Sloan Park - Walking the Henry W. Culp Jr Historic Trees Trail in Western Rowan County

Sloan Park, located at 550 Sloan Rd. in Mt. Ulla, North Carolina, offers quite a few trails in Western Rowan County. The Henry W. Culp Jr. Historic Trees Trail includes a wide ADA friendly paved trail that winds around a nice variety of trees.

When you enter the park, take the road to the left. You'll see a large metal building that houses a museum on the left with several barn quilts attached to it. Drive past the museum and the road will take you to the trees trail along with bathrooms and several parking spaces.

I've visited Sloan Park many times of the years and I'll admit, I had driven straight for years and never knew the tree trail existed. Going straight offers quite a few opportunities, such as the trail to the mill and playground, but my crew has been heading to the tree trail lately.

While walking the tree trail, plan to take some extra time to look at the many labels. Many of the trees are dedicated to various people, and some of the trees are identified by markers as well. The trail offers several benches in various locations.

With a nice variety of trees, the trail is often shaded, and we've visited during various seasons to see some pretty flowers as well. We saw blackberries during one of our visits.

Located on the left side of the trail is Don's Gazebo. We've seen some particularly pretty roses blooming near the gazebo.

For those who like to go onto natural surface trails, Fred's Pond Habitat meanders down to a pond. The main trail to the pond was well kept and wide. A smaller trail circles the water with covered bridges on either side, but the underbrush had some poison ivy along the edges in the summer and was pretty muddy on one side when we ventured on the trail in winter months.

Butterflies, birds, and dragonflies often dance on air and serenade walkers on the trails in this area. We've seen quite a few walkers who have dogs on leashes.

I'm delighted that my crew found this area of Sloan Park. The tree trail offers a peaceful walk on a paved surface with the additional option of the natural terrain of the pond habitat for those who are a bit more adventurous.

We usually see other people walking on the trail, but the walking area has never been crowded when we have visited. This is one we've enjoyed multiple times and plan to visit again.

Thanks for visiting Travel NC With Kids! Visit the official Sloan Park web site for directions, photos, and more information. Find additional articles through the site map or feel free to click on the articles below:

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