Cole Mill and Bobbitts Hole Revisited
For all the details regarding this hike, please visit our previous Cole Mill and Bobbitts Hole Trails post.
The Eno is finally full again after some desperately needed rain. My daughter was itching to see the raging river so we revisited the 2.6 mile dual loop. Although the hike has not changed since my previous post about it, I wanted to post a few pictures documenting this new experience. Click on the pictures to see them much bigger…
My daughter was leader for the majority of the hike…
I have never heard that there was an old homestead on this trail. However, the patch of buttercups erupting in the woods nearby may hint of one.
From the turtles sunning themselves to the last few fall colors, this hike surrounds with beautiful nature.
The lack of leaves this time of year exposes the beauty of raw wood. Gnarled or termite-patterned, the trees really stand out.
No polarizing filter. No photoshop. I promise that this was really the color of the sky.
Published by davak on March 9th, 2008 | Filed under Durham, east_eno, eno, trail | Comment now »
Holden’s Mill Trail
The Eno and hardwoods surround the ruins of old Holden’s Mill…
Entrance:
Google will be glad to give you directions to Few’s Ford Access Area.
Environment:
The Holden’s Mill Trail is one of two trails available from the Buckquarter Creek Trail. The trail entrance is obvious with marked signs and a bridge crossing the Buckquarter Creek. The Holden’s Mill Trail is actually two loops connected by a short common path. The large loop contains most of the distance while the small loop around the ruins of Holden’s Mill is the climax of the hike.
The riverside portions of the loops are typical of most Eno hikes. Rapids and rock-hops are common and beautiful. During our hike the water was very low and very clear. The higher ridge portion of the large loop contains a moderate climb of 200-300 feet through hardwoods. The leaves were just beginnning to change for autumn.
Mid way through the large loop, a small creek is crossed to join the smaller loop around Holden’s Mill. Several rows of stacked rock suggests that a mighty structure once lived here. Rock remants of the dam are visible on both sides of the river. Certain times of the years, planted flowers are visible that hint where a schoolhouse was once located. The walls of stacked rock are facinating and stimulate a lot of imagination on how the area must have looked when the mill was active.
After finishing the small mill loop, the small common path returns the hiker back to the larger loop to complete the hike. After crossing the bridge, the hiker may wish to complete the Buckquarter Creek Trail.
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 2.6 Miles Alone (4.1 with Buckquarter)
- Blazes: Yellow
Maps/Links:
- Map of Western Eno River State Park (pdf)
- KMZ of Holden’s Mill Trail
- Google Map/Google Earth Map of Holden’s Mill Trail
View Larger Map
Photos:
Kirk - Holden’s Mill Trail Photos (23)
Qmchenry - Holden’s Mill Trail Photos (22)
Published by davak on September 21st, 2007 | Filed under eno, fews_ford, no_bikes, trail, west_eno | Comment now »
Eno: Buckquarter Creek Trail
From a ford to a waterfall
Entrances:
From I-85 take exit 173 onto Cole Mill Road north. The road ends at the park. After you pass the park office on the right, take the first right. Google maps gives good directions.
Environment:
The Buckquarter Creek Trail is the base trail for several interesting Few’s Ford hikes. However, this trail in solo has both wonderful scenery and a challenging climb. 
After just a few yards, the trail opens up at Few’s Ford. In reference to the picture to the left, you approach the ford where the truck (ironically, a Chevy) is sitting. After your trek is over, this is a nice place to wade across the river to cool your heels. My kids would have played in the ford all day. The ford is formed by river stones so water footwear is highly recommended for play here.
Following the trail along the river, you will mirror the Fanny’s Ford trail for a bit. This includes crossing a wooden overlook that views the small but roaring falls.
The trail breaks away from the Eno and follows the Buckquarter Creek for a short way. One may cross the creek at a wooden bridge to add the Holden Mill Trail to this hike. Soon the trail turns east and starts to gain elevation. The take off to the Ridge trail is found here. The southeast return to the trailhead is the most difficult of the loop. 
The two steep hills provide nice cardiovascular stimulation before you close the loop back at the ford.
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 1.5 Miles
- Blazes: Red Dots on Trees
Maps/Links
- Google Maps/Earth Map of Buckquarter Creek Trails
- KMZ of Buckquarter Creek Trail
- Map of Western Eno River State Park (pdf)
View Larger Map
You gotta love it when you see a family of deer on the way out of the park too…
Photos:
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Published by davak on September 15th, 2007 | Filed under Durham, eno, fews_ford, no_bikes, trail, west_eno | 1 Comment »
Cox Mountain and Fanny’s Ford Trails
Steep climb and descent of over 250 feet from the Eno to Cox’s Mountain…
Entrances:
This is the Eno entrance that is best marked. From I-85 take exit 173 onto Cole Mill Road north. The road ends at the park. Stop for trail maps outside the office on the right near the park entrance. Leaving the office, stay straight until the parking area for this set of trails. Google maps gives good directions here as well.
Environment:
When done in full, Cox Mountain is a suprisingly difficult amateur hike for this area. Fanny’s Ford is an easy, beautiful addition. Even if a strenous climb is not in your plans, most of the hike’s highpoints can be experienced anyway. Click on the map below to see the trail in google maps:
Coming out of the parking lot, the trail is initially paved sidewalk. A large area of picnic tables are on the right. The trail continues into the woods and takes a pretty rapid descent to the riverside. After about 0.2 miles, the trail shadows the river briefly before crossing a swinging bridge.
This area is often populated with kids exploring the bridge and playing in the river. Other small unmarked trails allow for further river exploration in this area. This is as far as a lot of the park’s visitors go in exploring this area.
Continuing past the bridge, the Cox Mountain trail forks. Taking the left (western) trail will get the strenuous ascent part of the trail over while your legs are still fresh. Under the canopy, interesting stacks of rocks can be seen on the “mountain”.
My hiking partner for this trip, Mike, speculated that this might have been some way that land was marked in previous times. Around the trail interesting pieces of stone such as quartz are easily found. A few scattered benches allow for rest, but for the most part, the mountain hike is simply a workout.
As the trail returns near the previously described fork, the take off to the Fanny’s Ford loop can be found. 
After a brief flat hike through the woods, the trail follows a wonderful area of river. Be watching for a small unmarked fork near the river that takes the hiker near a tiny waterfall. I would have missed it except we could hear the roaring of the water.
This trail ends on an old coach road at Few’s Ford. Both children and adults alike can enjoy the shallow moving water while imagining horse-drawn carriages crossing the river here many years ago. Completing the loop will bring you back to the swinging bridge and toward the parking area.
Casual hikers may wish to avoid the steep mountain climb and just take the trail straight to Fanny’s Ford Trail. This would be a kid-friendly hike that hits most of the beauty of the hike.
Positives:
- The Cox Mountain ascent/descent is rare challenging hike for this area
- However, the difficult areas can be avoided for family fun
- Fanny’s Ford, small falls, and river near the bridge is ripe for child’s play
- Swinging bridge is enjoyed by all
- Superb trail care and markings
Kid’s Interests:
- Multiple areas for water play
- Swinging bridge
- Water fowl, turtles, amphibians
- Small falls
- Fanny’s Ford
Details:
Cox Mountain Trail:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 3.6 Miles
- Blazes: Blue Dots on Trees
Fanny’s Ford Trail:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 0.9 Miles
- Blazes: Purple dots on Trees
Maps/Links:
- Google Maps/Earth Map of Cox Mountain and Fanny’s Ford Trails
- KML: Cox Mountain and Fanny’s Ford Trails
- Eno River Association: Trails of Western Eno River
- PDF: Western Eno River Trails Printable Map
Photos:
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Published by davak on May 28th, 2007 | Filed under Durham, eno, fews_ford, no_bikes, trail, west_eno | 2 Comments »
Cole Mill and Bobbitt’s Hole Trails
A beautiful hike to one of the nicest areas of the Eno…
Entrances:
As these trails are part of the Eastern Eno trails, we have discussed directions to the entrance in our previous posting about this area. This google map marks the location to the eastern trail parking.
Environment:
Cole Mill Trail and Bobbitt’s Hole Trail are connecting loops. (For reference, Bobbitt’s Hole trail is also known as Bobbit’s or Bobbit Hole Trails.) Cole Mill has two trailheads at the parking lot, and Bobbitt’s Hole Trail is a gem of an extension that allows the hiker to experience Bobbitt’s Hole itself.
Once on Cole Mill Trail, stay to the right. This will get the steep challenging climbing part of the hike over when the legs are fresh. Total climb over the entire hike is about 250 ft. Interesting stone types are seen during the climb and in washed away areas of the trail. Several bridges cross small creeks. 
After the first powercut, the Cole Mill Loop/Bobbitt’s Hole fork is present. After the second powercut, the Piper Creek campgrounds with a latrine are passed. A tenth of a mile after the campgrounds, the small spur trail to Bobbit’s Hole can be found.
Bobbitt’s Hole was evidently named for a man named Bobbitt who drowned here. This history does not prevent people from enjoying rock climbing and sun-absorbing in this area. Benches and flat areas for picnics make this area a wonderful resting place. 
The spur continues a way up the river although evidently it runs into private land. Paths into other private land areas branch away from this spur as well.
The rest of the trail follows the river downstream. Beaver slides near the river are evident. At the powercut, the Cole Mill Loop (from the previously described fork) rejoins this trail. We happened upon a nice park ranger near some fencing near the river. He informed us that the fencing is being used to divert people from using a few areas of older trails near the river that have started to wash. 
He also brought to our attention that several trees have small metal cages surrounding them to protect them from the hungry beavers in the area.
The trail finishes up near the trailhead for Pea Creek.
Kid’s Interests:
- Interesting rocks on the climb
- Exploring the campgrounds
- Bobbit’s Hole
- Bridges
- Looking for beavers and water fowl
Details:
Cole Mill Trail:
- Difficulty: Moderate, shaded
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 1.2 miles
- Blazes: Yellow dots
Bobbitt’s Hole Trail:
- Difficulty: Easy, shaded
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Blazes: Red dots
Maps and Links:
- Google Maps/Earth: Cole Mill and Bobbitt’s Hole Trails
- Cole Mill and Bobbitt’s Hole Trails KMZ file
- Eno River Association Description of Eastern Trails
- PDF map of Eastern Trails
Photos:
Flickr Photos from Cole Mill and Bobbit’s Hole Trails (35)
Published by davak on May 19th, 2007 | Filed under Chatham, east_eno, eno, no_bikes, trail | 1 Comment »
Jordan Lake Bald Eagle Observation Trail
A lakeside chance to view bald eagles…
Entrance:
Exit off highway 40 going south on 751. The right turn into the parking lot is marked by a small brown binocular sign. The parking area is about 6 miles from highway 40 and is .45 miles after the bridge crossing Jordan Lake.
Environment
In the parking lot is a posting describing the loop. Several wooden markers with numbers around the trails have been established; however, there is very little information available to the significance of these numbers. The trail forks early. The right, northern part of the trail is obviously more travelled and is the shortest path to the observation deck.
Coming out of the forest, the observation deck is at a small point into the lake. A small island is nearby. With some binoculars and a little patience, bald eagles can frequently be seen here. The sandy soil here makes for good picnics and dog/child play. At this time, the observation deck has actually received a ton of weather damage and is of little use.
Returning back into the forest, the southern leg of the loop is longer, more wooded, and feels more like a traditional hike.
Throughout the hike, multiple smaller trees have been marked for clearing. The post in the parking lot suggests that this is to lighten the thick canopy.
Kid’s Interests:
- Toads are everywhere!
- Snakes and turtles
- Chance to see bald eagles
- Lake/Beach play
Negatives:
- Small wooden markers of unclear significance
- Log books poorly maintained
- Campfire remains and trash near the beach
- Observation deck currently in bad shape
- Public hunting land (wear hunter orange during hunting seasons)
Maps and Links:
Photos:
Jordan Lake Bald Eagle Observation Trail Pictures (12)
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Published by davak on May 16th, 2007 | Filed under Chatham, Jordan_Lake, no_bikes, trail | 2 Comments »
Pea Creek and Dunnagan Trails
An Eno view of hidden graves and the old pump station…
Entrances:
Eastern Eno River State Park — Parking for the eastern trails can be found at the end of Old Cole Mill Road which branches off the much large Cole Mill Road. Most GPS systems including google maps does not have this location. Through this trail head you will enter the Pea Creek Trail which can be extended by the Dunnagan Trail.
Continental Road Access - Limited parking is available here; however, it is an excellent option if one wishes to hike only the Dunnagan Trail.
**Here are google maps locations for both of these trail entrances.**
Environment:
Both of these trails include a southern leg that parallels the Eno River and a northern leg through more upland forests.
Pea Creek Trail — This trail, blazed with blue dots, starts at the most southern end of the Eastern Trails parking lot. Multiple trails start here and well marked signs eliminate confusion. The Pea Creek trail descends down multiple steps to the river. Flowers are commonplace. The beauty is temporarily interrupted by an early crossing under the Cole Mill Road Bridge. The trail turns to the north where Pea Creek enters the Eno. By *not* crossing the bridge, the hiker will return through the forest to complete the loop. By crossing the Pea Creek Bridge (an example of a well-done Eagle Scout project), this trail can be extended to the Dunnagan trail.
Dunnagan Trail — Blazed with red dots, the riverside portion of this trail gives the hiker another 3/4 of a mile of Eno. Before the trail turns away from the river, the stone wall remains of Durham’s first water pumping station are visible across the river. A deep area of the river known as Bob’s Hole is also found in this area. After climbing up the ridge to the northwest for the loop back, the short Continental Access trail heads north while the trail stays on the ridge to the west. An eerie shaded clearing filled with ferns, stones, and flowers is apparent on the inside of the loop from this upper ridge. A tiny sunken cemetery, which includes Catherine Dunnagan’s headstone, provides mystery and reflection to this experience.
Kid’s Interests
- Easy river access
- Flowers
- Higher ridges have interesting stone types
- Turtles
- Cemetery
- Old home places
- Old pump station
Details:
Pea Creek Trail:
- Difficulty: Moderate, shaded
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Blazes: Blue dots
Dunnagan Trail:
- Difficulty: Moderate, shaded
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Blazes: Red dots
Maps/Links
- Google Maps: Pea Creek Trail and Dunnagan’s Trail
- Pea Creek and Dunnagan’s Trail KMZ File
- Eno River Association Description of Eastern Trails
- PDF Map of Eastern Trails
Pictures:
Flickr Photos of Pea Creek and Dunnagan Trails (22)
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Published by davak on May 15th, 2007 | Filed under Durham, east_eno, eno, no_bikes, trail | 4 Comments »
Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve
Unique vegetation highlight this long river trail…
Entrance:
The parking lot is located just outside of Durham city limits. Penny’s Bend is not listed in google maps; however, these rough directions from i-85 to the trail have it manually included. Basically, you take exit 177 off of i-85 and go north on Roxboro Road. In about a mile, turn right on Old Oxford Road. In about 3 miles, turn left onto Snow Hill Road and the parking lot is immediately on the left after turning.
Environment:
The Eno River Association has an excellent article about the unique features of the area. The unusual land and soil features account for the river’s oxbow shape and the unique prairie-loving vegetation.
The parking lot is frequently full; however, it is usually from people fishing near the entrance. Even during weekend hikes, visitors may not see anybody on the wonderful trails. Near the entrance are stations explaining the area’s unique characteristics.
Two trails exist. The River Trail (River Bend Trail) follows the river for the whole Oxbow. The Upland (Ridge Trail) allows a break from the river across a grassy ridge. It is easier to visualize from a map of the area. This map is from the Eno River Association:
As much as I enjoy walking along the river, the highland trail is actually a nice scenic break…
The blue wild indigo is typically found in prairies and plains; however, it grows well in Penny’s Bend as well.
In general this hike is more difficult than the average trails in the triangle. The low traffic and frequent explorations down the riverside can be difficult to navigate. To me the rough terrain is one of the highlights of the area.
A nearby abandoned trailer is strangely out of place:
Negatives:
- Fishermen frequently leave trash near the entrance.
- The different trails are very poorly marked.
- High tick density
Kid’s Interests:
- Playing along the river
- Finding and exploring small rapids
- Looking for the unique flowers and plants
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate for this area. Mostly shaded.
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: Ridge Trail: 1 Mile. River Bend Trail: 1.5 Miles.
- Blazes: Not currently apparent
Google Maps/Earth:
Pictures:
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Published by davak on April 28th, 2007 | Filed under Durham, no_bikes, trail | Comment now »
New Hope BottomLands Trail
Also known as the Hope Creek Nature Trail…
Entrances:
Githens Middle School - (Google Directions) This is classically reported as the best entrance to the trial although it is not my preferred. Pull into Githens off of Old Chapel Hill Road and stay right. Park near the softball field. There are multiple warning signs about only being on school property during school hours. Walk to the farthest right corner of the track and you’ll see a path heading down into the woods. From here it is a boring walk through a clearcut area to the actual trailhead on the right. There are a few unmarked trails to the left that I have not explored. The entrance in relation to the track can be seen here…
Watkins Road Access - This is a much better entrance with only a short pretty walk to the actual trailhead. This is at the corner of Hopedale and Southwest Durham Road. It is a private neighborhood so be considerate with parking.
Environment:
The trail loop is an exploration of the New Hope Creek flood plain. Uprooted trees from the wet soil are common and add interest throughout the hike. Wooden bridges allow easy, dry hiking over the wet areas. Small collections of swamp is visable through a large section of the walk. Wooden fowl boxes are posted in several places.
The highlight of the trip is an easy access point to the flowing creek with its sandy beaches. From the Githens entrance, the creek is near the right (counterclockwise) portion of the loop. So if you like saving the best for last, take the left, clockwise selection of the loop from the Githens entrance. The Watkins Road entrance is probably equal distance from the creek either way.
Negatives:
Some mild spraypaint graffiti exists near the Githins entrance. A couple of short crossings of powerline clearings are required.
Kids’ Interests:
- Wood footbridges
- Toads and frogs
- Ferns and flowers
- Overturned, uprooted trees
- The swamp and the creek
- Freshwater mussel shells
Details:
- Difficulty: Easy, Flat, and Shaded
- Surface: Natural
- Bicycles: No
- Length: 2.2 Miles
- Blazes: Brown posts.
Map –
Pictures —
New Hope Nature Trail Pictures (27)
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