Amirite? Today this unique outdoor site allows for a diverse range of activities and is enjoyed by individual hikers, joggers and other sports enthusiasts. The Occoneechee Speedway site is now heavily forested with pines and sycamores. March and October 8 am – 6 pm This 44-acre site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2002. Hillsborough, NC, 27278, Site is open during the following times: *, Jan., Feb., Nov., Dec. 8 am – 5 pm As you get closer to the river, the trail turns to more singletrack and there are several benches to enjoy the bluffs above the Eno River. It was later expanded and used by NASCAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Land. It’s an old racetrack that was in use from 1948-68 and in 2003 was converted to a park with trails. The grandstands are still visible, as is much of the mile–long oval track. About Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail. Located near Hillsborough, NC Occoneechee Speedway was one of the first two NASCAR tracks to open and is the only track remaining from the inaugural 1949 season. Hiking Sycamore Trail to Chainsaw Log, a Fallen Tree Sculpture in the Woods; Hiking to Big Lake and Oak Rock at William B. Umstead State Park; West Point on the Eno. Old building such as the defunct ticket booth dot the path. Apr., May., Aug., Sep. 7 am – 7 pm Photos: Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail preserves early days of NASCAR, June 2020, Historic Occoneechee Speedway a glimpse of Nascar’s roots, July 2018, Occoneechee Speedway: A NASCAR field of dreams from the inaugural 1949 season, April 2018, A Relic From Racing’s Early Years, Repurposed, July 2012, © 2020 CLASSICAL AMERICAN HOMES PRESERVATION TRUST. PHOTO CREDITSWEB DESIGN BY TRUAX & COMPANY, Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail (HOST) & JMJ Nature Preserve, Photos: Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail preserves early days of NASCAR, Historic Occoneechee Speedway a glimpse of Nascar’s roots, Occoneechee Speedway: A NASCAR field of dreams from the inaugural 1949 season, A Relic From Racing’s Early Years, Repurposed. If COVID-19 weren’t a thing, I highly doubt Justin and I would be spending so much time exploring Raleigh’s parks, trails, and greenways. Car parking is available. Exploring Hillsborough’s Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail. THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS, Dolly for president! Along the beginning of the trail, you'll find different historical and informational displays. Four miles of trail take you along the banks of the Eno River where you’ll walk around the only surviving dirt speedway from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season. *Site may be closed without notice for repairs, weather, holidays or special events. Today, the site of the old race track is now the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, maintained by the Historic Speedway Group, who have reclaimed the track from the forest that devoured it over the last 50 years. June and July 7 am – 8 pm. The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail (HOST) and the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve are under the care of Classical American Homes Preservation Trust and are located beside the Eno River (opposite from the location of the Ayr Mount historic house). Trail, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust. ENTRANCE TO THE TRAILS FOR HOST AND THE  JAMES M. JOHNSTON NATURE PRESERVE IS LOCATED AT: 320 Elizabeth Brady Road The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail (HOST) site now has 44 acres of trails, both along the track itself and in the surrounding woods, which border the Eno River just across from Ayr Mount (the same company owns both properties). This trail provides a network of twists and turns on the outskirts of the old track. ht, “There’s always been a rainbow hangin' ov, What are your favorite Halloween season family tra, Here is a fun fact about me: I love children’s l, Jack woke up at 5:30 this morning, so I will be gu, If you missed it, our breastfeeding journey at 8 m, Did you know we love @auntfannies?! Over the past 20 years, the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, which is owned and managed by Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, has achieved a number of milestones, but the most treasured moment to Crowther was when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, one of only three racing venues on the list (the other two being the Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Hiking Beech Bluff Trail at Occoneechee Speedway; William B. Umstead State Park. The site is now heavily forested in 40 year old pines and sycamores. In fact, I have been spending a lot of time lately reframing my mindset and thinking about all the things this global pandemic has given me instead of taken from me. Visitors can walk the old dirt loop and try to imagine the excitement of the track’s glory years. Their non-toxi, I spent years after my mom’s death avoiding this, Showing Jack my alma mater was such a special mome, Who does the packing in your household when you tr, This week Jack and I will celebrate a huge milesto, Today on the blog: How to match your living room p, Dammit, Hali Weekends: The Best Memorial Day Weekend at Home, Dammit, Hali Weekends /// Sunshine, Paint & Open Thoughts on Mothering a Newborn During a Pandemic, Dammit, Hali Weekends /// More Bathroom Updates & A Big Milestone for Jack. It’s the last remaining dirt track from NASCAR’s inaugural 1948 season. The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail in Hillsborough is one of those places, and it combines several of my favorite things — history, outdoors and fitness. If you're looking for a moderate to strenuous hike, go to Occoneechee Mountain. A volunteer group named the Historic Speedway Group (HSG) worked tirelessly for ten years (2006-2015) to help maintain the grounds and preserve the legacy of the Occoneechee-Orange Speedway: a site integral to the histories of NASCAR and Hillsborough. Wildflowers, Create Recommended Route or West Point on the Eno: The Mill That Became a Park on the Banks of the Eno River ; Hiking Warren Creek in Search of Sennett Hole; Nature. Admission to the trails is free. Classical American Homes Preservation Trust. HOST is a walking trail through natural and cultural history. The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail (HOST) and the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve are under the care of Classical American Homes Preservation Trust and are located beside the Eno River (opposite from the location of the Ayr Mount historic house). The original track was a half-mile horse track built by Julian S. Carr for Occoneechee Farms. We watched a docume, You didn’t ask for it, but I’m giving it to yo, Our first family trip to the pumpkin patch was a s, A little Sunday afternoon toy organizing “fun”, I think I’m gonna kick it with my mom today. HOST is a walking trail through natural and cultural history. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and now comprises 44 acres (180,000 m 2) with over 3 miles (4.8 km) of trails. The 1-mile oval Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was active from 1948-68, attracting the best stock car drivers and thousands of spectators.