There’s something magical about stepping into the woods knowing you’re about to discover something larger than life.
Recently, we set out on an adventure that felt straight out of a storybook — visiting the incredible Field Study trolls created by world-renowned recycle artist Thomas Dambo, and then heading to High Point to find Little Sally and unlock one of the last two codes necessary to reveal the Grandmother Tree.
And let me tell you — this was Trail Mommas adventure at its finest.
Meeting the Dambo Trolls
If you haven’t experienced a Dambo troll yet, imagine hiking through the forest and suddenly coming face to face with a massive wooden giant — built entirely from reclaimed materials, blending seamlessly into nature.
These larger-than-life sculptures are part of the global work of Thomas Dambo, who creates whimsical trolls from recycled wood to inspire people to explore the outdoors and rethink waste.
Seeing one in person isn’t just about snapping a photo (although yes, they are wildly photogenic). It’s about the feeling:
- The kids’ eyes widening.
- The way adults slow down and become playful again.
- The sense of stepping into a fairytale hidden in your own backyard.
The trolls invite curiosity. They invite imagination. And most importantly — they get families outside.
The Quest for Little Sally
After soaking in the magic of the trolls at the Field Study exhibit at the North Carolina Arboretum, we made our way to High Point to find Little Sally — part of a creative local outdoor experience designed to get families exploring.
Little Sally isn’t just a sculpture; she’s part of a story. A clue. A mission.
The kids were immediately invested and why wouldn’t they be. They had already seen several of the Raleigh trolls but this one was the biggest yet despite her name. There’s something powerful about turning a simple walk into a quest. Instead of “Are we there yet?” it became “What do we find next?”
And that’s when the adventure truly leveled up.
Unlocking the Grandmother Tree
The journey to Little Sally was one of the two remaining clues to help us unlock the location of the Grandmother Tree — a beautiful, symbolic reminder of connection, roots, and legacy.
Unlocking it isn’t just about solving a clue. It feels meaningful. Intentional. Almost ceremonial.
As moms, we spend so much time building roots for our families. Teaching them to explore. To respect nature. To be curious.
Adventure doesn’t always have to mean boarding a plane. Sometimes it’s right here in North Carolina, waiting for us to step outside and say yes.
Why This Matters
Experiences like the Dambo trolls and their international fandom remind me why Trail Mommas exists.
To:
- Turn ordinary days into extraordinary memories
- Make opting outside and hiking feel magical for kids
- Help moms reconnect with wonder
- Build community through shared adventure
These aren’t just outings. They’re memory-makers. Story-starters. Confidence-builders.
And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to find something epic.
Sometimes the giants are already in the woods — waiting for you to come say hello.
0 Comments