Walking the NC Arboretum at the Willow Pond & Old Mill Trail

Meet inside the Baker Visitor Center. Restrooms are available at the start point. We will start walking as soon as everyone has arrived.

The walk is a guided 5 KM trail. There are some moderate hills and stair climbing. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles. Some people will want walking poles.

After exploring the Formal Gardens (Winter Lights will be up!), we will walk down Running Cedar Road and turn left on Bent Creek Road. We'll turn right on the Old Mill Trail and go out and back. Then we will take the Wesley Branch Trail and go right on the Lower Willow Pond Trail. After exploring the Willow Pond, we will follow the Upper Willow Pond Trail to the parking lot.

Dress for the weather; consider a hat and sunscreen (yes, even in December). Sneakers should be fine, unless it has rained recently. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a protein snack.

Dogs on leash are welcome but are not allowed in buildings or in the Bonsai Exhibit. Trail strollers should be ok.

The NC Arboretum does not have an admission fee, but they charge $25 per car parking fee (so pack as many people in your car as you can). We recommend the driver purchase the lowest level annual membership which includes free parking. (Of course, you may want a higher-level membership, your choice.) We walk at the Arboretum at least six times per year. A third option is to go to the comments section of this page and ask whether anyone would be willing to meet you and drive you into the Arboretum.