Waterfall Hero Hikes: West Point on the Eno

West Point on the Eno is a 400-acre City of Durham park that protects a 2-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River in north Durham. Besides the river, there is a rebuilt grist mill at the site of what was once the largest mill on the river as well as the restored home of the mill owners and an old tobacco barn converted to a photography museum. The West Point Mill was the most prominent mill on the Eno of the more than 30 that once lined the river, having functioned from 1778 to 1942. The mill finally collapsed in 1973. Using photographs, the mill was reconstructed and is currently a functioning water-powered mill. In 1839, a post office was built at the mill. Being the western most point on the route from Raleigh to Roxboro, the area became known as West Point.

Contact Information:

5101 N Roxboro Road
Durham, NC 27704

Phone: (919) 471-1623
Fax: (919) 620-8175

Directions:

West Point on the Eno is located in north Durham, about six miles north of downtown. From I-85, take exit 176 for US-501 North/Duke Street. Drive 3.3 miles north on US-501 and the entrance to the park will be on the left at a stoplight.

Map:

Trails:

There are around 5 miles of hiking trails in the park, including a section of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST).

Eagle Trail:

The Eagle Trail is the longest in the park at just under 2 miles. The trail follows the north side of Eno River from Roxboro Road to Guess Road. The MST piggybacks on Eagle Trail through the park. The eastern end of the trail begins across the footbridge over Eno River. Heading under the road, the MST leaves the park and heads towards Penny's Bend Nature Preserve and Falls Lake Trail. Going left and following the river upstream, Eagle Trail pass right by the West Point dam. Just past the dam, you'll have to rock hop across Crooked Creek. In high water, this can be quite difficult. Across the creek, the trail heads up a bluff and then back down to the river. The next half mile or so is a rocky and very scenic section of the Eno. There are a few mountain laurel along this side of the river, but if you look across there are a lot more on the other side of the river. They bloom in early May and put on quite a show. Near the end, there is a split, where left is MST, staying close to the river. Bear right to stay on the blue-blazed Eagle Trail and climb up a bluff. A spur trail to the right goes to a neighborhood. Go left to reach the end of the trail in about a quarter-mile.

Wildlife:

Steep north-facing bluffs along the Eno River provide a micro-climate cool enough to support Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). In early May, these normally mountainous shrubs bloom and produce beautiful white flowers.