Another wonderful experience here! The hike is just strenuous enough to get your legs working and heart pumping without being too overwhelming. The rangers also do a great job of keeping the path clean. read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

This is a great hike! It has wide paths that go around the mountain and a beautiful view at the overlook point. read more

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Nice view from the top! We hiked with our 3 year old so we just did a quick trip up and down for a total of about 1 mile. The 3 year old was able to do the entire hike on his own. The main part of the trail that we were on was very wide so it was very easy to give everyone plenty of distance. There's a pretty large parking lot. The parking lot was fairly busy on a nice day, but we didn't even see too many people on the trails. I'm ready to go back and do a longer hike and check out the other trails! read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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We came to the triangle area for a long weekend and came here for an early morning hike. It's about 45 minutes from Raleigh and only 15 minutes from Durham. We got there too early and found out the park doesn't open until 8am. I wish state parks were open earlier because we run into this a lot. We did the Occoneechee Mountain Loop which is a 2.5 mile loop. There are definitely hills, but I would say it's on the easier side. The trail goes down to the Eno River, past a quarry, up to an overlook, and ends by a pond. It was foggy when we were there, so we didn't have much to see at the overlook. Since we got there early and the weather wasn't very good, it wasn't crowded. It's a convenient location though, so I would bet it gets busy on a nice day. This is a nice spot to get outside close to Raleigh. read more

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We love hiking and are super excited that we found this lovely park. The park is wooded and elevated. The trail is easy to follow and there are benches to sit on if you get tired. There is a calming river to view and if you make it to the top the view is breathtaking! read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

A cool place to hike and enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. I got here on a late afternoon and enjoyed a quick hike around a nice course through a mountainous path. Civilization does creep into this park, though. As I was following a path up a nice incline, I looked to my left and there was a busy highway with automobiles filled with people enroute home from a day at work or some other location. Still, I enjoyed my time here. We need these places, our souls yearn for the world before asphalt, steel, and cement. Here, despite the view of the highway, I found that bit of nature and the world uncluttered with man's ambition. read more

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I hate to say I didn't get the chance to hike here as I was quite tired of cold rain by the time I visited. Despite it, there was at least one other person hiking here when I visited. From what I read, and the maps I viewed it seems like a significant area to hike a in with beautiful nature views. Being in this part of the state, it's unlikely to be much of a mountain but is significant nonetheless. There is no park office at this location. If you're looking to get your state parks passport stamped you can get this one at Eno River. In fact, Occoneechee might as well be just an access area for Eno River as it's so close by and basically unstaffed (looks like there is a nearby ranger residence and regular patrolling). The signs about car break-ins also had me a bit too nervous to leave the car for a long while. read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

We really enjoyed our time at this park. We spent most of our time on the Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail, which is a 2.3 mile heavily trafficked trail - though when we visited (on a weekday afternoon), there was very light traffic. Tbe trail is dog friendly as long as dogs are leashed. Unlike other trails in the area, there is some good elevation to this hike. It is a moderate hike - good for people who are beginners/looking for a more casual hike. The scenery is really beautiful. The path is winding and narrow in some places, wide and straight in others. We took the Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail all the way to the point where the path splits to go to the Overlook in one direction and continues on the Trail in another. From there, we decided to go to the Overlook for the view. This was easily the best part of our visit! We happened to get there around sunset and we were able to see the sun set behind mountains. The river was also visible from the Overlook, and it looked spectacular. This was a great place to stop, rest and take pictures. One note of caution is that there are many different trails that cross at certain points and so it is easy to get lost. Be sure to follow the trail markers or download an app such as AllTrails so that you don't lose your way, especially when daylight is limited during winter months. read more

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This is a beautiful spot, and perfect for hikers of all ages. There's a small parking lot, which can get crowded on nice days, so be smart about when you plan to go. A park ranger typically camps out at the entrance on weekends to let people in and out. The hike itself is about 2 miles, with a pretty overlook. It can get pretty muddy, so make sure you're ready to get a little dirty. read more

Neat short trail and park, that leads to an overlook by way of a snaking gravel trail. The view is worth the hike. There are numerous longer hikes that take 1-1/2 hours or more in a loop. It has parking at the trailhead. Fishing is also a possibility in many of the abundant lakes in these State Park grounds. There is no shade. Rebel review: 5 read more

What a wonderful convenient hiking area when you have about an hour and a half to spare. Do be mindful of your steps over the loose rocks and tree roots that pepper the trail. read more

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Great and easy short hike. With beautiful views and well marked trails. There is one overlook that my friends and I stopped by and absolutely loved. It gave us the feel of being in the mountains. The Occoneechee's longest trail was 2.2mi long which isn't very long but still enjoyable to hike with family and friends and I saw plenty of kids making their way through with them parents as well. Make sure you stop at the overlook points though. Well worth the detour. Not exactly ideal locations to stop for picnics on the hike but the entrance to the trail has a big open area. It's a fantastic place for a short outing not a long drive for anyone in the triangle especially when you might not have enough time to drive west but still want the mountain-y feel. read more

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Wonderful hikes, back when I could. And lots of pretty things to look at lots of trails to walk it's a good time. The Rangers are friendly and for the most part the people are friendly as well. Just watch out for the idiots who let their dogs off leash and run around the trails. read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Overlook - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Manageable hike with a nice overlook view. I like that it's not far from Chapel Hill, and there are some cool things to check out in nearby Hillsborough. We had a hard time finding parking the day we came here to hike, but it ended up working out. read more

Nice park! Trails are well maintained. The lookout makes an interesting stopping point. This is a great park for a hike with your dog. There are some steep trails, a lookout, some history lessons, and 2 ponds. There is traffic noise from Rt 85 that kind of takes away from the natural setting. All in all I highly recommend this park, lots of dogs!! read more

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Beautiful and short but yet quite challenging hike (our fav loop is about 1 and 10 mins). The park is the best in fall or winter! read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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Cute little park to get some exercise. It's very close to roads and you can hear traffic until you get farther back on the trails. Clearly marked trail system to follow and not get lost. Great elevation changes to get your heart pumping. Overall, I prefer Umstead or Eno River State Park in the Triangle area for hiking. Next time I might skip this park or visit when the trees have leaves. read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Eno River - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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Nice forest, with some decent views at the end of the hike BUT the first two-thirds of the walk is close to the highway and the noise of cars is overwhelming...if you want a nice walk and some trees, go for it, but if you want the peacefulness of nature, then definitely avoid it. read more

If you are looking for a nice 2-3 mile hike to get some exercise, this is a great park to visit. The trails are easy to navigate but can be steep during some parts. It is a great hike for adults and dogs but you may want to reconsider taking children under the age of 8. The overlook is nice but not sure if it's worth the hike to the top. Also, this may not be the place for you if you are looking for a scenic hike. When you first start off on the trail, the sound of the highway and cars may throw you off. Parking is limited so I highly recommend coming early on a Saturday morning. Please check the hours. read more

What's not to like about this area? It's super close to Hillsborough's main streets, so there are great options for food after your blissful morning hike. I highly recommend going in the morning before it gets hot in the summer and there are too many people out and about! I also enjoy doing these trails quite a lot during other seasons. There is an overlook at the top, which is nice. Not the most amazing views just due to the height and growth of trees, but still very nice and worth visiting! These trails are not too strenuous for your older parents, so don't worry about that. I would say Occoneechee is family friendly (including doggie frjends, of course). Enjoy your hike! read more

Great place to take the kids hiking. We usually climb up for the view and take the west route back down. Great waterside hiking.

Absolutely beautiful. An outstanding little mountain park just west of the triangle. It was easy to find the Park and the trails were pretty easy to navigate. It's not a large park, but Occoneechee is scenic, with heights to climb, and nice bluffs with beautiful views. Everyone was friendly along the trails too. It was weeks ago, but I can still feel the humidity and see the incredible blues in on the skyline, greens in different shades through the varying kinds of trees we hiked by, and oranges of the steep clay cliffs we climbed. We took the longest trail at 2.2 miles and then veered off onto the Overlook Trail to see the ultimate view over the bluffs. It was astonishing and quite intimidating to find a pristine view like that in Hillsborough. Almost back to the parking lot and we found a small lake to rest by. This is a small-scale underdeveloped park, with 3.5 trails. I'd like to do the entire park on another day when it's not so hot and then go explore more of Hillsborough. read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Overlook Trail view - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

A beautiful easy hike that took about 2 hours roundtrip! We went on a Saturday morning and there was ample parking in a lot and a clearly marked trail. The trail is partly within the trees and partly in open fields. At the end of the trail we enjoyed the beautiful view of Eno River and of the city. The park is located in Hillsborough so it's also fun to do a short hike here then hop over to downtown hillsborough for lunch! read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Outstanding hiking trail so close in the piedmont area! There are options for flat terrain and the extremely difficult range. The view is so beautiful once you successfully get to the top of the peak. Seats are available thoughtfully throughout this mountain for those who are not in the best hiking shape. read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Nice couple mile trail can be a little tough if you do all the trails in one shot. Nice view at the overlook with a walk along the river and a few in paved trails to enjoy. Worth a couple hours out of day, there is a longer section in sun so water a serious recommendation. read more

I went on a wonderful hike here with two friends. The length of the trails was just right for a leisurely afternoon hike. Good for all athletic levels. Beautiful views along the river, a gorgeous tree overlook and well maintained paths. Con: it's very close to highway 85. The sound never quite disappeared, but it doesn't overwhelm the hike or constantly bother you. read more

Great hike with some uphills, fun way to spend 45+ minutes on a relatively well graded 2.2 mile loop trail. Several vistas, and if you hike with an earth sciences or geology buddy, all the better to learn the history of the area! read more

A great little treasure, perched above the historic town of Hillsborough, this state-supported series of trails and open space is a great spot to spend time any day of the week. Whether hiking with vigor and a quick pace or moseying hither and yon, these trails are pleasant, well-marked and feel great beneath your feet. A few spots will have some rutting and tediously rocky areas that ask you to pay close attention to your foot placement, but for the most part, the trails are easy to navigate. The main loop allows several inclines that can be challenging if you are there during the heat of the day, as two of them are outside of the mountain close to the power line path and bring you into full sun - only to return you to more inclines when you get into the shade of the mountain paths. So get hydrated, find your walking or running shoes and have at it! Pets on leashes, please!! I notice constant disregard for this rule - the amount of wildlife on the hill means even the best-behaved pup can take off through the woods after a deer, fox or squirrel on a moments notice ... please follow the leash rule and be respectful, especially with the number of families who hike and have children who may be fearful of dogs. Remember to take your poop bags and keep the mountain air smelling fresh! Overall, this is a great little low-key destination if you want to get off your couch and get moving!! Maps of the trails are available close to the parking area. Enjoy! read more

I went back to Occoneechee Mountain this afternoon with my sweetheart, who is an ordained minister. She was there to marry a couple that wanted to celebrate their union in a natural setting. The ceremony was performed on the far side of the pond, and was attended by, among others, a mother goose and her gander, and seven or eight little goslings. In one of the photos that I took during the ceremony, you can see a deer ambling through the woods about 100 feet behind the happy couple. I love this place. Again, I only wish it were larger. read more

Awesome abundance of trail options. A little too much highway noise near the parking lot but that can't be helped, just wear earphones. read more

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I've been to Occoneechee park twice now, the first time in September and the second on Halloween. It's really a beautiful park, not too far of a drive from Raleigh. The trail is well maintained. It's a relatively moderate trail with just one tough stretch for me, to get to the look out point. But it's just a beautiful hike the whole way and the look out point has amazing views. There's a very basic restroom at the parking lot (bring hand sanitizer). I've really enjoyed my hikes here and I'll definitely be back. read more

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The rhododendrons are just finishing up, but the mountain laurel is still going strong--gorgeous! read more

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Fire hydrant in the woods? - Hiking Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

It's a beautiful view and great hiking trails The summit is no longer there so unfortunately going all the way to the top is waste of time. read more

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At least in the winter, much of the hike is accompanied by the sounds of cars from the nearby highway. Poorly marked trails-- the trails have tree markers, but very difficult to figure out what trail one is on, and the un-named pointing arrows are of little help. Not my cup of tea. read more

We found this trail in "100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina" - the book hasn't steered us wrong yet. Went last weekend - the trail is close enough we'll probably make it a regular local hike we do. There are a few steep parts to be prepared for, but the hike is only moderate level difficulty. read more

This is mine and my boyfriend's favorite hike in the area. The trail is challenging enough to make it interesting but easy enough for most people to be able to complete. The view from the overlook is very pretty, especially on a clear day. There are picnic tables at the start of the trail that are shaded for eating lunch or a snack after your hike. We love bringing our dogs and especially love how tired they are afterward. I also love that each time we've been, it's not very busy, which is a bonus if you have dogs that get very excited around people or other dogs. Great quick afternoon hike! After your hike, head over to Maple View Farm, just a quick drive on the other side of I-40, to get some fresh ice cream! read more

Try the trail from Eno Mountain Road! The trailhead is at a small gravel lot for your car before the bridge over the river from I-85. Gorgeous views! read more

I headed over to the Occoneechee trail with high hopes. When I hopped out of my car and started on the path, the sound of traffic hit me hard. While I understand that the hum of cars isn't abnormal when you first START a hike, the noise continued for way too long. I did not get the sense of peacefulness that I had experienced on Eno's Rock Quarry or Mountain to Sea trail a few weeks earlier. This trail is over before you know it, electric towers abound and litter from local fast-food joints frequently catches your eye. I started picking up plastic cups before I realized I didn't have enough room in my hands to continue. The stars go to the Scout troops that have clearly worked hard to improve some segments of the trail. read more

Nice trails not too far from home. We have hiked the river and mountain loops. They are easy hikes with few hills. There are always people around (in case your car battery dies and needs jumping) but it is not crowded at all. Overall, its a nice, leisurely way to spend a weekend morning. read more

We loved this hike with our three kids ages 6, 3 & 1. My 6 & 3 year old were able to hike the whole mountain by themselves and they thought the top was very rewarding. We saw quite a few deer while hiking which was nice. They allow dogs so the whole family can go. We will definitely go back!! read more