Durham Trails
Cox Mountain
Eno River State Park
Historic fords, mill ruins, abandoned roads, and some of the most rugged terrain in the Triangle. Where trails reveal centuries of history.
What's Here
Cox Mountain sits at a strategic corridor between Durham and Hillsborough, where several historic fords allowed the Fish Dam Road and the old Durham-Hillsborough Coach Road to cross the Eno. The trails here — both official and unofficial — follow paths shaped by geology, industry, and centuries of human movement. Stone foundations, mill ruins, and even abandoned cars hide in these woods.
Historic Sites
Few's Ford, Holden's Mill, Piper-Cox House, the Wilderness Cabin, and stone foundations scattered through the woods.
Trails
The challenging Cox Mountain loop, Buckquarter Creek Trail, Fanny's Ford Trail, plus an extensive network of unofficial social trails.
Deep History
Native American trading paths, colonial-era fords, 19th-century mills, old roadbeds, and a slave cemetery in the woods.
Points of Interest
Few's Ford
Historic river crossing on the Eno — very shallow and flat, easy to cross. A popular spot with kids splashing in the summertime. Central junction point for trails heading to Cox Mountain (west) and Pump Station (east).
Holden's Mill
Ruins of a 19th-century grist mill in the northwest corner of the Cox Mountain area. Stone remnants of the mill and fragments of the mill race are still visible. A historic old road runs north from here up to St. Mary's Road, its roadbed still clearly traceable.
New Visitor Center
The new Eno River State Park visitor center, opened as part of the park's 50th anniversary celebrations. Features exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history.
Picnic Shelter
Covered picnic shelter near the lower parking lot.
Piper-Cox House
Historic farmhouse in Eno River State Park, one of the oldest surviving structures in the Cox Mountain area.
Piper-Cox Spring
Natural spring near the Piper-Cox House. Historically provided water for the homestead.
Swinging Bridge
Suspension footbridge over the Eno River connecting the Cox Mountain trail system to the eastern bank. Currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Chantal flooding.
The Wilderness Cabin
Historic cabin also known as the O'Briant Cabin on old maps. Located near the lower parking area in the Cox Mountain section.
Getting There
Lower Parking Lot
Largest parking area in the Cox Mountain section. Has bathrooms. Best access for Cox Mountain trail and the interior/eastern side (once the swinging bridge reopens).
🚻 RestroomsUpper Parking Lot (Few's Ford)
Upper parking area off Cole Mill Road. Best access point for Few's Ford.
New Visitor Center Parking
Parking area for the new Eno River State Park visitor center.
Old Visitor Center / Park Office
Former park visitor center and current park office. Has bathrooms.
🚻 RestroomsNote: The swinging bridge is currently closed due to Hurricane Chantal flooding. Eastern trail access from the lower parking lot is limited until repairs are complete.
More Coming Soon
We're building detailed trail maps, GPS tracks, and deep history writeups for every trail and point of interest in the Cox Mountain area. This is just the beginning.