Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Activities

Trails

Education

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Located in Orange County 15 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers a quick escape into nature with trails winding through forests of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Two quiet fishing ponds complement the nearby Eno River, while the summit overlook affords a great sunset view. The rare brown elfin butterfly has called the mountain home since the Ice Age. 

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Occoneechee Mountain. The closest state park with camping is Eno River State Park.

Activities

  • Hiking (3 miles)
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

None

 

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is managed by the Eno River State Park office, located 10 miles away.

Plan Your Visit

Address

625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

GPS: 36.0608, -79.1169

 

Current Weather

27278 Hillsborough, NC

Park Map (PDF)

Fees

There are no fees required to access Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area for day use. Fees are charged for certain event permits.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

MonthHours
January8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area does not have an on-site office. These are the hours for the Eno River park office:

Month

Hours
January

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
February

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
July

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Eno River Association

Join, volunteer, or donate! The Eno River Association promotes, supports, and advocates for Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and Eno River State Park (in addition to other sites and local parks along the river) through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery