Eno River Association (ERA) is excited to announce that we have begun Phase 1 of a project to transform Rocky Water Path—also known by its Saponi language name, Niste:kmaniątcóx—at the Confluence Natural Area into a Universal Accessible Trail (UAT)! Today, ERA doesn’t offer trails designed to accommodate visitors who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. In fact, people with disabilities have very few opportunities to experience accessible forest trails in Durham and Orange counties. This project will help change that.
The UAT will make significant improvements to Rocky Water Path so that more people can experience the forest, wetlands, and West Fork of the Eno River at the Confluence. Planned improvements include a more accessible trail surface, increased trail width, gentler grades, Braille signage, rest areas, and boardwalks or bridges across rough terrain. The project will follow established accessibility guidelines for trails serving people with disabilities. We also envision a 25-foot accessible bridge across the West Fork of the Eno, replacing the existing rock crossing, along with a viewing platform overlooking the river. Together, these improvements will create a more welcoming and inclusive way for people with varying mobility levels to experience this special place.
The project will be completed in three phases:
Phase 1: Design, survey, and permitting
Thanks to a generous $60,000 gift from an anonymous donor, ERA has begun the design, surveying, and permitting process.
Phase 2: Trail improvements
The donor’s initial gift will also help launch the next phase, which will include construction and conversion of Rocky Water Path, accessible signage and seating, and additional accessible parking.
Phase 3: Accessible bridge and viewing platform
The final phase will include construction of the accessible bridge across the West Fork of the Eno and a viewing platform overlooking the river.
The anonymous donor has also committed an additional $60,000 challenge gift once ERA raises $100,000 toward the project. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by January 2027 through individual donations and other funding opportunities, helping us unlock the additional $60,000 in support and complete this $220,000 project.
We are grateful for the opportunity to make the Confluence Natural Area more accessible and to create a trail where more people can connect with the Eno River and the natural world. If you are interested in making a significant contribution to this effort—or know someone who might be interested in supporting the project—please contact Hsi Chen, ERA’s Director of Development and Communications, for more information by emailing hsi@enoriver.org.
