Fews Ford Access - Multiple Trails

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 3/1/2025 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 2/28/2025 5:00 pm
Leader: Clare Strayhorn
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: R-22, Moderate
Elevation Gain: 650 ft.
Description: Let’s check out the Eno in winter! Eno River State Park is a good place to hike at this time of year – since there is always a chance of seeing a few early wildflowers and daffodils blooming around the old cabins. Also,with the leaves being off the trees, there are many good views of the river. This is the same hike that I led in November but there is a chance that I might not include the portion of the hike with the stream crossing depending on weather conditions and water levels. Please plan to meet at 9 am at the new Visitor Center parking lot on the right just before the end of Cole Mill Rd. The hike will consist of two loops, the longer one on the visitor center side of the river, the other (the Cox Mountain trail loop) on the other side across the swing bridge. The first loop comprising Buckquarter, Ridge, Shakori and Holden Mill Trails will be about 7.5 miles and hikers can choose to do just this part of the hike if they want to do a slightly shorter hike. The 2nd part will take us across the swing bridge for another 4.25 miles. This is a varied hike with plenty to see, good views along the river, old cabins, homesteads, mill sites, and views from the top of Cox Mountain, etc. Trail conditions are rocky and rooty in places especially along the river, so please wear appropriate footwear. Be prepared for a bit of rock scrambling on the Holden Mill Trail. We’ll stop for a snack at a scenic spot on the Holden Mill Trail followed by lunch by the river on the Cox Mt. Trail. Both loops commence from the Visitor Center. From Greensboro, the park can be easily accessed from I-85. Take Pleasant Green Rd. for about 2 miles to an intersection with Cole Mill Rd. Take a left on Cole Mill, and go about ¾ mile to the park entrance. The parking lot and visitor center is just before the end of the road on the right. The total mileage should be around 11.5 miles, elevation about 1000 ft., or 7.5 miles elevation 650 ft. [R-22]