Eno River Association

Protect. Advocate. Learn.

skink link to Eno Fest

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: 

  • Two Forks Trail, 1.75 miles, easy to moderate difficulty
  • Sheppard Mill Trail, 0.5 miles, easy difficulty
  • Parking Area
  • Large Open-Air Pavilion
  • Pollinator Gardens 
  • Chimney Swift Tower
  • Remnants of former mill
  • Expansive open fields and mature forest
  • Note: Restrooms open only for events or by request
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 2.25 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.

  • Stay on Designated Trails
  • No Off-leash Dogs
  • 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 and Fauna or Extraction of Rock/Minerals or Water
  • No Weapons, Illegal Drug or Alcohol Use
  • No Entering or Damaging Structures
  • 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 (Two Forks Trail)
  • Language: All signage in English
  • Other features: Accessible pavilion, with concrete walkway to the pavilion and accessible restrooms (open only for events)
  • Visit our Accessible Activities page for more ways to discover the Eno

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!

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