Panther Branch Natural Area (Eno)

Panther Branch Natural Area is a 56-acre nature preserve owned and managed by the Eno River Association.  Panther Branch is a tributary of Eno River in western Orange County.  The preserve was opened to the public in April 2023.  There are approximately 2 miles of hiking trails through the preserve with scenic views of Panther Branch and Eno River.

Directions:

From Hillsborough, head south on I-85 for about 5 miles and take exit 160 for Efland.  Turn right on Mount Willing Road and go 0.3 miles.  Turn right on Forrest Avenue and then immediate left on Brookhollow Road.  Go 1.3 miles and turn right on E. Lebanon Road.  Drive 0.9 miles and turn left into the parking area.

Map:

Trails:

Red Trail:

Red Trail makes an approximately 1-mile loop around the property, intersecting with the Yellow Trail in several places.

Yellow Trail:

Yellow Trail bisects the Red Trail loop and then crosses Panther Branch and makes a small loop along a bend in the Eno River.

Wildlife:

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Spoonshape Barbara's buttons (Marshallia obovata)

Eastern gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens)

Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Venus' pride (Houstonia purpurea)

Common box turtle (Terrapene carolina)

Blog Entries:

14-May-2023: Panther Branch Natural Area

External Links:

Eno River Association website: https://www.enoriver.org/features/pantherbranch/