Townsend Trailhead Parking and Trail - Browns Summit, NC
Townsend Trailhead Parking and Trail in Browns Summit, NC, offers a scenic and pet-friendly hiking experience perfect for dog owners looking for outdoor adventures. This dog park in Browns Summit features a 4-mile trail with varied terrain including clay paths, rolling hills, and bridges, providing excellent views of Lake Townsend. The trail is well-suited for moderate hikes and is kid-friendly, making it a great spot for families with pets to enjoy nature together.
The trail has two parking areas, with the larger lot at Bryan Park accommodating over 50 cars, making access easy for visitors. Dogs are welcome throughout the trail, which includes shaded areas under high canopy trees to keep temperatures cooler. With safety markers and decent cell service, Townsend Trailhead is a reliable choice for dog-friendly hiking near Browns Summit. Its unique combination of lake views, diverse terrain, and pet-friendly amenities makes it a standout destination for local dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts.
FAQ for Townsend Trailhead Parking and Trail in Browns Summit North Carolina:
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? The information does not specify if dogs are allowed off-leash, only that dogs are allowed.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? There is no information provided about a fenced area for dogs at Townsend Trailhead Parking and Trail.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Townsend Trail is a 4-mile one-way trail connecting two parking areas, with varied terrain and excellent views of Lake Townsend.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is good for kids and kid-friendly hikes are mentioned.
- Where is the best place to park? There are two parking areas: a small westernmost lot on Yanceyville with room for 3-4 cars and a larger eastern lot within Bryan Park at 6102 Southshore Road with parking for 50+ cars. The Bryan Park parking lot is recommended for convenience and space.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches near the water’s edge in some areas of the trail.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The trail surface is mostly clay with roots and uneven terrain, which can imply muddiness especially since it crosses a rocky stream at one point.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Spiders are noted to be heavy on the trail some days, so pest presence can be expected.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is varied canopy height providing high canopy shade for cooler temperatures on many parts of the trail.
Reviews
7-27-21Townsend Trail has two parking areas. Where this is on Google Maps is the westernmost trailhead on Yanceyville. Maybe 4 cars at most could park here. The trailhead here connects to Osprey Trail across Yanceyville. The other lot is within Bryan Park at 6102 Southshore Road. This is the easternmost access. This lot has parking for 50+ cars. No gate here so ready to go.Townsend Trail is 4 miles one way between the aforementioned lots. I would consider this a solid moderate trail. Due to its length, I wouldn’t take a beginner hiker. Or I would just do a small section of it and turn back around. Today I parked at the Bryan Park trailhead, walked the entire length to Yanceyville Street, and then walked back. My tracker put that hike at 8.1 miles.The tail is mostly clay, has a ton of roots, quite a bit of rolling hills and elevation change, some bridges across streams, some completely open areas, and excellent views of Lake Townsend. I would say 70٪ of the trail has views of the lake. Varied distance and elevation in relation to the lake as well. Parts of the trail take you directly to the water’s edge while some parts have small cutouts to the water. Frankly, this trail is an excellent trail for lake views and perhaps the best of the Lake Townsend area trails in this aspect. There is one spot closer to Yanceyville Street that requires crossing a rocky stream (no bridge). Could make for difficult to impossible crossing at times.Varied canopy heights but quite a bit of high canopy which makes for cooler temperatures. It’s noticeable. Some webs will smack you in the face. You know, the stuff you can never see. I recommend a hat. Trail can be uneven at times and even narrow with plants touching you. Dress accordingly both in shoes and clothing.Some of the trail takes you behind houses and there are even areas where benches sit near the water’s edge. Neat addition. The forest near the houses is a tad thinner and I have seen deer here quite a bit including today. Pics and videos uploaded.Numerical safety markers throughout with decent cell service. This trail is a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. While this is a long trail for most, the views are excellent and worth the entire 4 miles and back in my opinion.
4 stars
Very small parking area, maybe 3-4 cars will fit. Be careful when leaving! Parking is at the bottom of a hill with a turn so you may not see traffic easily and they won’t see you!
Great trail with lots of different terrain. Heavy with spiders today but really beautiful.
Easy to access and right at the trail.