• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Eno River Association

Eno River Association

Protect. Advocate. Learn.

skink link to Eno Fest
  • Explore
    • Places
    • Activities
    • Events
  • Protect
    • Conservation
    • Stewardship
    • Advocacy
  • Learn
    • Education Programs
    • Plants and Animals
    • Culture and History
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
    • Climate Change Statement
  • Festival
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Join our Email List
  • Donate

Search Eno River Association

Confluence Natural Area

ERA-Owned Nature Preserves

Address: 4214 Highland Farm Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Hours: Dawn to Dusk, 7 days a week

Amenities and Attractions: 

  • Poplar Bend Loop, 2 miles, moderate difficulty
  • Two Forks Trail, 1.9 miles, moderate difficulty
  • Rocky Water Path, 0.5 miles, easy difficulty
  • Big Meadow Loop, 1.3 miles, easy difficulty
  • Parking area
  • Public restroom
  • Large open-air pavilion
  • Pollinator gardens 
  • Chimney swift tower
  • Remnants of former mill
  • Expansive open fields and mature forest
Trail Map

The Confluence Natural Area is owned and managed by the Eno River Association. It is a 270-acre preserve open for low-impact recreational uses, such as hiking along over 5 miles of trail, picnicking, and photography. 

The Confluence Natural Area is so named because the East and West Forks of the Eno River flow from the north to merge here, thus forming the Eno River. This former farm has a long history stretching back to the late 1700s. Remnants of an old mill can still be visited by following the trails. In addition, this section of the river is a Nationally Significant Natural Heritage area, and home to populations of multiple rare plant species.

What are the preserve rules?
  • Stay on designated trails
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times
  • No bicycles, motorized vehicles, or horses
  • Do not litter (pack it in, pack it out)
  • No camping, fires, or hunting
  • Fishing permitted with a valid fishing license
  • No disturbing or collecting of flora or fauna
  • No extraction of rock/minerals or water
  • No possession or carry of firearms or other weapons,
  • No illegal drug or alcohol use
  • No entering or damaging historic structures
What is the accessibility of the site?
  • Parking: Two dedicated accessible paved parking spaces, gravel surface lot within 100 feet of pavilion
  • Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate natural surface, varying widths from 2-6 feet, varying grades including several steep inclines
  • Language: All signage in English
  • Other features: Accessible pavilion, with concrete walkway to the pavilion and accessible restrooms
  • Visit our Accessible Activities page for more ways to discover the Eno
Can I use the pavilion for my special event?

At this time, the pavilion is not available for rent by external groups for private events. Use of the pavilion is open to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis, and may not be reserved or closed to the public at any time. Restrooms are not available. No fires, BBQs, or alcohol without express written consent of the executive director of the Eno River Association. Contact our office to learn more.

Check out GetGoingNC’s video exploration of the Confluence!


Return to Places

Related

Footer

Contact

Eno River Association
4404 Guess Rd.
Durham, NC 27712
(919) 620-9099

Become a Friend of the Eno

Join our Email List

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Key Links

  • About
  • News
  • Shop
  • Festival for the Eno
  • Board Login

Copyright © 2025 · Eno River Association · All Rights Reserved

Website by Code the Dream & Tomatillo Design