Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildlife

The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is 2.1 miles one way, or 4.2 miles for the entire out-and-back. It is preserved by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The natural surface trail travels through restored oak-savanna, farmland, and also follows along Adams Creek. The trail follows a lovely forest along the banks of Adams Creek ending where the forest and farmland meet a neighborhood subdivision. The highlight of this section of trail is the view from a high bluff over Adams Creek that looks back towards the town of Mt. Pleasant. Adams Creek is a tributary of Dutch Buffalo Creek.

The Buffalo Creek Trail is located in Cabarrus County and features natural surface along with gravel road which is popular for walking, hiking, running and mountain biking.

The trail starts winding through a restored oak-savanna and then meanders along farm fields of hay and grain. Before the trail finishes, it enters a younger forest and then along a bluff over Adams Creek. This is a popular trail for birders, home to many bird species including two ground-nesting birds; the imperiled Grasshopper Sparrow and Northern Shrike.

With help from the North Carolina Forestry Service and other agencies, routine prescribed fires are conducted to promote the warm-season grasses and create habitat for many bird species and other wildlife.

You'll likely see a variety of birds along this route, so keep an eye out!