Open trails along the Eno River

As of May 9, Eno River State Park and Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area have reopened to the public. Park staff expect higher-than-normal attendance, so please continue to avoid peak times such as weekends. There are several other options for your essential hiking & biking. The below trails and lands have been protected thanks to the work of the Eno River Association and our partners. Learn more about the Association’s role in land protection and stewardship.

Before you go, please REVIEW OUR GUIDELINES for enjoying the parks safely, and consider making your trip during the less-populated, weekday times to continuing to keep these areas open and accessible for all.

Our Eno Trails Check List can help you keep track of these trails. Challenge your family to hike them all!

Confluence Natural Area, Hillsborough

Trail Map. Please note: we are recommending hikers use trails in the clockwise direction to reduce contact. More information is available at the trail head kiosk.Located 10 minutes from downtown Hillsborough, the Confluence offers several miles of remote trails and open spaces – making it easier for visitors to distance themselves. Open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week. Trash service and restrooms are not available.

Little River Regional Park, Rougemont

Trail map. A Durham-Orange County Partnership park located 20 minutes from downtown Durham, the park remains OPEN from 8am-7pm daily, while playground, picnic shelters, and restrooms are CLOSED. The park features seven miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as an
ADA accessible 1/4 mile paved walking trail .

Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, Durham

Trail map. A natural area owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and managed by the N.C. Botanical Garden, this 84-acre preserve is a peninsula, bounded on 3 sides by the Eno River as it flows eastward towards Falls Lake. Trash service and restrooms are not available. Access to the Mountains to Sea Trail and a great fishing spot, make it a popular choice. Avoid the weekends!

West Point on the Eno, Durham

Trail map. This 404-acre Durham City Park is located along a two-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River, six miles north of downtown Durham. All buildings & facilities are closed, and park services like trash & pet waste bag stations are limited. Over 3 miles of trails remain open. Open daily from 8 a.m. – dark.

In addition to the areas listed above, we will be sharing new Hidden Gems of the Eno regularly. These lesser-known trails are no less spectacular, and worthy of a visit.

Remember to practice safety guidelines so we can keep these areas open for as long as possible. Read more here.