Everyone In North Carolina Should Visit This One Natural Stunning Natural Retreat
The Eno River flows from the northwest starting in Orange County, NC into Durham County to join the Flat River and eventually empty into Falls Lake. The State Park that bears its name encompasses over 4,200 acres along the river and is part of the larger 7,002 acres of conservation lands in the Eno River Basin.
The state park was formed in 1973. A dam had been proposed to create a new reservoir for the Durham area. The proposed dam would have flooded the area the park now occupies. A group of concerned local citizens formed the Eno River Association to preserve the natural landscape and history surrounding the river.
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The river itself is the main attraction. You can shoot the rapids in a canoe or kayak, cast a line or walk one of the scenic trails that follow the riverbanks. The swift, shallow stream meanders through a chain of pools, rapids and riffles through the forest, passing the sites of historic mills and fords used by early settlers of the area.
There are over 24 miles of trails to hike and multiple picnic areas. There are also sites for family or group camping the park. There are regularly scheduled group hikes and interpretive programs for all ages. The Eno River Association, which still works tirelessly to maintain conservation lands in and around the park, also holds a yearly Festival for the Eno in July to fundraise for their efforts. They also present the Eno River Run – a 6 or 11 mile trail run – each fall.
In spite of local urban development, the park is natural haven for plant and animal life. White-tailed deer, squirrels, eastern cottontails, ground hogs and opossums are common in the forests and fields. The songs of over 100 songbirds can be heard as you walk the trails. Great Blue Heron, Wood ducks and Belted Kingfishers frequent the river. Lucky visitors may catch glimpses river otters or bobcats. There are also beaver, making a comeback in the Eno River, and many other parts of the state, after once being nearly killed off in North Carolina due to excessive trapping.
The Eno River State Park is a great escape into nature just minutes from the downtown Durham area and convenient to Raleigh and Chapel Hill as well. It’s one of the states’ best kept local secrets. Get outside and spend a day discovering this natural hidden gem!
Have you visited Eno River State Park before? Let us know in the comments below.
