occoneechee mountain state natural area

CBinNorthCarolina

My husband and I have hiked here several times. Easy to get to. The rock area is amazing. Picnic tables available. There is a large outhouse also near the parking lot.

Seewhatisoverthere

We've taken the trails but our favorite use of this space is to take breakfast or lunch to the picnic area and enjoy the peace. We hear the road noise from i85 but we consider it white noise. I just wish they would lower the speed limit because some people stir up a dust cloud which travels across the picnic tables.

SereneBlue

We hike up to the overlook on Occoneechee 'mountain' with our 6, 11 and 83 year old family members. The paths are well marked and the elevation was manageable for all. The view from the outlook over the Eno river is really beautiful. We did a loop which was about 1 mile and took us a leisurely 1 hour 15 minutes.

saskrd

Just right for a two-hour hike. You get some elevation and scenic views, but also the experience of walking along the river and exploring the beautiful rock cliffs ( I think it was once a quarry?)

ngramolini

Great walk trail and hiking trail it's up to you short trail 45 min long trail 2 and half hour hike , great views of Hillsborough

Kaat88

Our visit to Hillsborough started in the morning at Occoneechee. You can get a free map near the parking spot/restrooms. We walked the Occoneechee Mt. Loop trail. On the map there is a marker 'rock formation'. The northern rock formation is seriously amazing. It is not indicated on the map but you have to walk a little off track (it is indicated when you walk there). Someone told us they used to mine there. Must see! From the Occoneechee trail up north we went to the overlook trail. Beautiful view over the valley! Via Brown Elfin Knob Trail we walked right onto the Occoneechee trail again and finished the loop. Near the fishing ponds there is a beautiful place to rest or have lunch. We walked for maybe 2-2.5 hours including lunch. When you go there early in the morning it is not crowded at all.

cslingerland

Quick 1 mile hike up the mountain, not too strenuous, saw some butterflies and deer. Nice view once you get to the top and then there is a shortcut back down. Great for a 1-2 hour hike.

sjmarsnc

Some nice views of the surrounding area and more climbing than you can get anywhere else close to the Triangle. You can't really hike a long distance, but you can get in 3-4 miles with some elevation gain!

Cattravelswell123

Occoneechee is a the highest point between the Triad and the Coast. Now, don't get me wrong it isn't a tall mountain. But, its elevation does make it feel different than the surrounding Piedmont. Once you are walking, it feels more like the foothills. It is a nice easy walk - easy for kids and seniors.

ThomasB423

This state park sits right outside of Hillsborough. It is easy to reach via Orange Grove Road and has some terrific, easy-to-walk trails. This park is an ideal place to visit for an afternoon stroll and our family has enjoyed it for several years.

saskin

Very nice state park close to town, well marked trails, maps, and good parking area. Numerous different trails to take, either to the summit or the river

GoodNeighbors0714

The traffic sounds others mentioned were negligible as you only hear that close to the parking lot. Really nice hike to the river. A little more challenging going up to the overlook but well worth it. In between be sure to detour and look at the quarry. The people on the overlook above can see you though! Be warned. Lol. Pretty areas for fishing and picnicking. We will come back again!

Tyaskin

The first 3/10 or so of a mile of my walk here was underwhelming. If you start off heading west on the Occoneechee Mt. Loop Trail, you will not be able to hear yourself think for the noise of the traffic on adjacent I-85/40. After about a half mile, however, you'll forget it's even there, and will think you're up in the Smokies somewhere. The parking lot was crowded, but I only saw a few folks once I got up away from the parking area. I took Chestnut Oak trail off OML Trail, walking through patches or mountain laurel and twisted oaks. Look out for what is probably a record-sized burl on the side of a tree on the north side of the CO trail; it looks like a bear fell asleep on the tree and the tree just grew up around him. Check out the Overlook Trail for a nice view of the Eno River and surrounding countryside. I'll be going back to check out the other trails and the Panter's Den.

JimboNorth

I run or hike these trails about 5 or 6 times a week. The Mountain Loop has the largest elevation detla in the area. It's a great workout if you like running hills. If you are into a more leisurely pace, there's a lot of trees, water and dirt to enjoy.The trails are well maintained and clearly marked. The only down side to this park is the fact that it is right next to Interstate 85. So traffic noise is always there. Then again, it's proximity to the interstate makes it easy to get to by car.

SRMRKM

I have walked the Occoneechee Mountain trail around the perimeter dozens of times. It is a great experience as I move from the sounds of rushing cars (I-85 is nearby) to the quiet of the forest. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The place is seldom crowded and you make the walk in less than an hour.