Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a small city on the banks of the Eno River. It lies between Greensboro and Raleigh and is about 40 miles south of the Virginia State Line. It’s a great place to spend the day. We just happened to find ourselves there this last Saturday. Terry had a Basketball Coaches meeting at Eno River Academy and I was just tagging along. While he was in his meeting, I drove into Hillsborough and did some exploring. I found a lot of cool things in this small Southern town! The biggest surprise was the “Red Coats”!

Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a boardwalk trail along the Eno River which stretches between Gold Park and River Park. It is great for a leisurely stroll, jogging, or walking your dog! It is a 3.1-mile loop trail, the boardwalk has handrails and benches all along the trail. It’s nice and wide so many people can be walking together and it makes it easy for the jogger to get by.

Eno River

The Eno River is named after the Eno Indians, who once lived along its banks. The Eno rises in Orange County. The river runs through Orange and Durham counties and flows for 40 miles. The river converges with the Flat and Little Rivers to form the Neuse at Falls Lake, which straddles Durham and Wake counties. There are many trails and parks along the Eno River.

Hillsborough Visitors Center-Historic site

The Visitor’s Center is located in the historic Alexander Dickson House, which is a very historically significant building in Hillsborough. A late-18th century Quaker style house which is considered “The Last Confederate Headquarter” was there that Confederate Gen. Edward Johnson prepared surrender papers for Union Gen. William T. Sherman in April 1865. Historical Marker

The day we were there they were having an event, “Revolutionary War Living History Day”. This has been a tradition in Hillsborough for almost 20 years. It recalls the occupation of Hillsborough by British General Lord Charles Cornwallis and his army of 1900 men on February 20, 1781. The festivities include; crafts and games, historic re-enactments and demonstrations, colonial dancing and fire pit cooking, It was really cool to just happen upon this event when we were there!

The visitor center also has some great displays! This is about the Eno Indians who lived along the river.

More Things to do in Hillsborough

• Eno River State Park
• Ayr Mount
• Occoneechee Mountain
• Eno Gallery
• Occoneechee Speedway
• Gold Park
• Johnston Mill Nature Preserve–Chapel Hill, NC
• Old Town Cemetery
• Orange County Historical Museum

Eno River State Park

The Eno River State Park is about 4300 acres in Durham and Orange Counties, with 30 miles of trails along the river. The river is great for fishing or kayaking. Camping is allowed in designated areas of the park, check out this website for reservation information North Carolina state parks

Ayr Mount

Ayr Mount is a plantation house built in 1815 by William Kirkland. The house was named after Kirkland’s birthplace, Ayr, Scotland. At the time it was built, after the War of 1812, it was considered one of the finest residential structures in Piedmont North Carolina. Hillsborough is one of the oldest communities in North Carolina and was an important center of trade during the American Revolution. We did not have a chance to visit this beautiful house but we will in the near future.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

This Natural Area has 4 trails to choose from, 3 are under 1 mile each, but the loop trail, which goes around the mountain, is 2.2 miles. You could fish in one of 2 ponds or have a picnic. It’s a beautiful area!

Old Town Cemetary

The Cemetery was established in 1757, one of the earliest graves is William Hooper, a local lawyer and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence! Definitely worth seeing, and tours are available.

Orange County Historical Museum

The museum exhibits explore the history of Orange County including memorabilia from the Colonial, Antebellum, Civil War and Industrialization eras.

We found a great place to have lunch, Hillsborough BBQ Co. They have great pit-cooked Barbeque! Terry had the pulled pork and I had the brisket. I can honestly say that I have never had better brisket! The plate is 1/4 lb of meat served with your choice of; white, yellow or red slaw, hush puppies, and 1 side. I tried the yellow slaw(mustard-based) and it was amazing!

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We really had a great time in Hillsborough, North Carolina. I love the small towns that we have discovered in our Travels! I am going to be on the lookout for more that I can share with you. Stay Tuned!

This is a waterfall that we found on our way out of town. Tell me about your favorite small town, I would love to hear from you! Please comment & share!

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