The Eno River State Park - Buckquarter Creek, Holden Mill, Ridge, and Shakori Trails - Durham, NC

North Carolina

May 3

Written By Chris Shields

“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.” - Hazrat I. Khan

“The earth has music for those who listen.” - William Shakespeare

The Story -

On a cool and overcast Saturday morning, Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked seven miles on a combination of trails at the Eno River State Park in Durham, NC. Ginger and I wanted a water hike close to home and one in which we could take our dog, Sophie. The Eno River State Park just west of Durham filled both of those stipulations splendidly.

Eno River State Park -

The Eno River State Park is shaped like a leaning backward letter L, with five access points and over twenty-eight miles of hiking trails conveniently located only ten miles from downtown Durham.

The area has a long and storied history as it was once home to the Eno, Shakori, and Occoneechee Native American tribes long before the first European explorers passed through during the 1600s. By the mid-1700s, the tribes had merged into one and the settlers had set up numerous farms with at least thirty mills in the area. Several remnants of the homesteads and the mills are still visible in the park and can be explored today, carefully of course.

Ford, Buckquarter and Holden -

Our hike started at the wide and shallow Few’s Ford (a very popular swimming hole during the summer) on the Buckquarter Trail and included three loops on the east side of the Eno River, making a 3-leaf clover pattern. Along the way, we passed three nineteenth-century homesteads, several old mill remnants, and numerous rocky spots along the river to enjoy the rapids. We also hiked the Holden Mill, Ridge, and Shakori trails, taking our hike to the very edge of the park and doubling our mileage.

Spill The Tea -

If you are looking for a hike with a lot of water, the Buckquarter Trail is the hike for you. You are next to or can see the rolling rapids of the river almost the whole time you are on the trail. Not until you cross a bridge over Buckquarter Creek and start the Holden Mill Trail do you leave the water. The Holden Mill, Ridge, and Shakori Trails then guide you deep into a mature forest, passing several of the mill remnants mentioned above.

Add Some Cream and Sugar -

In addition to the homestead and mill remnants, we saw turtles, snakes, swamps, numerous wildflowers, large old hardwoods, new growth forests, and evidence of recent beaver activity. These features added together with the abundant rock scrambling and several creek crossings and you have the makings of an amazing and adventurous day.

Wrap It Up -

Ginger and I first visited the Eno River State Park last August and I must admit this time was much more enjoyable. Last August it seemed the whole city of Durham was swimming in the shallow Few’s Ford and in every open spot in the river. It is, after all, a perfect swimming hole to escape the dog days of summer. There were far fewer people this time and we were able to feel more in touch with the rolling waters and nature. I would recommend giving The Eno River State Park a try, just in the spring or late fall to avoid the crowds. That is unless you bring your bathing suit and join the party!