Eno River State Park—like its namesake—flows near urban areas of Durham and Orange counties with five scattered access areas, each just minutes from town amenities. The Eno River’s waters roll past mature forests, historic mill and home sites and river bluffs covered with flowering shrubs and across fords used by early settlers. The park offers nearly 30 miles of trails along a swift, shallow stream that’s popular with anglers, photographers and sightseers. Backcountry camping at individual sites and group campsites is available but all equipment must be carried in. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted but sometimes difficult due to shallow water.
Camping
Backpack camping
At Fews Ford Access, follow a secondary trail off the Fanny's Ford Trail to reach the Fanny's Ford Campground, 1 mile from the parking lot. There are five sites on a hill a short distance from the river.
At Cole Mill Access follow the Bobbitt Hole Trail to the Piper Creek Campground about 1.2 miles from the parking lot. Five sites are near Piper Creek and a short walk to the river. Each site has a pad for tents, fire ring, lantern hook and bench. A pit toilet serves each campground.
Group camping
The Cox Mountain Group Camp is a short distance from the Cox Mountain Trail and the suspension bridge across the river and is set on a wooded ridge near the river. The hike is 3/8 mile from the parking lot. Maximum accommodation is 26 people.
The Buckquarter Creek Group Camp has two sites near the junction of Buckquarter and Martin Cabin creeks, just off the Ridge Trail. The hike is 1.2 miles from the parking lot. Each site accommodates a maximum of 15 people.
All group sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with benches and a pit toilet. All tents must fit on the pads. Reservations are required.
Activities
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike!
Paddling
Travel the Eno River by canoe or kayak passing through rolling hills and deep forest. Canoeing is usually difficult due to shallow water but is great fun right after a rain which raises the water level creating class I, II, and III rapids. Levels are measured from gauges painted on road bridges and the Durham station USGS river gauge which can be viewed on the internet. Optimal canoeing is 1 to 3 feet on the bridge gauges and 3 to 5 feet on the USGS gauge. Below these levels requires some portaging. Above these levels is dangerous. Personal flotation devices should always be worn.
The best rapids are between Highway 70 Bypass in Hillsborough and Roxboro Road in Durham. The river continues at a slower pace from there down stream to Falls Lake. Canoe accesses are located in several areas of the park. Please respect the rights of private landowners along the river.
Fishing
Wet your line in one of the best fishing streams in the Neuse River Basin. The Eno is a great place for fly-fishing, casting lures, or baiting with the ever reliable worms and crickets. Most of the river can be waded and there are many openings for bank fishing. Commonly caught game fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and the feisty Roanoke bass. Roanoke bass, locally know as "red-eye" are found in only four river drainages in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Chubs and bullheads add to the fishing fun. All North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations are enforced.
Occoneechee Mountain, a nearby state natural area that is a administered by Eno River State Park, also offers fishing.
Picnicking
Two picnic areas provide the perfect spot for enjoying a meal in the open air. One of the picnic grounds is located in the Fews Ford access area, adjacent to the parking lot. Fews Ford has 20 picnic sites, 10 of which are handicapped accessible. An accessible water fountain and restrooms are nearby. A 12-table picnic shelter with a fireplace and grill is also accessible and can be reserved for a fee. The Cole Mill picnic area, nestled in a wooded setting, includes 10 tables and four grills with drinking water and restrooms nearby. A group picnic area includes three tables and grill. Cole Mill also has two wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and an accessible picnic shelter with eight tables and a grill. The shelter may be reserved for a modest fee.
