Overview
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is located on 190 acres in Hillsborough and has about 3 miles of hiking trails. The rugged terrain supports an ecosystem more typical in western, mountainous regions. Occoneechee's brown elfin butterfly population is 100 miles further east than any other. The natural area contains a former quarry and a portion of the Eno river.
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, beavers, river otters, woodchucks, muskrats, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, rabbits, fish, salamanders, snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, lizards, skinks, great blue herons, green herons, belted kingfishers, songbirds, hummingbirds, bats, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, black vultures, turkey vultures, geese, ducks, wild turkeys, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Plant Life
Mountain laurel, catawba rhododendron, lady's thumb, wildflowers, sunflowers, galax, holly, ivy, ferns, mushrooms, honeysuckles, strawberries, blackberries, huckleberries, sumac, poison ivy, river birch, ironwoods, dogwoods, eastern red cedars, beech trees, oak trees, pine trees, red maples, black walnuts, yellow poplars, eastern hemlocks.
Landmarks
Occoneechee Mountain — the highest point in Orange County at 867 feet.
Location
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is located in Orange County. From Raleigh/Durham, take I-85S to Churchton St (exit 164). Turn right onto Churchton St then turn left at the stoplight onto Mayo St. At the end of Mayo St, turn left onto Orange Grove Rd. Go about 0.4 miles and turn right onto Virginia Cates Rd and follow the parking area signs.
Hours
8 AM - 9 PM May - Aug
8 AM - 8 PM March, April, Sept, & Oct
8 AM - 6 PM Nov - Feb
External Links 
Official Site
Eno River Association
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