Company Mill Preserve and Hagan Stone Park
Since moving to North Carolina in 1975, I have been driving by this old dam and mill site on Company Mill Road near Erect. Earlier this year, I was surprised to learn the dam and adjacent property is now a preserve, complete with hiking trails. The greater surprise was that there are over 3 miles of trail leading to Hagan Stone Park which has a 3.5 mile perimeter trail.
We parked in the tiny parking area which could hold 8 vehicles if cars parked right next to one another. Trailheads rarely see that. I've read that the mill was right in the parking area, or nearby. The first neat feature is the dam which impounds Big Alamance Creek. Just starting out, we are drawn to this well constructed wetland overlook.
The boardwalks here are first class. There are about 4 or 5 of these structures going over wetland areas.
Once a pond, now an extensive wetland, surrounds Big Alamance Creek somewhere out there.
We did see some big trees
This hand hewn log structure sits in the midst of several acres of Wisteria. There is a 1/2 mile lollipop loop here, with a nice spot for lunch. Our lunch spot had a peaceful view of a wooded valley. After lunching, we made the return trek through the Wisteria jungle. There is much evidence of former farming here. A couple old roads converge. Rusted fencing and a gate remain. We can see a drainage to our right with large boulders at the bottom.
Next up on the parade of buildings, are these two structures. One is obviously a tobacco drying barn. The usual suspect rusty debris is found around this rea.
Our hike continued into Hagan Stone Park, following the Chatfield Trail. Generally, the trails in the park are wide and muddy. The amount of invasive vegetation is stunning. Although the walking was easier here, I couldn't wait to get back on the Company Mill Preserve trails for the return.
Cute faces on what appears to be play dough.
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