If you have visited, thinking about or planning a trip to Elkin, North Carolina you probably already know about all the cool spots in and around town. The Stone Mountain Loop, the amazing views from the summit, the waterfall and homestead, Carter Falls, The Forest Bathing Trail, the Railroad Trail, the 20 wineries you can sample wine at, the cute downtown with little shops and restaurants, the Reeves Theater… the list goes on and on.
But there is a place near town that you have not heard of unless you are a local or know one that is willing to share this hidden gem with you. The Enchanted Forest- a magical place hidden in the woods that harbors the secrets of woodland animals and whispering trees. Look up, look down, look around you but don’t ever forget to keep an eye behind you, because you never know what kind of creatures are lurking in the deep dark wood.
Located right by the Byrd’s Branch Campground and near Carter Falls the Enchanted Forest well.. is ENCHANTED and even gets haunted during the month of October. With magical creatures along the heavily wooded, pine needle carpeted path this short one mile easy stroll is the perfect adventure for lovers of all things magical and is good for all ages. Bring the little ones during the day and have a picnic at either end of the path or come at dusk for a spooky treat. The Campground store offers ice cream in the summer and refreshments throughout the year so make sure to stop by, say hi and grab a snack for the road. Pets are welcome here and are likely to enjoy the stroll through the woods just as much as their human friends with lots of opportunities to sniff new unfamiliar objects along the way.
There are several ways to reach the Enchanted Forest. If you are looking for a longer hike start your trek at Carter Falls. From the parking lot of the Falls cross the road and follow the path that weaves though the campground. Continuing passed the Byrd’s Branch Campground Office follow the path through the grass before reaching the road. Make sure to look both ways as there is traffic on this road and once you cross it you’ll see the sign for Grassy Creek Vineyard and the opening in the woods where the Enchanted Forest Trail begins. From here walk the forest and come back to the falls or continue on the path to the Grassy Creek Vineyard passed the Forest Bathing Trail. You can take this trail as well if you really want to extend your hike or turn around here and go back to the Falls.
For the shortest way to get to the forest if you are not up for much walking or have a little one with you park by the Campground office and start your stroll from there. If you choose this option the trail won’t take you more than half an hour of leisure walking through the woods. Again carefully cross the road passed the parking lot and the grass path before entering the Forest.
The Enchanted Forest becomes Haunted during the month of October thanks to volunteers and several local families. The trees get decorated with spooky ghosts and scary spiders, decorative graves with bones and skeletons get placed along the path and there are several makeshift cemeteries placed between the trees for extra spookiness. And although everything is relatively settled make sure to walk here at your own risk. If you do get spooked easily this trail might not be the best choice for you. The wind and whispering trees add special effects to the Forest. If you do love everything spooky than you should also check out the Historic Downtown Ghost Tour that the town offers that is not to be missed especially before Halloween.
For an adventure of a different kind make your way to the Forest starting at the Grassy Creek Vineyard. Grab a glass of wine beforehand or take a bottle for the way. You’ll find the path leading to the trail behind the Red Barn at the Vineyard. Following it you’ll cross a wooden bridge above the stream before reaching the Forest Bathing Trail. There are several picnic tables where you can take a short break and enjoy your wine and let the kids splash in the stream while doing so. Continue following the path through the woods to reach the enchanted forest and either continue from there to Carter Falls or turn around to get back to the winery.
The trail is especially beautiful in the fall with the leaves all dressed in different colors and the wooded plaques along the path quoting one of the most famous John Muir saying “Into The Woods I Go To Lose My Mind and Find My Soul”. It is the absolute perfect dedication to Nature in these parts of the woods and a great reminder while walking here to find stillness and renew. Make sure to walk the path of the newly done Forest Bathing Trail that snakes between the tall trees and leads to Klondike Lake. The Cascade Falls Loop trail that is just steps away from the Red Barn Tasting Room is another great option while here and a lovely scene during any season and we can not imagine a better scene to look at while holding a glass of wine in your hand.
We hope you give this trail a try and find it as enchanting as we do. For ideas on other adventures near by check out our other articles on the area.