We went for a walk with my 2 year old and it was a great place for him to run around some and also appreciate some nature. Occoneechee Speedway Last updated September 04, 2019. My family really enjoyed this unique trail- my husband especially since he is a NASCAR fan. Of course I’m sure it was never intended to be creepy. 29 Other Attractions within 5 miles. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Nearby I found another vintage stock car, this one much more colorful and of a later model. The Occoneechee Speedway Trails are located on Elizabeth Brady Road which is found off US Hwy 70 just east of Hillsborough (not the Bypass 70). I do find, Hotels near Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, Hotels near Orange County Historical Museum, Hotels near Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop, Hotels near (GSO) Piedmont Triad Intl Airport, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Hillsborough, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Tickets. There is now plenty of parking and it is connected to Riverwalk so if you get bored on the speedway, you can head over to walk along the Eno River. HOST is a walking trail through natural and cultural history. He shares original nature photojournalism on this site, Mark All My Words. The other part is that it’s been largely overlooked and forgotten by the rest of the world, especially now that it’s no longer an active race track. Hillsborough BBQ Company (366) 1.4 mi $$ - $$$ American. On the other side of the river is Ayr Mount, a renovated historic home. Since that time, however, the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust has acquired the site and made a priority of keeping it in presentable shape. Best of all, they’ve kept it free and open to the public. After satisfying my curiosity, I walked away from it with a renewed appreciation for the safety features in my own car, however clunky it may otherwise be. A couple of old race cars sit next to the track. After heading north up the track for about a tenth of a mile, I came to one of the historic stock cars on display, apparently driven by Herbert Cates. Most of the time my hiking takes me to locations of exceptional natural beauty. Between Number 2 and 3 turns, you are along, but not right on the Eno River. Before I get into my experience of exploring this site, I should mention that I’m not really a fan of stock car racing. Historic Occoneechee Speedway is one of only three raceways on the National Register of Historic Sites. Of course the history’s nice, but it’s no substitute for seeing it with your own two eyes. This was especially true of a recent hike to Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Walking to the northernmost end of the track, I noticed a trail diverging from the track and decided to follow it. Newly blazed is a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail, veering off across Cates Creek on a new footbridge, along the southern bank of the Eno on its way to Hwy 70. After finishing the very short but pleasant Big Bend Trail, I returned to the speedway itself and finished the 0.9 mile circuit. Then, in 1968, protests from local clergy — who were tired of parishioners being absent from their pews on Sunday, the official race day — led to the eventual closing of the track. After walking another quarter of a mile, I came to a tin fence, about eight feet high, stretching north and south, apparently salvaged from original materials. There are usually brochures at the trailhead with maps. Even so, the pine, beech, and oak trees that surround the track are a superb complement, framing the location quite nicely. Put this one on your bucket list and soon. Historic Occoneechee Speedway 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd Hillsborough NC 27278. These locations often feature rivers, forests, wetlands, and wildlife — which are to be expected on a hiking trail. Climbing up the stairs, which are steeper than they look and occasionally unstable, I made my way to the top of the stadium and looked out over the speedway, which extends about a quarter of a mile to the north and south from this point. You start off with a short 0.2 mile walk to access the Spectator Trace Trail...all these other trails other than the main speedway trail are short and uneventful, except for perhaps the Big Bend Trail.