Adventure: Occoneechee Mountain, NC

Occoneechee Mountain is a State Natural Area on the Eno River about twenty minutes away from downtown Durham, just south of Hillsborough. Despite having lived in the Triangle for almost ten years (Claire) and over fifteen years (David), somehow neither of us had ever checked this place out. We were delighted to find three miles of well-kept wooded trails, a beautiful mountain ridge that looked like something you'd find in Western NC, and relatively few other visitors!

There are restrooms, picnic tables and a large lawn with plenty of shade when you first arrive. We took the main trail (Occoneechee Mtn Loop Trail) counter-clockwise away from the parking area to put a little distance between ourselves and a family that arrived about the same time we did. This ended up being a great choice! The back half of the trail is more secluded and hillier than the front half, giving Ms. Stevie amble opportunity for some off-leash walking that promptly wore her out before we reached the Overlook Trail, which led to the highest point in Orange County! 

The main trail was well-marked and well-maintained, but roots, rocks and steep terrain may make it a littler tough for someone who has a hard time getting around to traverse. The shorter Chestnut Oak Trail offers a more direct route to the overlook from the parking area, and (by the looks of it) was mostly gravel. The NC State Parks site has more info about the park and trails. Like most other NC State Parks, there is no entrance fee. 

If you spent the morning exploring and you're looking for a good lunch option, Bona Fide Sandwich Co in Hillsborough is fantastic. If a post-hike beer is more your speed, check out the Mystery Brewing Pub. You can't really go wrong in downtown Hillsborough, and a Occoneechee morning + Hillsborough afternoon would make for a very fine Saturday!