White Squirrel Hiking Challenge- Alexander's Ford

This part of the Hiking Challenge will have you walking in the footsteps of a Patriot militia. On October 4, 1780, a Patriot militia of around 1,600 soldiers arrived at the Green River. They made camp along its banks, at a crossing that would later become known as Alexander’s Ford. Unknown to the Patriots, it would be their final rest before fighting the Redcoats in the bloody Battle of Kings Mountain.

For two centuries, the events at Alexander’s Ford were barely remembered. But now the memory of the Patriots’ long journey and their sacrifices for a new nation are memorialized at the Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford. Conserving Carolina helped secure three major grants to protect this historic 162-acre property in Polk County, which is now permanently protected by a conservation easement.

This hike is a 2.6 mile round-trip trek and at times the historic path of the Overmountain Men is visible directly next to the current trail.

Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford is located off of Gray’s Chapel Road in Polk County. Use “Grays Chapel” in your GPS. Users may also enter N35.314846, W-82.038913 in their units.