Johnston Mill Nature Preserve

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve is a 295-acre tract of land along the New Hope and Old Field Creeks that's sandwiched between the Mount Sini and Turkey Farm Roads. It wasn't too hard to find because the preserve is a short drive after we exited Interstate 40. Before we started our hike, we went down NC Hwy 86 into Chapel Hill.  The part of the city I drove through seemed ritzy appearance.

Thanks to the Triangle Land Conservancy this prime real estate was preserved from development. 

Aaron is enjoying doing some rock hopping at this small rapids. Gypsy look on in fascination.

We started our hike at the Turkey Farm Road parking area and followed the Robin's Trail to here.We then traveled the Beech Loop Trail.

From the Beech Loop and Old Field Bluff  Loop Trails, we enjoyed some scenic views of the New Hope Creek and Old Field Creeks while taking a rest on several wooden and wrought-iron benches scatted throughout the preserve. 

All the benches were in memory of someone. This bench was in memory of a family who died in a plane crash on July 19th which happen to be Kelly's Birthday.

We crossed the creek several times on plank bridges like this on.   

Ouch! I told him that log looked slippery 

A cave in a tree. Aaron, please don't stick your head in there.

He has never been a good listener.

The Bluebird Trail is an open meadow created unfortunately by a powerline.

 Aaron is always adventurous. 

From the parking area a short distance down Robin's Trail on the Turkey Farm Road side of the preserve we walk on this boardwalk.  We started our hike at 3:02  and was back to the Jeep at 5:20. We walked approximately 3.5 of the 4.1-miles. The only part we didn't hike was the Bluebird Trail and the section of the Robin's Trail that leads to the Mount Sini parking area.