On weekends, the Zoo may experience high attendance. For your safety and guest experience, the Zoo may need to limit parking once the lots are full. We typically reopen the parking lots once guests start leaving and spaces open. Check on our social media or website for up-to-date information on parking status. Read our tips for visiting.
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Free!
The North Carolina Zoo invites its guests to venture down one of our many hiking trails. Please respect the Zoo rules and the privacy of adjacent land owners.
Open Year Round on Days the Zoo is Open
Access is Free
Hours:
April - October: 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
November - March: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Zoo Gates Close:
April - October: 7:00 p.m.
November - March: 6:00 p.m.
Please remain on marked trails.
Respect all wildlife; Do not approach or disturb any animals or plants.
The following are not permitted: Littering, Alcohol, Weapons, Camping, Fire, Horses, Bicycles, Vehicles, Smoking
Dogs are welcome on Purgatory Trails
The trail begins at the north end of the Zoo's North America Region parking lot the trail is accessible for wheelchair users with a wide, level gravel-paved path. This portion ends at a service road (please do not walk down the service road to the parking lot) before connecting to Purgatory Trail on the other side.
Purgatory Trail begins at the north end of the Handicapped-accessible Trail (see above), on the other side of the service road (please do not walk down the service road). This trail continues uphill for a mile to the top of scenic Purgatory Mountain. It is a fairly easy walk.
This trail branches off Purgatory Trail and heads north along a rocky ridge to the top of Middle Mountain. The trail then follows switchbacks down the steep north slope of the mountain, ending at the trailhead on Woodell Country Road. .
This trail links the Purgatory Trail and Middle Mountain Trail, forming a loop with these two trails. It follows the sides of a ravine above a small creek, passing a large stand of mountain laurel at the southernmost point of the trail.
This trail branches both left and right off Purgatory Trail at the foot of the Purgatory Mountain summit knob. It makes a complete circuit loop around the mountain while traversing the most rugged and remote areas accessible in this trail system.
Only qualified service animals are allowed on the Parking Lot Connector Trail.
Parking lot connector is near the bottom of the park map linking the two parking lots.
Open April - October
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The parking lot connector trail connects the North America and Africa parking lots and signage is posted at either trail entrance. This trail has a stone dust surface and is an alternative way to get from North America to Africa parking lots instead of taking a shuttle bus.
These trails are not within the Zoo's immediate area and are accessible to the public during daylight hours unless otherwise stated. Please respect adjacent property owners when enjoying the trails.
Open Year Round
Hours: Daylight Hours
Some trails may require a reservation
This trail runs along one side of the West Fork of Little River and crosses a footbridge to return along the opposite bank.
Access to this trail is by reservation only.
To make a reservation, call 336.879.7717, Monday-Friday during working hours. There is some parking available at the gate. The trail follows the crest of the mountain. The first half of the trail is fairly level and follows an old road to a clearing. At the clearing, a short trail leads east to an upland pool. The second half of the trail is narrower, steeper and rockier. It ends just short of the southern summit. (The southern summit is private property and does not belong to the Zoo). Ridge's Mountain is a Nature Preserve and contains 270 acres of land.
Located at Ward Nature Preserve at the headwaters of Bachelor Creek just south of the Zoo. This hiking trail is a 1.7-mile loop with two bridges that offer scenic views of the meandering creek and fern-covered slopes. The mature hardwood forest is brimming with wildlife, including a diversity of songbirds, box turtles, and white-tailed deer.
Location of Trails at Purgatory