3 Scenic Hiking Trails Surround The Small Town Of Hillsborough, North Carolina
One of the most populated parts of the great state of North Carolina is in and around the triangle created by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Over two million people live, work, and go to school in this area. As a result, life can get and feel pretty hectic there and it’s no surprise that people like to get away from it all every once in a while.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to do this. Hillsborough is a small town to the northwest of this area with a population of just 7,162 that is just 20 minutes away from Chapel Hill and Durham. It has friendly folks, interesting shops, and great restaurants. Best of all, it’s surrounded by natural areas with maintained trails that are just perfect for short hikes.
Below, we’ve put together a list of three scenic trails in the Hillsborough area. They’re all ranked as easy trails, so anyone can take a weekend afternoon to enjoy one or all three. Get out there and get away from it all.
1. Chestnut Oak Loop; Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
This trail is considered to be an easy one. It's a 2.4-mile loop that lots of people use for hiking and running. It has 364 feet of elevation gain, but there are stairs to help you along the way.
You'll be thrilled by views like this one on this trail. If you wish to get higher, you can branch off this trail onto the Summit Trail to get to the top of Occoneechee Mountain. It's 856 feet tall at its highest point.
2. The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail; James M. Johnston Nature Preserve
Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trailhead, 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
Not far from the Chestnut Oak Loop you can find and walk on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail. The Hillsborough Riverwalk Trail connects the two trails but it is 7.7 miles long so you might want to drive from trailhead to trailhead.
This trail was a former location of NASCAR races from 1949 to 1968. You'll be able to see the old bleachers, some old buildings, some old signs, and even a few old cars along the way.
Of the three trails described in this post, this is the least busy and most quiet. This trail will take you through the woods and across more open fields like this one.
