Chinqua Penn Hiking Trail (Reidsville, Rockingham County, NC)

Overview: Located 30 minutes north of Greensboro, Chinqua Penn plantation consists of 22 acres of gardens, a short hiking trail, and one of North Carolina's architectural treasures: the Chinqua Penn plantation home. Built in the 1920's, the English-style home includes 27 rooms filled to the brim with antique furniture from around the globe. The grounds are open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays 1-5 pm. Wine tastings are also available. Please check the Chinqua Penn website for more details.


Directions: Visit the Chinqua Penn website for directions.


Observations & Ponderings: Chinqua Penn plantation exemplifies early 20th century ideas about the blending of human development and nature. The English-style home brings the outdoors in by using natural stone and wood. Conversely, the natural landscape is modified into parkland with koi ponds and gardens. A 1.7 mile hike through parklands, pastures and woods allows careful observers to view a variety of birdlife (including turkeys, woodpeckers and a number of songbirds) and brush-up on North Carolina tree identification. Visit the Dan River Basin Association website for a photo of the new Chinqua Penn walking trail boardwalk.

Photos of Chinqua Penn Plantation, Reidsville, NC, 14 January 2007 (© Nicolette L. Cagle)