Trail Guide - Bob Benner Memorial Trail

This footpath, named for a devoted advocate of the western Piedmont’s trails, offers two compelling reasons to visit. First, it showcases the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina’s stewardship of the South Mountains Headwaters Preserve. Spanning 2,000 acres, the preserve is undergoing a restoration effort to bring back native hardwood trees and pines through replanting efforts and other sustainable timber management strategies. While the Morganton-based land trust protects numerous preserves throughout eight Western North Carolina counties, most don’t have access. This trail is an exception, in-line with the conservancy’s intention to create more public access opportunities.

It’s  an ideal hike to catch a breathtaking sunset. The trail rises at a steady, gentle incline through a pine and oak forest with patches of mountain laurel. The well-marked path leads to a clearing with a bench oriented due west. From this vantage, hikers can take in a sweeping view of the South Mountains State Park’s rugged topography before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.

Navigate: The trailhead is located at 5142 Old North Carolina 18 in Connelly Springs, approximately 11.8 miles southeast of downtown Morganton. Traveling from Morganton, look right for a gravel parking area and trail kiosk just beyond a small white church.