In the era of social distancing, more people turn to outdoor activities to fill their days and clear their Zoom-clouded minds. Tucked away into the woods around Chapel Hill are numerous miles of hikeable trails, some of which have been explored and reviewed here by ECHO staff. Whether on a weekend afternoon or during asynchronous time, these spots are definitely worth a visit.
- Duke Forest (Korstian Division)
- Hollow Rock Nature Park
- Eagle Spur Trail
- Pumpkin Loop
- Duke Trail
- Johnston Mill Nature Preserve
- Adams Tract
- Brumley Nature Preserve
- Mason Farm Biological Reserve and Parker Preserve
- Occoneechee Mountain
Duke Forest (Korstian Division)
Serving double-duty as research grounds for Duke University, this section of the Duke Forest is full of many miles of moderate-difficulty trails. Trails are well-frequented but mostly wide enough to maintain social distancing. The most popular options include the Piney Mountain Loop (3.6 miles, can start near Hollow Rock), the Concrete Bridge Trail (4 miles, starts near the fire station on Whitfield Rd) and the Rhododendron Bluff Circuit (2.9 miles). Certain hikes, once nearing New Hope Creek, can get quite narrow and rocky so be prepared if you have slippery shoes, kids or dogs. Also, parking is a bit tricky as it is essentially limited to parallel parking on the side of the road. Overall, for its convenient location just 10 minutes from East, it’s a great set of trails that will keep you occupied for a couple hours in the outdoors.
Note: Only open on weekends until Dec. 11, for Duke’s deer herd reduction program.
— By Caroline Chen
Hollow Rock Nature Park (Duke Forest access currently closed)
With a turn off of Erwin Rd. so sharp I missed it my first time, Hollow Rock Nature Park has a myriad of trails to try. There’s plenty of spots to park in, even though one spot was covered in vomit when I went. The trail map guides you through the multiple loops and the meadow you can access. I took the Duke Forest loop, which carries you along New Hope Creek. It’s a mainly flat and easy walk, but the likelihood of you walking past the turn for the loop is pretty high, especially if you don’t have a guide who’s gone before. Parts of the trail stay muddy for a few days after it rains. My friend also got stung by a bee on our walk, so it’s honestly a hit-or-miss location. However, the shorter loops and meadow are gorgeous and still accessible.
Note: Duke Forest only open on weekends until Dec. 11, for Duke’s deer herd reduction program.
— By Katie Clark
Eagle Spur Trail
This 4-mile out and back trail juts out into the middle of Jordan Lake, through wetlands and forest. It’s also home to a large number of bald eagles and other water birds. It’s owned and managed by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the same people who maintain the American Tobacco Trail, and it happens to be on an old railbed as well. It’s not paved and is very wide, as well as being straight and flat. It’s not a hard hike, as long as you bring some water—and be prepared to see eagles, marshes and lake!
Note: This trail passes through state game land. There is a sign at the beginning telling you when the different hunting seasons are, and there is no hunting on Sundays. If you are going on the trail during hunting, be sure to wear bright colored clothing.
Other Note: Just a little bit into the trail, past the kiosk, there is a flooded portion where you have to take your shoes off and walk across, the water is only about a foot deep. After that, the trail is completely dry, although they are doing culvert installation so there are some very narrow stream crossings.
— By Sol Landman-Feldman
Pumpkin Loop
A Chapel Hill classic, this 2.4 mile trail is perfect for running and family walks. There aren’t many tree roots or patches with rougher terrain at all, so it’s more comparable to a track than a hike, just with a forest-y surrounding and a lot more opportunities to spot wildlife. The loop is wide, well-tread and overall a family friendly location. There are plenty of spurs branching out from the main track, including Wormhole, Crow Branch and Neverland to name a few. Most are narrower and more suitable for single runners or bikers, but still fun to explore.
— By Caroline Chen
Duke Trail
This 3-mile loop takes you right through Duke’s golf course and woods near campus. Parking is available off of Cameron Blvd. and can be crowded at times, but is usually available. Multiple signs are placed throughout the trail reminding people that masks are mandatory, so it feels like a safe walk, as even runners will be wearing them. The trail is wide, dogs are frequent, and you’ll walk past a golf course and a lake. This is perfect if you’re looking for an easy, medium-length loop.
— By Katie Clark
Johnston Mill Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is not very far from Chapel Hill, and it feels like you’re in a whole different world. Towering trees, rushing creeks and high bluffs make it feel like a little bit of the mountains. You can stroll along New Hope Creek on Robin’s Trail, or climb the bluffs along the Beech Loop. The longest trail, Old Field Bluff, meanders through woods, across creeks and through meadows. Whether or not you want a long or a short hike, Johnston Mill lets you have it all no matter how far from the parking lot you want to go.
— By Sol Landman-Feldman
Adams Tract
This is a little piece of woods behind the tennis courts at Wilson Park in Carrboro that manages to fit a couple different loops inside (for scale, the longest trail, Red, is a whopping 0.7 miles). It’s a nice quiet section of woods for an easy hike, and is pretty kid-friendly. There are number labels on many trees and other plants on the side of the trails that correspond to a map at the trailhead which identifies them. If you follow the Green trail, you can go down to Bolin Creek which is a nice little waterway with good ASMR-esque water-rushing sounds. Other trails connect to the Bolin Creek Greenway as well as Carolina North, so you could go quite far from here. If you’re not in the mood for tennis but could go for a relaxing walk, the Adams Tract is definitely a recommended spot.
— By Caroline Chen
Brumley Nature Preserve
Sold to Triangle Land Conservancy in 2010, Brumley Nature Preserve is a 613-acre sustainably- managed land with a variety of hiking trails and bike paths. My personal favorite hiking spot in Orange County, the trails are long but an easy journey. There’s one main loop with optional additions that will take you by a variety of natural features, such as a stream and lakes, an old dairy farm, and active train tracks. The North entrance will give you access to those walking trails, while the South entrance has mountain biking access. Located about 15 minutes from East, Brumley Nature Preserve is a must-visit in the fall.
— By Katie Clark
Mason Farm Biological Reserve and Parker Preserve
Hidden away behind Finley Golf Course, you would never know that 494 acres of hardwood forest, meadow, creek and bluffs are waiting for you as soon as you cross Morgan Creek. The main loop, which is 2.2 miles, brings you through lowlands near the creek, and it’s perfect for a flat walk or birding. It’s wide enough for social distancing too, although it can get crowded on nice days. The recently opened Parker Preserve connects the lowlands with bluffs rising high up above the creek. The trails here are for more adventurous hikers – there’s 260 feet of elevation gain from the creek to the Parker Preserve’s parking lot. But at the top, there’s an old farmhouse and enormous oak trees. If you start at the Parker Preserve, remember, if you go down, you’re going to have to come back up!
No dogs are allowed in the Mason Farm Biological Reserve, but they are allowed in the Parker Preserve. For accessing the Mason Farm Biological Reserve, there is a ford that you cross in your car, so on wet days it’s better to start at the Parker Preserve. You’re supposed to have a permit to enter, and you can get it on the Botanical Garden’s website (although they don’t check for them.)
— By Sol Landman-Feldman
Occoneechee Mountain
My mom describes the 2.2 mile-long Occoneechee Mountain Loop as a human’s life cycle: it starts off with some easy ups-and-downs while you settle into the flow of things; then things go somewhat downhill but there’s always beautiful views no matter how low things get; then you get to a series of steep uphill treks but once you push through; you reach the peak—relax, eat, drink, savor the time; and finally you take the wide, serene path back down. It’s not a far off comparison, and this small mountain isn’t far off either; just a 20-minute drive into Hillsborough will teleport you into the landscape of mountains three hours west. The loop is very popular on the weekends and the parking lot does get full sometimes. It is well-maintained and well-traveled so quite good for hikers of all levels, including families with small children because of its combination of moderate-level hiking, views and convenience. Overall, definitely worth an hour of your time—if you’re too lazy to drive to the actual mountains, come here.
— By Caroline Chen
