COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Monday, October 5, 2020 - 2:12pm |
Ecology
Weekend delays: Due to increased visitation, several parks are reaching parking space capacity and are having to close temporarily on weekends to incoming traffic. As we move into fall leaf season, please be prepared by arriving early morning or late afternoon on weekends and having a backup plan in case the parking areas are full when you arrive. Weekdays are the best time to visit our parks if you want to avoid parking closures and crowds.
All accesses at Eno River State Park are operating under normal hours. Trails and restrooms are open. The restrooms close regularly throughout the day for cleaning and sanitizing; entry will be prohibited during this time.
The park office is open from Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter the office.
Picnic shelters can be used on a casual, first-come, first-served basis; they cannot be reserved at this time. All water fountains and hydrants are off; please be prepared and bring filled, reusable water bottles.
Tent campsites and group campsites are open. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling Aspira at 1-877-722-6762.
Visitors should make their visits brief and focus on moving through the park without stopping any place where multiple people may be in one area. Please observe social distancing and bring a mask or face covering with you, so that you can use it when you are unable to be 6 feet from other people.
Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. As of October 3, we are following modified Phase 3.
Last updated on: Monday, October 5, 2020The Pea Creek Trail (trailhead located at the Cole Mill access) is closed until further notice. Due to recent storms, erosion has undercut steps, put deep holes into the trail, and significantly damaged the trail. Do Not Enter From Any Access.
Last updated on: Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Contact the park
919-383-1686
eno.river@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Fews Ford access
and park office
6101 Cole Mill Road
Durham, NC 27705
GPS: 36.0783, -79.0050
Cabelands access
4950 Howe St.
Durham, NC 27705
GPS: 36.0400, -78.9888
Cole Mill access
4390 Old Cole Mill Road
Durham, NC 27712
GPS: 36.0599, -78.9804
Pleasant Green access
4770 Pleasant Green Road
Durham, NC 27705
GPS: 36.0459, -79.0115
Pump Station access
4023 Rivermont Road
Durham, NC 27712
GPS: 36.0594, -78.9652
Hours
►
- December to February:
7:00am to 7:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- December to February:
7:30am to 6:30pm
- March to April:
7:30am to 8:30pm
- May to September:
7:30am to 9:30pm
- October:
7:30am to 8:30pm
- November:
7:30am to 7:30pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- December to February:
8:30am to 5:30pm
- March to April:
8:30am to 7:30pm
- May to September:
8:30am to 8:30pm
- October:
8:30am to 7:30pm
- November:
8:30am to 6:30pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- November to February:
Monday to Friday:
8:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:00pm
- March to October:
Monday to Thursday:
8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday:
8:30am to 8:00pm
Saturday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Natural resources
In spite of urban development nearby, the woodlands of Eno River State Park are a peaceful haven. In the past farming and the timber industry took away much of the forest. Now the ridges, slopes, and flood plains are once again thick with vegetation. Oak, beech, poplar, maple, dogwood, pine, and hickory dominate the uplands. Sycamore, birch, and hornbeam shade the river banks.
Mountain laurel, Catawba rhododendron and ferns grow on the slopes and bluffs. Wildflowers bloom in the fields and forest from February through November. Vines such as greenbrier, grape, and trumpet flower are part of the backdrop of natural beauty at the park.
Plant communities along the river provide the perfect home for various animals. In the old fields you can find eastern cottontails and ground hogs. White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and oppossums feed on the fruits and seeds of the hardwood forest. Lucky visitors catch glimpses of chipmunks, otters, and possibly a bobcat.
Birds serenade everywhere in the park. The calls of the red-tailed hawk, barred owl, and crows mingle with the melodies of more than one-hundred kinds of song birds. Wood ducks, great blue herons, and belted kingfishers thrive around the river. Wild turkeys are often seen in the forest.
Beaver are one of the most intriguing animals in the park. This resourceful animal was almost killed off in North Carolina due to excessive trapping but is now back in many parts of the state. They are creatures of the night and seldom seen, but gnawed off stumps and tree trunks are tell-tale signs the beaver has been searching for food. The best times to see a beaver are at dusk or dawn at the river.
Learn more about water managment for the Eno River at the NC Division of Water Resoures website.
Park Maps and Brochures:
