Guilford County Farm

The Guilford County Farm, originally known as the Guilford County Prison Farm, was established in the early 1930s as a correctional facility in eastern Guilford County, North Carolina, spanning 806 acres. From 1935 until its closure in 2015, the farm housed low-risk inmates who worked in agriculture, tending crops, livestock, greenhouses, and engaging in woodworking. This work aimed to help inmates develop skills for employment after their release.

In 1935, inmates constructed a notable stone dormitory using rocks sourced from the farm’s fields; this structure still exists today. After the prison ceased operations, the site was transformed into a public passive park managed by the Guilford County Parks and Recreation. Currently, 600 acres are leased to local farmers, 80 acres serve as a sheriff’s training facility, and 140 acres are dedicated to community use, which includes greenhouses that host annual plant sales.

The farm offers 2.8 miles of hiking trails, including Breakaway Trail, Prison Run Pass, and Preacher’s Pass. These trails are part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and wind through diverse landscapes, such as fields, woodlands, and along Travis Creek. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, birdwatching opportunities with over 150 species recorded, and historical remnants like the prison dorm, making the farm a vibrant recreational and ecological haven.