Eno River State Park
Managed by NC Division of Parks and Recreation
The crown jewel of Durham hiking. Over 30 miles of trails winding along the Eno River from Hillsborough to Falls Lake, through gorges, past historic mill ruins, and across some of the most varied terrain in the Piedmont.
Sections
Cox Mountain
The most rugged section of Eno River State Park, and one of the richest in history. Located at a strategic corridor between Durham and Hillsborough, Cox Mountain sits near several historic fords — Fanny's Ford, Few's Ford, and Cates Ford — where the Fish Dam Road and the old Durham-Hillsborough Coach Road once crossed the Eno. Old roadbeds, mill ruins, stone foundations, and even abandoned cars hide in these woods, layered over centuries of use by Native Americans, colonial settlers, and 19th-century industry. Home to the challenging Cox Mountain loop, extensive unofficial trail networks, and access to backcountry camping.
Few's Ford
Central access point with the historic Few's Ford river crossing. Gateway to both Cox Mountain (west) and Pump Station (east) sections.
Cox Mountain
The most rugged section of Eno River State Park, and one of the richest in history. Located at a strategic corridor between Durham and Hillsborough, Cox Mountain sits near several historic fords — Fanny's Ford, Few's Ford, and Cates Ford — where the Fish Dam Road and the old Durham-Hillsborough Coach Road once crossed the Eno. Old roadbeds, mill ruins, stone foundations, and even abandoned cars hide in these woods, layered over centuries of use by Native Americans, colonial settlers, and 19th-century industry. Home to the challenging Cox Mountain loop, extensive unofficial trail networks, and access to backcountry camping.
Buckquarter Creek Trail
Easy creek-side trail branching off the Cox Mountain approach. Follows Buckquarter Creek east through bottomland hardwoods. Shares the first 0.4 miles with Cox Mountain Trail before splitting at the junction.
Cox Mountain Trail
Rocky loop trail climbing to the highest point in Eno River State Park. Moderate elevation gain with some scrambling near the summit. The approach follows the river before turning uphill at the Buckquarter Creek junction.
Fanny's Ford Campsites Trail
Short trail connecting to the backcountry campsites near Fanny's Ford.
Shakori Trail
Trail named for the Shakori people, one of the Native American tribes who inhabited the Eno River valley.
Other Trails
Buckquarter Creek Trail
Easy creek-side trail branching off the Cox Mountain approach. Follows Buckquarter Creek east through bottomland hardwoods. Shares the first 0.4 miles with Cox Mountain Trail before splitting at the junction.
Cox Mountain Trail
Rocky loop trail climbing to the highest point in Eno River State Park. Moderate elevation gain with some scrambling near the summit. The approach follows the river before turning uphill at the Buckquarter Creek junction.
Fanny's Ford Campsites Trail
Short trail connecting to the backcountry campsites near Fanny's Ford.
Shakori Trail
Trail named for the Shakori people, one of the Native American tribes who inhabited the Eno River valley.
At a Glance
- Trails
- 4
- Total Miles
- 2.9
- Sections
- 2
- Points of Interest
- 8