Bailey and Sarah Williamson Preserve
Overview
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
🍎Food Policy
- • No bringing or consuming alcohol.
- • No feeding wildlife or livestock.
- • No littering.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Check for RED trail alert banner for closed preserves; do not enter if gate/trails are closed to prevent erosion.
- • All dogs must be on leash at all times.
- • Pet waste must be removed from the preserve.
- • Helmets are required for all riders (bicyclists).
- • Bicyclists must ride single-file.
- • Stop only on the shoulder of the trail.
- • Ride at a responsible, controlled speed.
- • Trail users must ride or walk on the right side of the trail.
- • Trail users must give an audible warning before passing others (announce yourself and slow down).
- • Patrons must obey all signs.
- • No off-trail riding and hiking.
- • No racing on bikes.
- • No electric bikes (e-bikes).
- • No smoking.
- • No collecting plants and wildlife.
- • No hunting.
- • No approaching or handling livestock or farm equipment.
- • No firearms.
- • No swimming.
- • No tents and/or camping.
- • No using drones.
- • No metal detecting.
- • No commercial activity of any kind.
- • Any and all ruins or artifacts found are property of TLC and may not be removed without consent.
- • Visitors may not alter, deface, damage, or otherwise change any natural or manmade monuments.
- • Geocache placements must be permitted by TLC.
🚗Parking Information
- • Designated Parking lot address: 4409 Old Country Mial Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.
- • Access only via the designated parking lot.
- • Vehicles parked along the road are subject to removal.
- • No overnight parking.
- • Parking lot access update (as of 1/7/25): Intersection of Major Slade and Mial Plantation Rd will be permanently closed. Access public parking lot via Smithfield Rd and Mial Plantation Rd. Do not drive past the Church due to major road work.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Detailed Insights
Rating Breakdown
Perfect for Age Groups
- • Toddlers (1-3 years)
- • Preschoolers (4-6 years)
- • School age (7-12 years)
- • Teens (13+ years)
Best Times to Visit
- • Weekdays (quieter)
- • Weekends can be busy
Most Mentioned Positives
Accessibility Features
Recent Reviews
Stephanie Garehan
5 months agoThis is a lovely spot to hike or even bicycle. Lots of trails to choose from. We like the two-pond loop to walk (about 3/4 mile one way). Well-kept trails with a couple spots near the ponds to take a moment to enjoy the scenery. They have some old farm buildings to see (no entry into buildings). If you have dogs, be sure to bring bags to pick up after them.
Boris Budagyan
4 months agoThe trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of beautiful views, from serene ponds to vibrant meadows and lush forests. It's the perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a day of exploring nature. The diversity of landscapes keeps the experience interesting and refreshing. Highly recommend visiting.
Grant M
12 months agoLess rocks and roots than other trails. Good flow through first sections. Last 2 sections will make you tired and you'll be happy to be back on the easy trails again. Fun 13 mile workout. Favorite trail in the area. Well maintained and easily navigated. Signs at every crossing. DIRECTIONAL!! Make sure you go the correct way! I think its weekday left, weekend right. Read the signs. Don't have to worry about head-on collisions like the other trails in the area. Not sure why this isn't standard...
Lily Kutzuba
4 months agoIt's funny the most recent reviews all say well maintained trails because the two pond loop is actually completely blocked by fallen trees, definitely happened recently but based on the color of the exposed wood I'd say in the last week. If you're cycling you've definitely lost one glove lol there's a nice little pile of individual gloves by the trail head. It can get busy with cyclists but the paths are wide enough and so far everyone has been polite.
Jordan S
4 years agoAnother terrific Preserve by TLC. Seven miles of one way shared mountain bike/hiking trails. One foot traffic only 0.9 mile loop around two small ponds. Trails are a great mix of meadows, pine forest, creek crossings and hardwoods. Trail connects to the Clayton River Walk Greenway (about 3.5 miles from the parking area). Closed when wet. Parking area is tiger tight, no privy and no parking along the roadway.