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Went out looking for trails at or near Old Hwy 86 between the 40 and 85. No real luck except for street walking. Of course, I don't know the area, so I am seeking some direction.
Can anyone point mt to hiking trails at or near the Chapel Hill/Hillsborough area close to the aforementioned location?
I don't mind driving near the area either... I simply want to do some hiking off the beaten path during lunch breaks or before class. Any thoughts, directions, links, etc. is appreciated. Thx!
You can take 70 to Pleasant Green Rd. and there is a really good location there at the end of Cole Mill Rd. There us also a great location up Cole Mill Rd/Umstead Rd. There is also a location off Sparger off of 70, but I am not familiar with it (I've heard it has a good swimming hole). Also not familiar with the Eno in Hillsborough.
Duke Forest
Duke Forest (http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/forest/recreation/run.htm - broken link)
1) Triangle land conservancy trails running along New Hope Creek between Mt Sinai and Turkey Farm Rd. About 3-4 miles of trails.
2) Duke Forest Korstian section. Lies between Mt Sinai/Erwin and Whitfield Rds. Entrances off each road (look for the gates and blue signs). Most popular entrances are on Whitfield, next to fire station and again about a mile further up the road towards Erwin. Maybe 20 miles of interconnecting trails around New Hope Creek.
3) Chapel Hill High School trails. Take MLK to homestead and turn left onto Seawell School Rd. Park at Seawell Elementary. About 12-14 miles of trails, very popular Mountain Biking area, lots of elevation changes.
4) Eno River State park. Take US70 to Pleasant Green Rd, head north on Pleasant Green. When you hit Cole Mill Rd, there's a section in either direction. Several miles of hiking along the eno on each section.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is located in Hillsborough, adjacent to I-40. There's a nice 3 mile loop, as well as an ascent to the "mountain" top with a nice overloop and >100ft sheer cliff. It's a beautiful, lightly-used, hidden little park.
3) Chapel Hill High School trails. Take MLK to homestead and turn left onto Seawell School Rd. Park at Seawell Elementary. About 12-14 miles of trails, very popular Mountain Biking area, lots of elevation changes.
Bah. These were the Chapel Hill High trails long before Chapel Hill north was a twinkle in anyone's eye.
Probably so, but the University has been kind enough to recently put up giant "Carolina North Forest" signs at the trail entrances near the school, and I didn't want to confuse the OP into thinking they were two different areas.
Thanks for the recommendations, thus far, everyone. I'll be on the lookout for any other recommendations, but these so far have been great. Thx for the tips. Reppin all ('cept for CHT and Danielle, I need to spread some more reps before I'm allowed to rep you again ).
Occoneechee Mountain has a new trail along the west side of the mountain that will be getting the finishing touches this weekend. I hiked it last weekend and it was fantastic. Reminded me of my time living in Asheville, especially this time of year with the mountain laurel in bloom. I'd highly HIGHLY recommend getting out there soon if you have an interest in wild flowers and butterflies.
I've hiked all of the trails listed on this thread and Occoneechee definitely has the greatest wow factor.
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Occoneechee Mountain
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