Go for a Hike! (Near Chapel Hill)

Looking for a great trail near Chapel Hill, North Carolina? You’re in luck. The area offers all types of trails for varying skill levels. From wooded paths and paved greenways to lakeside trails and mountain treks, the area has it all. Read on to choose which location you’ll try first.

Chapel Hill Greenways

The town manages just over 17 miles of trails and urban greenways. In fact, you can choose between six paved and six natural surface trails for your next outing. The most popular may be the Bolin Creek, Morgan Creek, and Battle Branch trails. Runners, walkers, and bicyclists enjoy the easy parking and flat, paved terrain of the Bolin Creek. Similarly, the 2.3 mile out-and-back, mostly asphalt Morgan Trail, is a popular, multi-use trail. (Note: bicyclists must dismount at Merritt’s Pasture.) Walkers can continue on to several more trails or try the Battle Branch Trail. This lovely, natural surface trail travels 1.5 miles through upland forest with moderate slopes. Bicyclists may use the University owned portion. For more information on all greenways, visit the town site.

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve

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Runners and hikers seem to love the tranquil setting of this 296-acre nature preserve. Well-marked, natural-surface trails, stream crossings, and a lush forest make up the preserve. My granddaughter enjoyed the New Hope Trail. She spotted Tulip, Sweet Gum, Southern Sugar Maple, Sycamore, Lobby Pine, and Black Cherry trees. The two-mile stretch of the New Hope Trail travels through the northeast portion, but there are five other trails for you to enjoy. Most popular trails include the Old Field Bluff and Robin’s Creek trails. The varying trail lengths make this a perfect location for both those who want a shorter or longer hike. Location: Main Entrance, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Secondary Entrance 6001 Turkey Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Brumley Forest Nature Preserve

I recently hiked the trails accessed from the southern entrance with a friend. We shared the windy, wooded trails with several bicyclists who frequently use these trails. First, we tried Wood Duck Way (1.2 miles) and second, Chimney Swift Circle (.8 miles). The trails are well-marked and offer plenty of opportunities to spot birds of the forest. I was disappointed with the lack of water views so next time we plan to hike the 3.5-mile Springhouse Loop. With its moderate elevation gain, it offers a more challenging hike. It also sports views of a pond and the Stoney Creek.
Last Christmas Day, our family hiked two trails accessible from the northern entrance. These were easy, mostly level trails suitable for kids. We especially liked the 1-mile Stoney Creek Bluff Trail and the Dairy Farm Trail (.9 miles). The first had a bench near the creek to rest and have a snack. The second, meandered around a lovely pond that serves as a rain gauge station. Overall, the Triangle Land Conservancy manages 11 trails accessible from the southern entrance and five from the northern entrance. Location: Southern parking lot: 3055 New Hope Church Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Northern lot: 3620 Old State Hwy 10, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

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Located near Chapel Hill and adjacent to the town of Hillsborough, the State Area covers 221 acres. Visit and you’ll have a chance to explore the trails of Occoneechee Mountain, 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. At the right time of year, you’ll also be treated to views of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Overall, the park boasts four trails with distances of .10 miles to 2.20 miles. The Mountain Loop is certainly the longest and most challenging. Location: 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hours: Vary

Blackwood Farm Park

Blackwood Farm Park is my favorite hiking location in the area. The park features 152 acres of land with a historic farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, picnic shelter and area, restroom, pond, and of course, 4 miles of hiking trails. I think what I love best about the park is that it offers such a varied, natural landscape. One moment you are gazing at a farmhouse or pond, and the next, you are hiking through meadows or a forest. Location: 4215 NC 86 South | Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hours: Varies

References

North Carolina State Parks: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Orange County NC: Blackwood Farm Park

Town of Chapel Hill: Greenways

Triangle Land Conservancy: Brumley Forest Nature Preserve

Triangle Land Conservancy: Johnston Mill Nature Preserve