North Carolina has some of the best state parks in America. Beautiful lakes, winding trails, scenic views and more, are often found in the state’s over 40 parks. It’s little wonder then, that the five state areas near Durham offer endless opportunities to explore nature. Read on to discover more about state parks near the Bull City.
Eno River State Park
Durham is a haven for foodies, so you’ll want to grab a quick breakfast downtown before hitting the park. From Main Street, it’s just a ten-mile journey to the Eno River State Park. Once at the Eno, you’ll have a chance to burn off those calories from breakfast with several activities.
The Park is a favorite with anglers, photographers, sightseers, and hikers. In fact, you’ll have your choice of almost 30 miles of trails, many along the Eno River. Backcountry camping and group campsites are available, as is the ability to canoe or kayak.. Like at most parks, the public has access to picnic areas and ranger-led programs.
Location: See website for locations of the four access points. Hours: Varies. Fees: No entrance fees. See website for other fees.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Falls Lake State Recreation Area is my favorite state park in the area. Beautiful lake views, mature forests, a wide sandy beach, and terrific picnic grounds, make it top my list. We’ve hiked some of the trails (which are part of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail), but there are plenty of trails for bikers, too. Our granddaughter enjoyed the playground and our dog, frolicking in the water. Others enjoy jet skiing, swimming, paddleboarding, or just relaxing on a chair by the shoreline. Overall, the park covers over 5,000 acres with five swim beaches, a variety of boat ramps, and more than 300 campsites. Tip: The Park offers a variety of programs including a beginner’s guide to Paddleboarding.
Location: Visitor Center: 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. See park website for multiple entrances. Hours: Varies Fees: Cars $7. See other fees.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Jordan Lake is certainly a favorite with locals. Friends in the area often camp at the park while staying only a few miles from home. The park offers over 1,000 campsites ranging from RV hookups to tent camping and group camps. Overall, the state rec area is comprised of about 4,558 acres of woodlands along the banks of the nearly 14,000-acre reservoir. If you visit, check out the seven swim beaches, visitor center, great fishing spots, multitude of boat ramps, picnic shelters, and 14 miles of hiking trails. And don’t be surprised if you spot a bald eagle or two during your day! Jordan Lake boasts the largest community of bald eagles in the eastern United States. Tip: The park has nine entrances, so check out the park website and plan your arrival before you leave home.
Location: See park website for locations of the nine entrances Hours: Varies Fees: Cars $7. See other fees
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Located near Chapel Hill and adjacent to the town of Hillsborough, the State Area covers 221 acres. Visit this park just 15 miles west of Durham, and you’ll have a chance to explore the trails of Occoneechee Mountain. In fact, the mountain is the highest point in the county. Its three miles of challenging trails also take you through riverside forests before reaching a summit overlook, fishing ponds, an old quarry, and the Eno River. The Mountain Loop is certainly the longest and most challenging. While hiking is the most popular pastime in the area, visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, boating, and even rock climbing! Interesting fact: The Park is named after the Occaneechi Indians; a tribe of Native Americans who lived in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina and southern Virginia in the 17th century. There is a reconstructed Occaneechi village along the Riverwalk in Hillsborough, where the tribe actually lived.
Location: 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hours: Varies Fees: Free entrance
William B. Umstead State Park
Just a few exits east of Durham along I-40 sits the beautiful Umstead State Park. (Actually, this park has two entrances as stated below.) My family and I have picnicked by a stream, taken photos by the lake, and used the nature trails. (Umstead State Park is a great place to go for a hike!) Sycamore Trail, the longest trail at the park, is on our to-do list. The 7.2-mile loop trail takes 2-3 hours to complete and passes through hardwood forest near Sycamore Creek. I hear there is a pretty stone bridge (verified) and possibly a small, hidden waterfall (unverified). I say unverified because I’ve only heard about the falls but not actually met anyone who has seen them. The entrance to this trail is via the Crabtree Creek Entrance off US-70.
Other features of the Park include an exhibit hall; camping; reservable facilities; trails for hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians; canoe and rowboat rentals, fishing, and picnic grounds with fireplaces that can be reserved. At certain times, park rangers lead interpretive programs about North Carolina state parks. Most programs are free but require advance registration. Leaders can arrange a special exploration of Umstead State Park for their group or class through the park office.
Location: Crabtree Creek access and Visitor Center: 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617 Reedy Creek access: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary, NC 27513 Hours: Varies Fees: Free entrance. See other fees.
Considerations
Prepare for your visit to the park. Review the safety advice of the managing land agency before you start. Stick to the trails and do not disturb wildlife. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen, and keep all skin areas covered. Check for closures, conditions, hours of operation, and other information, before you start out.
Photo Credits:
Sourabh Katariya (Pixalore Studios)
K. Rusch (Cover)
References
North Carolina State Parks: Home
Visit Hillsborough: Occaneechi Village Replica Site