Orange: Hotels Between Nature and Culture

Orange offers a range of very different places to explore: Trails along the Eno River wind through river and forest landscapes, while historic sites and a farmers market shape the offerings in Hillsborough. As you plan your trip, consider whether you would rather hike, visit historic places, or discover local products. The destinations below showcase different sides of Orange County.

Trails Along the Eno River and Through the Forests

Eno River State Park is located in Durham and Orange counties and stretches along the Eno River, with seven access areas. At Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, trails pass through forests of mountain laurel and rhododendrons. At the summit, a lookout offers views of the sunset. Two quiet fishing ponds complement the nearby Eno River.

The Riverwalk offers a different kind of trail: it is a paved, accessible urban greenway along the Eno River. Stretching nearly two miles, it runs from Dimmocks Mill Road or Gold Park through West Hillsborough and downtown to the trails on the Occoneechee Speedway grounds. Check current access conditions before your visit.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden also combines display gardens with additional trails. The gardens feature native plants and invite visitors to stroll. Beyond them lies an 88-acre forest with three miles of trails that follow streams and wind around hills. You can choose from different settings: a paved path through urban areas, mountain forest trails, or garden grounds with adjoining woodland paths.

Historic Sites and Local History

Ayr Mount, a Federal-era mansion built by William Kirkland in 1815, stands in Hillsborough. The Ayr Mount Historic Site also includes scenic trails and grounds. The Burwell School Historic Site preserves the location of the Burwell Academy for Young Ladies, one of North Carolina’s earliest girls’ schools. The grounds include the Burwell residence, an original brick classroom building, a rare brick outbuilding, and formal gardens.

The Old Orange County Courthouse was built in 1844 in the Greek Revival style; local builder John Berry designed and constructed the building. Blackwood Farm Park offers a different perspective on the history of rural work. It preserves a historic farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, corn crib, and other outbuildings. In May 2023, after more than a year of construction, the park fully reopened with the addition of an outdoor amphitheater and an educational trail.

The Occaneechi Village Replica Site is located along the Riverwalk in River Park, behind the Farmers’ Market Pavilion. It reconstructs a 17th-century Occaneechi village and is near the site of an actual village of the tribe from about 300 years ago. Visitors who want to combine historical context with a walk will find a direct connection to the Riverwalk here, while the reconstruction remains distinct from the original village.

Motorsports history is another notable theme: The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail follows the only surviving dirt racetrack from the first NASCAR season in 1949. The site covers 44 acres and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May 2002. Today, hikers, joggers, and other active visitors use the trail. Unlike the historic buildings, this site connects racing history with a trail that is also used for outdoor recreation.

Local Products and Market Atmosphere in Hillsborough

Orange County has well over 600 farms, and local products can be purchased directly from producers, in stores, or at farmers markets. The Eno River Farmers Market is located in downtown Hillsborough. There, you’ll find fresh farm-grown fruits and vegetables, cheese, pasture-raised meat and eggs, local craft beer, wood-fired baked goods, prepared foods, lacto-fermented foods, and crafts by local producers.

The market program includes live music, storytelling, arts and crafts activities, and cooking demonstrations. The program may change, so check the schedule if a particular event is important to your visit. Together with the trails and historic sites, the market offers a practical choice for different travel interests: nature, history, or local products can be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Franklin County, Alamance, Forsyth, Rockingham County, Stokes County.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.