Preacher’s Pass Trail – Guilford County Farm

The Preacher’s Pass, also known as the Chain Gang Connector Trail, is a scenic 0.7-mile segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail located at the Guilford County Farm, between Gibsonville and Elon in northeast Guilford County, North Carolina. This trail opened in March 2020 and winds through a diverse landscape of open fields, young hardwood forests, and alongside Travis Creek, providing hikers with picturesque views, including a stunning overlook that is perfect for catching vibrant sunsets.

The trail is whimsically named to reflect the farm’s history as a prison farm, which operated from the 1920s until 2015. It features craftsmanship by volunteers from the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, including a notable arch bridge. Accessible from both the trailhead at the intersection of Gibsonville-Ossipee and Amick Roads or by hiking down the Breakaway Trail from the parking area near the old prison, the trail connects with the Prison Run Pass, creating a 1.8-mile loop that invites visitors to explore the area’s rich biodiversity and historical significance.