Walking and Hiking Trails in the Triangle’s Orange County
If you’re looking to hike or walk near Chapel Hill or Hillsborough, North Carolina, you’re in luck. The area features many trails suited for varying skill levels. From wooded paths and paved greenways, to lakeside trails and mountain treks, the area has it all. If you find yourself in the area, which trail will you try?
WALKING TRAILS
See this list of top walking trails in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough.
Hillsborough Riverwalk
You’ll love stretching your legs on the just under 2-mile greenway. The paved trail stretches from Gold Park in West Hillsborough to adjacent trails in Eastern Hillsborough. Along the way, you’ll pass over boardwalks and through mixed hardwoods as you meander along the banks of the Eno River. Apply bug spray before departing!
Location: The Main Entrance is by the Eno River Parking Deck at the end of Nash and Kollock Street, adjacent to the Gateway Center.Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hours: 8 a.m. until a half hour after sunset.
Occoneechee Speedway (Hillsborough)
What a treat to walk along an extinct speedway! The original track was a half-mile horse track which was later expanded and used by NASCAR. In fact, the 1-mile Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was in use from 1948-68 and attracted thousands of spectators. Today the 44-acre site is enjoyed by walkers and joggers. Note: The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2002. Location: 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd., Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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 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.
Cedar Rock Falls Park Loop Trail, Chapel Hill
I came across this trail when searching for a place to have a picnic. In addition to the picnic area, playground, playing fields, and tennis courts, the park offers a 1.5-mile loop trail. Its an easy trail which is perfect for birding, walking, and running. There are also a number of unpaved hiking trails just outside the park. You can find a map detailing these by the restrooms.
Location: 501 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Hours: Dawn to 10 p.m.
HIKING TRAILS
See this list of top hiking trails in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough.
Carolina Forest Trails
Located on the University of North Carolina’s Carolina North campus, lies 750 mostly wooded acres. It’s a great spot for hiking and biking with or without a pet. (In fact, there is a great bike path near the now defunct Horace Williams airport.) We hiked the Crow Brook Overlook Loop and the Neverland Outer Loop, but there are many trails to choose from. I spefically chose the Crow Brook for the chance to see a small pond. Its an easy 4.1-mile loop trail that takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. Enjoy the beautiful forest!
See the following trail map for more trails to choose from. Parking Location: 122 Muncipal Dr., Chapel Hill, NC.
Johnston Mill Nature Preserve
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. The most popular trails include the Old Field Bluff and Robin’s Creek trails. The varying trail lengths make this a perfect location for 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
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, easy to moderate level 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
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
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 laurels 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
Considerations
Prepare for your walk. Review the safety advice of the managing land agency before you start. Stick to the trails and do not disturb wildlife. Trails may have poison ivy nearby, be buggy, and can be close to vegetation with harmful ticks. Bring water, a first-aid kit, bug spray, and sunscreen, and keep all skin areas covered. Check for closures, conditions, hours of operation, and other information, before you start out.
References
North Carolina State Parks: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Orange County NC: Blackwood Farm Park
Town of Chapel Hill: Greenways
Triangle Land Conservancy: Johnston Mill Nature Preserve
UNC: Carolina Forest