January 2017
Sleepy Creepy Crawlers
Join a park ranger for a 2-mile hike around Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. There will be a discussion on how animals in the park make it through the winter. Good hiking shoes and water are recommended
Find out more »Sunday Fishing
Would you like to learn to fish? Join Ranger Jack and learn to cast and put a hook on your line all by yourself! We will be learning how to handle worms and hopefully a few fish safely as well. Come get hooked on being outside! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more »Occoneechee Geology Hike
Come and learn about Occoneechee Mountain’s geologic wonders. Explore the pyrophyllite quarry with a real geologist. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more »May 2017
Introduction to Canoeing
Join a Park Ranger for a canoe trip on the Eno River. Learn basic canoeing techniques while enjoying the sights and sounds of the river. All equipment is provided. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Start Location: Eno Mountain Rd Bridge More information
Find out more »Fishing with a Ranger
Fishing With a Ranger Come out and let your kids fish in Occoneechee’s ponds. *Children must be accompanied by an adult. Date of Event: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 - 3:15pm Start Location: Occoneechee Parking Lot
Find out more »Occoneechee Geology Hike
Come and learn about Occoneechee Mountain’s geologic wonders. Explore the pyrophyllite quarry with a real geologist. **Children must be accompanied by an adult. **It is strongly recommended that participants should wear closed-toe shoes that are appropriate for hiking. We also suggest bringing bug spray, a full water bottle, snack, and a rain jacket. Date of Event: Saturday, May 27, 2017 - 2:00pm Start Location: Occoneechee Parking Lot
Find out more »June 2017
Tree Tales & Forest Stories
Join a Park Ranger and learn about the different trees and the surrounding ecosystem at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area! Trees are one of our best renewable resources and provide us with many different items beyond paper and furniture. Come discover this unique and beautiful natural area, its story and its leafy residents. Be sure to dress for the hike and bring water! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more »Fishing with a Ranger
Fishing With A Ranger Come out and let your kids fish in Occoneechee’s ponds. *Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more »Occoneechee Geology Hike
Come and learn about Occoneechee Mountain’s geologic wonders. Explore the pyrophyllite quarry with a real geologist. **Children must be accompanied by an adult. **It is strongly recommended that participants should wear closed-toe shoes that are appropriate for hiking. We also suggest bringing bug spray, a full water bottle, snack, and a rain jacket.
Find out more »July 2017
Spectacular Spiders
Join a Park Ranger at the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area parking lot and learn about these misunderstood managers of the forest. The program will include a short walk around the ponds and an investigation into spider habitat. Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and bring water. Children Must be accompanied by an adult. More information...
Find out more »Introduction to Canoeing
Join a Park Ranger for a canoe trip on the Eno River. Learn basic canoeing techniques while enjoying the sights and sounds of the river. All equipment is provided. *Must be able to swim; wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet! Bring water and snacks. Children must be 8 years old or older and accompanied by an adult. Starts at the Eno Mountain rd bridge Learn more...
Find out more »Morning Bird Walk
Bring your binoculars and join a Park Ranger for a relaxing morning outing to search for birds in a variety of habitats. All experience levels welcome. Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and bring water and binoculars. Children Must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more »August 2017
Tike Hike
Have you ever wanted to introduce your toddler to the woods and not known how to make it fun? Join Ranger Jack for a toddler and young kids program. Parents, come ready to learn ways to make hiking fun, educational and an adventure for your young ones. Children must be accompanied by an adult. More information here
Find out more »Occoneechee Geology Hike
Come and learn about Occoneechee Mountain’s geologic wonders. Explore the pyrophyllite quarry with a real geologist. **Bring hiking shoes and water. **Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more »Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku…(Japanese) a visit to the forest for relaxation; a chance to stroll through nature and take in the atmosphere for one’s well-being; literally “forest bathing.” Join a volunteer for a leisurely hike as we enjoy the sights and sounds of the NC forest and the Eno River on the Occoneechee Trails. Wear good hiking shoes; bring water and a snack.
Find out more »May 2018
Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike
Explore the highest hill in Orange County on the Occoneechee Mountain Loop and Chestnut Oak Trails. If the blooming cycle is right we may see Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel flowering and a plant community more typically found in the NC mountains. Our hike leader will introduce you to this special mountain habitat right here at home! Blooming of wildflowers can be unpredictable, but we will be sure to see some wonderful plants growing in this unique habitat. We will stop…
Find out more »June 2018
Fishing at Occoneechee
Practice catch and release fishing techniques with the Park’s equipment at OCMO ponds, where the bass and brim play. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing/shoes that you don't mind getting wet!
Find out more »November 2018
Occoneechee Geology Hike
Come and learn about Occoneechee Mountain’s geologic wonders. Explore the pyrophyllite quarry with a real geologist. Children must be accompanied by an adult. It is strongly recommended that participants should wear closed-toe shoes that are appropriate for hiking. We also suggest bringing bug spray, a full water bottle, snack, and a rain jacket. Start Location: Occoneechee parking lot Hike Length and Difficulty: 1.5 mile, moderate Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area / 625 Virginia Cates Road Hillsborough (919) 383-1686
Find out more »Into the Dark Hike
A night hike program for all ages complete with games for the young-at-heart, and a true dark experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Hike Length and Difficulty: 1.5 miles, moderate difficulty Start Location: Occoneechee parking Lot
Find out more »December 2018
Occoneechee Mountain History Hike
Join a Park Ranger on a hike along the Chestnut Oak Trail to the Overlook! While chatting about the ecosystem around us, explore the history of the highest point in Orange County! Bring water, dress in layers, and wear close-toed shoes. www.ncparks.gov/occoneechee-mountain-state-natural-area/
Find out more »Solstice Hike
Celebrate the longest night of the year with a guided night hike at Occoneechee. The sky should be spectacular between the approaching full moon and competing Ursid meteor showers.
Find out more »January 2019
Ridge to River Hike
Join a trained tour guide for a hike from the scenic overlook, across the ridge, and down to the Eno River below. The views will offset the elevation change challenge of the 3 to 4-mile hike. **Children must be accompanied by an adult Please call 919-383-1686 to register! Hike Length and Difficulty: 4 mile moderately challenging Start Location: Occoneechee Parking Lot
Find out more »February 2020
First Saturdays Community Hike
First Saturdays, 12:30pm (winter months) Occoneechee Mountain, Hillsborough, NC Meeting Location: Gold Park Pavilion With a summit at 867 ft above sea level making Occoneechee Mountain the highest point between Hillsborough and the coast, this little-known state park presents several trails that might possibly provide the closest simulation to mountain climbing you can get without leaving the Triangle. We'll do a combination of trails to get an altitude gain of 1,000 feet in 5 miles (no climbing involved). Total distance…
Find out more »March 2020
First Saturdays Community Hike
First Saturdays, 12:30pm (winter months) Occoneechee Mountain, Hillsborough, NC Meeting Location: Gold Park Pavilion With a summit at 867 ft above sea level making Occoneechee Mountain the highest point between Hillsborough and the coast, this little-known state park presents several trails that might possibly provide the closest simulation to mountain climbing you can get without leaving the Triangle. We'll do a combination of trails to get an altitude gain of 1,000 feet in 5 miles (no climbing involved). Total distance…
Find out more »May 2020
First Saturdays Community Hike– Cancelled
This monthly event is currently cancelled due to COVID-19, but be sure to check back when we are able to resume! First Saturdays, 9:30am (12:30pm, winter months) Occoneechee Mountain, Hillsborough, NC Meeting Location: Gold Park Pavilion With a summit at 867 ft above sea level making Occoneechee Mountain the highest point between Hillsborough and the coast, this little-known state park presents several trails that might possibly provide the closest simulation to mountain climbing you can get without leaving the…
Find out more »June 2020
First Saturdays Community Hike– Cancelled
This monthly event is currently cancelled due to COVID-19, but be sure to check back when we are able to resume! First Saturdays, 9:30am (12:30pm, winter months) Occoneechee Mountain, Hillsborough, NC Meeting Location: Gold Park Pavilion With a summit at 867 ft above sea level making Occoneechee Mountain the highest point between Hillsborough and the coast, this little-known state park presents several trails that might possibly provide the closest simulation to mountain climbing you can get without leaving the…
Find out more »