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I decided to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather this morning by heading out to the Cole mill section of Eno River State Park. I hike or run in Eno SP a couple times per week, but this was my first time on the Cole Mill and Bobbitt Trails. This area is home to one of the Eno River's premier swimming holes, Bobbitt Hole, as well as some backcountry campsites that I wanted to check out. While I could have hiked there directly from my house in about 4 miles, I decided to take the lazy route and drive to the Cole Mill trailhead. The Eno is a great place for hiking, fishing, swimming, etc...I consider myself very fortunate to have such fabulous hiking and river access so close to my home!
Eno River from the Cole Mill Trail
Eagle Scout Bridge - I know him, but had no idea he built this bridge!
great pictures doe's it get busy there when not raining? what's parking like?
It wasn't raining this AM, but the trail was damp from last night's rain. I saw only one other group of 2 people on the trail today, but it was a Tuesday morning. I'm sure on a nice summer weekend day it gets some traffic. There seems to be very adequate parking in two paved lots at the end of Old Cole Mill Rd. There is also a toilet, picnic tables, a shelter and a canoe launch, as well as other hiking trails, accessible from this parking area.
NOTE: Do not paddle the Eno without first checking water levels. It is often too low and you'll be dragging bottom, or can be too high and quite dangerous due to heavy flows and downed trees. At the right level, though, a paddle down the Eno is great!
One of my favorite trails! I have to wait for a couple of dry days to go to the Eno, it just gets too muddy for my dogs. There is always plenty of parking, even when busy.
One of my favorite trails! I have to wait for a couple of dry days to go to the Eno, it just gets too muddy for my dogs. There is always plenty of parking, even when busy.
The Pump Station & Laurel Bluffs Trail don't get too muddy after heavy rains and seem to dry out pretty quickly, so they might be another option for you to consider.
The Pump Station & Laurel Bluffs Trail don't get too muddy after heavy rains and seem to dry out pretty quickly, so they might be another option for you to consider.
Not exactly, though you can cross the river and access the Dunnagan & Pea Creek Trails which connect into the Cole Mill and Bobbitt Hole Trails. You can also continue along the river where the Pump Station Trail turns away from the river and follow the section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail which is still being built. It's in generally good shape, with only a couple of creek crossings that need bridges but are easy enough to cross. This leads to Cole Mill Rd where you can cross the bridge and pick up the Pea Creek Trail. There is also a nice swimming hole on the Pump Station & Dunnagan Trails called Bob's Hole, located at the site of Durham's Old Pump Station (now in ruins which can be seen from the trails and river). Here's a link to a great write-up by with pics and detailed history of the Pump Station: Endangered Durham: DURHAM WATER COMPANY - ENO RIVER PUMPING STATION (http://endangereddurham.blogspot.com/2009/08/durham-water-company-eno-river-pumping.html - broken link)
As for swimming, yes, you can swim in the Eno at a number of spots, including Bobbitt Hole, Bob's Hole at the Pump Station and others. The water is often pretty clear for this area and the temperature is quite refreshing as the Eno is largely fed by springs & small streams.
Thanks for the information. My son is at Duke going through a Stem Cell trnasplant from his brother. We are looking for some easy trails he can do between daily clinic visits if the doctors allow. They want him away from crowds of people and walking for exercise, hope this will help. We are from out of town and need to know safe places to walk. Thanks
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