Parks, Recreation and Open Space staff may take photographs or video of park patrons of all ages to demonstrate the use of our parks. Photographs may be used in print, video or digital media. Any Wake County staff taking photographs or video for this purpose will be wearing recognizable Wake County Parks uniform or other visible ID. If you do not want to be photographed or have your child photographed during your visit to the preserve, then please notify park/preserve staff.

Are you a professional or amateur photographer interested in taking photos at Turnipseed?

Turnipseed Nature Preserve is picturesque and provides the perfect setting for a variety of photography opportunities. To ensure that all preserve visitors have an enjoyable experience, registration is required for photo shoots.

Please see the Photography Permitting Information for a complete list of rules and guidelines and how to register for a permit.

Turnipseed has two miles of ADA-accessible, fine gravel-screened trails, and 1.25 miles of single-track trail. The 1-mile gravel road into park can also be used as a trail. There are many combinations of the loops and trails you can make to get the distance you want!

Lupine Loop: 0.4 miles

Boulder Trail: 0.6 miles

Meadow Trail: 0.5 miles

Gin Branch Creek Trail: 0.5 miles

Hidden Boulder Trail: 1.0 mile

Park entrance road (Hunt Valley Trail): 2.0 miles up and back

You are welcome to walk or bike this gravel road!

The geocaches located at the preserve are hidden containers of varying sizes that have been approved by preserve staff and placed for your exploration and enjoyment. Use GPS devices to find these hidden containers and then record your find on the paper log provided in the geocache. This activity is self-guided by getting coordinates from Geocaching.com and bringing your own GPS unit or phone.

Placing a Geocache
Geocaching on Wake County Park property is handled on a park-by-park basis. Geocaching is an accepted recreational activity at Turnipseed Nature Preserve, with approval prior to placement. To obtain the approval you must complete and submit a Geocache Form to Naturepreserve@wake.gov

Wake County Parks, Recreation & Open Space has a "No Collection" policy that does not allow visitors to take things (natural or manmade) from the preserves. Our preserves contain both historically significant structures and documented cemeteries that should not be disturbed.

Metal detectors and magnet fishing may be used to look for an item you have specifically lost, but not to "treasure hunt" in general. The Preserve Manager must be notified and grant permission in advance of using a metal detector or magnet fishing to search for a personal lost item.

Due to the increasing use of Unmanned Aircraft, Remote Control Vehicles and Model Rockets, Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) has developed a policy to protect park resources and ensure an enjoyable experience for all preserve visitors. Please review the policy for additional details.

The name for the preserve came from Turnipseed Road, which runs along the south side of the preserve. The road was previously known as the Wendell-Raleigh Road and the Burned Mill Road.

If you have pictures or information about the history or the wildlife, please contact us at naturepreserve@wake.gov.

Please take our survey to let us know about your experience at Turnipseed Nature Preserve!