Check out our time lapse video, mapping the growth of the Eno River State Park over 50 years.
It’s time to light the candles and sing happy birthday! This year, on August 22, Eno River State Park is celebrating the big 5-0. It’s a significant milestone in our journey to protect and conserve the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River Basin. We hope you’ll join us in the celebration all month long!
by George Pyne
Reflecting on Our Past
Our story began with a small group of dedicated individuals who fought tirelessly to Save the Eno. Over the years, we’ve grown Eno River State Park to more than 4,600 acres of protected natural area. We’re so thankful for our supporters and the crucial role they played in helping us reach these benchmarks:
- Welcoming over one million visitors annually, with more than 31 miles of trails for hiking, walking, and running
- Serving as a thriving wildlife corridor, home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including 14 rare and endangered species
- Standing as a sanctuary for cultural history, where visitors can explore remnants of historic mills, former homesteads, and Indigenous foot paths
Looking to Our Future
As the park unwraps its 50th year, we’re thrilled to cut the ribbon on the new visitor’s center. This center will be a beacon for visitors to engage with the park’s rich history and envision its future. We’ve set our sights on accomplishing these milestones:
- Adding another 200 acres to the park, including the Historic Occoneechee Speedway and James M. Johnston Nature Preserve in Hillsborough
- Together with our park partners and Friends of Mountains to Sea trail, connecting Pleasant Green Access to Fews Ford Access and adding three miles of trail for our dedicated hikers
- Fulfilling the State Park Master Plan, which projects a future park complete with 6,700 acres of wilderness areas, hiking trails, camping spots, and more
Join Us to Celebrate 50 Years!
$50,000 for 50 Years
We’re so excited to announce that a few generous donors have challenged us to raise $50,000 for this special occasion. Give by August 22, and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000! Additionally, as a token of our appreciation, each donation will earn you an entry into our 50th birthday raffle. Join us in toasting to this milestone and ensuring the park’s future for another 50 years and beyond!
FREE Daily Programs
Come out and join the birthday fun in person August 20-27! Association Staff and Park Rangers have teamed up to ensure there is a different free program in the park each day!
You can take a guided hike that talks about the origin-story of the park, go off the trail on a wilderness hike, or even learn more about bats — all for FREE! Plus, stay tuned for a very special end to the week as we “cut the ribbon” on the NEW State Park Visitors Center.
Dates and times vary, so view the full schedule on our Events on the Eno Calendar.
50th Birthday Raffle
What would a birthday be without presents? With that in mind, we’ve designed a FREE raffle for everyone who visits the park from August 20 to August 27, or makes a donation by August 22.
Grand Prize: Eno River State Park Quilted Wall Hanging
This handmade quilted wall hanging features a map of Eno River State Park. Donated by fabric artist (and 50th Birthday Challenge Partner) Carol Gunther-Mohr, it’s a gorgeous, detailed work of art to hang in the favorite room in your home. Measures 27.5″ x 35.5″.
Over a dozen additional prizes including:
- Our LIMITED EDITION Eno River State Park 50th collegiate tee (coming soon!)
- Eno River State Park merchandise sets featuring mugs, hats, water bottles, stickers, and key chains
- A copy of Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountain-to-Sea Trail from the Friends of the MST
- A fly fishing workshop from Triangle Fly Fishers
- A self-guided kayak trip for two from Frog Hollow Outdoors
- Gift bags, tees, and gift certificates to the Eno Store
- Original art, goodies from local businesses, and more!
Find the QR codes on signs in the park from 8/20 – 8/27 or donate online.
