You don’t have to drive far to find beauty and tranquility in nature. Everything nature lovers need is right here in Salisbury, NC. Pack your outdoor gear in a rugged and tough Toyota Tacoma, put on your hiking boots, and explore three incredible natural areas down miles of scenic nature trails.
Just Down the Road: 3 Fun Spots for Nature Lovers Near Salisbury, NC
1. Eagle Point Nature Preserve
The breathtaking 200-acre Eagle Point Nature Preserve at 665 Black Road is the ideal spot in Salisbury to enjoy nature’s beauty and solitude. The preserve has over three miles of back-to-back loop trails, including an interpretive plant and tree identification loop. The scenic trails cut through different types of forests typical to Central North Carolina and run to beautiful isolated coves and observation overlooks with spectacular views.
As you make your way down the trails, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles around Goldeneye Cove, owls, egrets, herons, and kingfishers, and if you’re lucky, you may spot raccoons and white-tailed deer along the way. The preserve also offers canoe and kayak access to High Rock Lake in summer when the water is at its highest.
2. Dan Nicholas Park
Dan Nicholas Park at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of fun outdoor activities. The park has a scenic lake, nature center, aquarium, animal habitats, and a campground. The Rowan Wild facility provides educational opportunities for kids and adults and is home to indigenous North Carolina animals, including black bears, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, white-tailed deer, alligators, raptors, and snakes.
Paddle and fish for catch and release smallmouth bass, keeper bream, and catfish in the 10-acre spring-fed Lake Murtis, barbecue at a covered shelter with picnic tables and grills, and stay for a few nights in a lovely cabin or campsite in the woods.
3. Dunn’s Mountain Park
The peaceful 80-acre Dunn’s Mountain Park at 1740 Dunn’s Mountain Road in Salisbury is the newest Rowan County park. Hike to the summit of Dunn’s Mountain on the easy half-mile trail through picturesque woods carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and summer months or when the leaves change color in fall. Once you’re at the top, there are long-range binoculars and the best views of downtown Salisbury and Rowan County.
It’s also a great place to spend time outdoors, birdwatching, admiring the beautiful surroundings, enjoying peaceful picnics, and watching spectacular sunsets. Dunn’s Mountain Park has a shuttle service over weekends that will take you up to the top of the mountain and back down again.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and discover beautiful natural areas filled with native plants, birds, and animals. Before you hit the road, call Cloninger Toyota today to schedule a maintenance service and ensure your car will get you safely anywhere you want to go.


