Holden Mill Trail — Attraction in Hillsborough

6-27-21

This is my favorite trail in the park.

Few's Ford access and Piper-Cox lot (near Few's Ford) via the Buckquarter Creek Trail. Yes you will have to walk part of the Buckquarter Creek Trail (some stairs and up and down) to get to it. You will come to a bridge, cross it, and then signage will be there for it. It is a 2.6 mile loop and 4.1 miles including the Buckquarter Creek Trail. Yellow blazes.

The trail starts at the aforementioned bridge. It is a gradual climb for about half the trail but nothing too strenuous. Wide and well formed. Some open and non-shaded areas. High canopy. Saw three deer today on the uphill climb section. The last half is downhill, gradually, and takes you along the riverbank. There are a ton of rocks, roots, boulders, and outcropping. Rapids galore. Turtles and water fowl all over the place. Will add that this section has a ton of slippery rocks, roots, and boulders you must cross and go through. You will need good shoes and crossing these after heavy rain would be extremely difficult. Wouldn't recommend people who are out of shape or have poor balance to do this trail. Saw some seniors trying to do this and they turned around. Frankly, it's tough for some.

The varied terrain and the chance to see wildlife make this an excellent trail. Total return value in my opinion.

Would consider this a solid moderate trail for the...

This is a fantastic all around trail. It's mostly beginner friendly. I took my mom here two weekends ago and she had a great time on her first ever hike.

The trail is well maintained, easy to access and has clear markers for which direction to go. It's seems to be popular but not crowded.

There are some very beautiful views but you don't feel like you have to hike or walk to a certain point for it to be worth it.

Some hopefully helpful tidbits: it can be slippery in the fall/winter because of the leaves (especially on the inclines) there are some snakes in the summer (check where you put your hands & feet) when things look treacherous there are usually two paths to take (one might be more comfortable to you...

This is a trail on the Eno River accessible from the Few Fords parking lot. The bridge that takes you across the river was closed when my wife and I were there in Jan 2019. It is worth trying in the future, because the trail is flat and has views of the river rarely seen. It is also less traveled than the path that most people want to use that takes you over the...