Company Mill Preserve: Greensboro’s Best Kept Hiking Secret (2026 Guide)
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature near Greensboro, Company Mill Preserve deserves a spot on your hiking list. Tucked away in southwest Guilford County, this beautiful preserve offers quiet woodland trails, scenic wetlands, abundant wildlife, and one of the area’s most underrated hiking experiences.
Unlike some of Greensboro’s busier parks, Company Mill Preserve feels secluded and untouched, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to slow down, enjoy nature, and explore one of the city’s hidden gems.
Whether you’re looking for a quick nature walk or a longer hike that connects to Hagan-Stone Park, Company Mill Preserve has something for every skill level.
What Is Company Mill Preserve?
Company Mill Preserve is a 240-acre passive park managed by Guilford County Parks and Recreation, situated adjacent to Hagan-Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, NC. Lush with biodiversity and rich with local history, the preserve was designed to give outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore wetlands, mature hardwood forests, historic structures, and stunning natural features all in one outing.
The trail system was developed in two phases — Phase 1 opened in 2017 and Phase 2 was completed in 2019 — and has quickly become one of the favorite hiking destinations in Guilford County. The trail connects to Hagan-Stone Park via the Heritage Trail, making it easy to extend your adventure or combine both parks into a full day outside.
Guilford County also offers guided tours of the preserve through their parks department — a great option if you want to discover secret spots and unique features you might otherwise miss. Check the Guilford County Parks website for upcoming tour dates.
Where Is Company Mill Preserve?
Address: 5900 Hagan-Stone Park Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
Located just south of Greensboro, Company Mill Preserve sits adjacent to Hagan-Stone Park and is managed by Guilford County. Despite being only a short drive from downtown, the preserve feels miles away from the city with its mature hardwood forests, wetlands, and peaceful surroundings.
Company Mill Preserve Trail Guide
Company Mill Preserve features several well-maintained trails ranging from short scenic walks to longer hikes through diverse ecosystems.
Hawk’s Spur Trail
Distance: 0.06 miles
If you’re simply looking for a quick walk into nature, Hawk’s Spur is the perfect choice. Although it’s the shortest trail in the preserve, it offers a peaceful introduction to the forest and is great for visitors who want to stretch their legs without committing to a longer hike.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Young children
- Quick walks
- Nature photography
Horseshoe Bend Loop
Distance: 0.25 miles
The Horseshoe Bend Loop is an easy trail that meanders through beautiful hardwood forest, making it ideal for families or anyone wanting a leisurely stroll.
Its relatively flat terrain and short distance make it one of the most accessible trails in the preserve while still providing a quiet, scenic experience.
Best for:
- Families
- Beginner hikers
- Birdwatching
- Relaxing walks
Heritage Trail
Distance: 2.64 miles
The Heritage Trail is the preserve’s signature hike and offers the most immersive experience. This scenic trail winds through mature forests, crosses wetlands, and showcases the diverse landscapes that make Company Mill Preserve so special.
One of its biggest highlights is that it connects directly to Hagan-Stone Park, allowing hikers to extend their adventure and explore even more miles of trails without ever getting back in the car.
If you’re looking for a longer workout or simply want to spend a few hours immersed in nature, Heritage Trail is the route to choose.
Best for:
- Experienced hikers
- Longer walks
- Wildlife viewing
- Fitness hikes
- Connecting to Hagan-Stone Park
Don’t Miss the Dam & Wetland Overlook
One of the best features of Company Mill Preserve doesn’t require a long hike.
Just a short walk from the parking area, visitors can reach the historic dam and scenic wetland overlook. This peaceful spot offers beautiful views and is one of the best places in the preserve to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
The wetland is also an excellent place for wildlife watching. Depending on the season, you may spot:
- Great blue herons
- Turtles
- Frogs
- Songbirds
- Dragonflies
- Deer
- Wildflowers
If you’re visiting with young children or someone who prefers shorter walks, the overlook is an easy destination that still delivers beautiful views.
Wildlife at Company Mill Preserve
Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of wildlife that calls Company Mill Preserve home.
Keep an eye out for:
- White-tailed deer
- Red-tailed hawks
- Woodpeckers
- Turtles
- Frogs
- Butterflies
- Native wildflowers
- Seasonal migratory birds
Spring and fall are especially beautiful times to visit when temperatures are mild and the preserve comes alive with colorful blooms or vibrant fall foliage.
Trail Connection to Hagan-Stone Park
One of the unique features of Company Mill Preserve is its direct connection to Hagan-Stone Park via the Heritage Trail.
This allows hikers to combine two beautiful Guilford County parks into one adventure.
After exploring the preserve, visitors can continue into Hagan-Stone Park to enjoy:
- Additional hiking trails
- Fishing lakes
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Campgrounds
- Scenic overlooks
It’s a great way to turn a simple hike into a full day outdoors.
Tips for Visiting
Before heading out, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially after rain.
- Bring plenty of water if hiking the Heritage Trail.
- Stay on marked trails to help protect sensitive habitats.
- Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
- Pack bug spray during the warmer months.
- Dogs are welcome but should remain on a leash.
- Leave no trace by packing out everything you bring in.
Best Time to Visit
Company Mill Preserve is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different.
Spring
Wildflowers begin blooming, wildlife becomes more active, and temperatures are perfect for hiking.
Summer
The forest canopy provides welcome shade, making morning hikes especially enjoyable.
Fall
Colorful foliage transforms the preserve into one of the prettiest hiking destinations near Greensboro.
Winter
Leafless trees create better views of the wetlands and make wildlife easier to spot.
Why Company Mill Preserve Is One of Greensboro’s Best Hidden Gems
While Greensboro has many excellent parks, Company Mill Preserve remains one of the city’s most underrated outdoor destinations.
Its quiet atmosphere, scenic wetlands, historic dam, and connection to Hagan-Stone Park make it feel like a true escape from everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for a short walk to the wetland overlook, an easy family hike, or a longer trek through the forest, Company Mill Preserve offers a peaceful outdoor experience that’s well worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Company Mill Preserve free?
Yes! Admission and parking are free.
How long are the trails?
The preserve features trails ranging from just 0.06 miles to 2.64 miles, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Can you hike to Hagan-Stone Park?
Yes. The Heritage Trail connects directly to Hagan-Stone Park, allowing visitors to extend their hike into the county park.
Is Company Mill Preserve good for beginners?
Absolutely. Short trails like Hawk’s Spur and Horseshoe Bend Loop are excellent options for beginners, families, and casual walkers.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Nearby Attractions
After your hike, consider exploring:
- Hagan-Stone Park
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
- Greensboro Arboretum
- The Bog Garden
- Lake Brandt
- Lake Higgins
