Eno River State Park: Fews Ford Trails

Eno River State Park: Fews Ford Trails

 6101 Cole Mill Road
Durham, NC 27705
Fews Ford & main entrance parking

Driving time: 30 to 35 minutes from Raleigh or Morrisville. 

*The easiest way to find the trailhead is to park at the picnic area where Cole Mill Road ends. There are bathrooms with flush toilets and running water. 

Trail distances: The Fews Ford parking area offers trails with varying lengths, suitable for all experience levels and ages. The Eno Trace Trail is a ½ mile nature loop that starts and begins at the picnic area parking lot, and the distance from the picnic area parking lot to the suspension bridge is approximately ¼ of a mile. Combine multiple trails for double-digit mileage. Find trail descriptions on the park website. 

Suggested route (10k): Cross the suspension bridge and go left on Cox Mountain Trail (up the hill at the first chance you get) to Fanny’s Ford Trail; connect back to Cox Mountain Trail, return to the suspension bridge and head uphill back to the parking lot. This route with annotated photos can be found here. Take your time in the uphill section after crossing the suspension bridge--the elevation goes from a little over 400 feet to slightly under 700 feet in less than a mile! When you are in the flat sections, take in the view, relax a little bit, and wade in the shallow portions of the river, weather permitting.

For a less populous route, skip the trails on the far side of the suspension bridge altogether. Instead of crossing the bridge, continue straight to Buckquarter Creek Trail. Take a left at the newly rebuilt bridge to get on Holdem Mill Trail, and keep left at all junctures for different views of the river; on a sunny day, you’ll see turtles sunbathing on logs. Be prepared for rapid elevation change. If you to return to the picnic area parking lot the way you came, your total adventure will be between 5.25 and 5.50 miles. You can also take Fieldstone Trail to Ridge Trail (another steep climb), and return to the picnic area parking lot via Shakori Trail and Buckquarter Creek Trail for approximately 7.5 miles (see the route here).      

Packing list: Eco-friendly insect repellent (DEET-free), sunscreen; a good technical hat; towel, water shoes/sandals, and change of clothes if you plan to spend time in the water; a hydration pack and suffucient snacks or meals for the day.

Shoes: A sturdy pair of road running shoes that you don’t mind getting messy would be sufficient, but trail shoes are recommended. Some sections of Holdem Mill Trail require good traction, and a trail-specific shoe will help protect your feet from rocks and roots which are abundant on these trails. Taking your time, paying attention to what’s ahead as well as what’s immediately under you, and lifting your feet completely are ways to make your adventure more enjoyable.

Other notes: Fishing is allowed in the river, but please follow all NC Wildlife Resources Commission guidelines and requirements. Avoid visiting at peak hours such (late mornings/early afternoons on weekends). The river is popular with families in summer and can get crowded. Non-holiday weekdays are typically quiet, and timing your walk, hike, or run with sunrise or sunset create will create a beautiful backdrop with the river, particularly at the suspension bridge.

Submitted by Andy Chang.