwy 13, Asheboro, NC 27205
Hours:
Open daily: dawn – dusk
Ward Nature Preserve is one of the Zoo’s offsite nature preserves, protecting 323 acres of forested land at the headwaters of Bachelor Creek. The 2-mile Spring Trail is a loop trail with two footbridges that offers scenic views of the meandering creek and fern-covered slopes. This is a natural surface trail that contains rocky sections and some moderate slopes. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Pisgah Covered Bridge Scenic Area
Location:
6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205
Hours:
Open daily: dawn – dusk
Pisgah Covered Bridge is a historical landmark, one of two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina. Built in 1911, the bridge is 54 feet long and crosses the West Fork Branch of the Little River. The loop trail is 0.25 mile in length and has a fine gravel surface and is relatively flat. It crosses the covered bridge, runs along one side of the river, and crosses a footbridge to return along the opposite bank. There is a small picnic and parking area beside the bridge. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Local Trails, Parks and Recreation
There’s so much more to do when you come to the Heart of North Carolina! Check out our local community and explore the area’s network of hiking trails. https://www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/things-to-do/Parks-and-Recreation