LOCATION: Will depart the market and travel west along the Eno River to Gold Park, then cross the Eno into Occoneechee Mountain State Park (OM) to follow the OM trail to the Eno-Hillsborough overlook. This hike features current and future MST trails.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: Hillsborough is hosting two hikes, this being the longer hike, departing from the Eno River Farmers Market Pavilion (ERFM) and hosting a MST birthday celebration including exhibits by MST sponsors and local outdoor adventure partners. On September 7th, our vibrant market and gala will be open from 8 am to noon. You may pre-register but we are very open to additional hikers registering on the day of the hike at the MST table. Both hikes involve a mix of paved and unpaved trails. This moderate/strenuous hike requires brief walking along the road in single file. The Occoneechee Mountain has about 1/3 mile of sometimes steep hill trail.
LENGTH OF HIKE: 4 Miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous
MEETING LOCATION: Eno River Farmers Market Pavillion, 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
HIKE LEADER: Bill Boyarsky, bill.boyarsky@gmail.com
HIKE LOGISTICS: Easy and ample parking:
1- Orange County Board of Elections, 208 Cameron Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (adjacent to ERFM, from the parking lot follow the path that leads to River Park)
2- Occoneechee Speedway, 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (10 min walk to ERFM follow the Riverwalk signs to downtown)
3- Street and public parking on Margaret Lane and in open courthouse lots
4- Public parking deck located at Weaver Street Market, 228 South Churton St, Hillsborough NC 27278 (3 min stroll to ERFM on the Riverwalk east to River Park)
Registration will be day of the hike at the MST table, starting at 9 am.
STICK AROUND HILLSBOROUGH: Check out the Sixth Annual Moorefields Bluegrass Festival, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and Historic Hillsborough Guided Walking Tour, 11:30-Noon https://visithillsboroughnc.com/events/2019-09/
DONATIONS WELCOME. WHILE THE HIKE IS FREE, WE WELCOME YOU TO BUY A SHIRT AND CONTRIBUTE TO HELP FRIENDS OF THE MST CONTINUE TO BUILD, PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE TRAIL FOR YOU AND OTHERS TO ENJOY FOR YEARS TO COME. THANK YOU.