The Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail - Hillsborough, NC

North Carolina

Jun 21

“To exceed the expectations of others, we must first raise expectations of ourselves.” - Robin Crow

“Live your life as if you are ready to say goodbye to it at any moment, as if the time left for you were some pleasant surprise.” - Marcus Aurelius

The Story -

On a beautiful Saturday morning Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked three miles on the diverse Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail near Durham and Chapel Hill in Orange County. Topping out at 867 feet, the Occoneechee Mountain is the highest spot in the Triangle and is also reported to be the highest point between Hillsborough, NC, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Roll on Highway - Alabama

Though often overlooked, the Occoneechee Mountain Trail Loop is easy to find and is located just off Highway 85 in Hillsborough, NC. Its proximity to the highway is the only negative feature of the trail, as we could hear the cars and trucks loudly racing down the highway at the beginning of the hike. Fortunately, the rumbling distraction of the highway doesn’t last very long, as you almost immediately become immersed in the peacefulness of the forest.

Laurels and Butterflies -

The Occoneechee Mountain has several unique features unlike any other found in eastern North Carolina. You will encounter many plant species that are normally only found further west in the mountainous regions. Catawba rhododendron, orchids, mountain laurel, and galax grow in abundance on Occoneechee Mountain’s ridges and slopes. In addition to plants, the Brown Elfin butterfly thrives here, separated by more than one hundred miles from other Brown Elfin populations only found in the mountains. The Brown Elfin butterfly is believed to have survived at Occoneechee Mountain since the Ice Age. Unfortunately, we did not see any butterflies on our hike, yet we did see many mountain laurels and rhododendrons, along with encountering the pungent aroma of budding galax.

Spill The Tea -

The easy-to-moderate Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail was a very pleasant surprise, providing many items of special interest and opportunities for unique experiences. Some of these included gorgeous lakes, large rock outcroppings and rock scrambling, an abandoned quarry, a magnificent overlook, and a beautiful path next to a peaceful stretch of the Eno River. Along with the laurel and butterflies mentioned above, we encountered multiple mushrooms and even ate handfuls of ripe blackberries picked right from the vine.

Wrap It Up -

The Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail is an excellent trail and will appeal to most everyone. Maybe bring your fishing poles, bathing suits, floats, and a lunch to make a day of it, you won't be disappointed!. Who knows, you might even spot a rare butterfly or two!