Get outside! Explore nature near campus

The woods and water can be an integral part of your UNC-Chapel Hill experience -and you don’t have to go far to find them.

The triangle region is full of outdoor spaces to camp, hike, run, and paddle.

Ask any outdoor enthusiast and these spots will be on their list of adventures while at Carolina. Explore them! We start with those closest to campus and swirl outward across the state.

Learn more about these spots – and then, go play outside! (pro tip: Don’t feel comfortable adventuring on your own? Check out Carolina Adventures Expeditions! They provide gear, guides and routes for some of these fantastic adventures.)

Battle Park offers hiking and trail running. Located on the east side of campus and downhill from the Coker Arboretum, the park opens with Forest Theatre and symbolizes the important connection between nature and art at Carolina.
Mason Farm Biological Reserve offers hiking, trail running, and bird watching. Located 2 miles (3 minutes by car) from UNC-Chapel Hill, it is south east of the Botanical Gardens and Totten Center. A pass is free at the visitor education center of the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Bolin Creek Trail includes both paved and unpaved biking, walking, hiking, and trail running options, Located 7 miles or 15 minutes by car from UNC-Chapel Hill. A lovely place to enjoy the outdoors. 
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, picnicking and bird watching. The Farrington Point access is 8.5 miles or 13 minutes by car from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Duke Forest offers hiking, trail running, fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking. Located 10 miles or 20 minutes by car from UNC-Chapel Hill. Duke Forest is used primarily for teaching and research laboratory but also includes limited public recreation. Group activities must be approved in advance.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers hiking, trail running, fishing, camping and picnicking. Located 15 miles or 25 minutes by car from UNC-Chapel Hill, the Occoneechee Mountain summit is the highest point in Orange Country. No fees are charged for the use of this park’s facilities which includes with 190 acres of land and nearly 3 miles of trails.

If you're willing to go a bit further:

William B. Umstead State Park (25 mins)

Boating, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Trail Running, Camping, Picnicking, Cycling available. Located 20 miles or 25 minutes by car from UNC-Chapel Hill. Park includes shelters, campsites, canoes, and kayaks that can be reserved for a reasonable fee.

William B. Umstead State Park

Eno River State Park (30 mins)

Hiking, Trail running, Camping, Fishing, and Canoeing available. Located 20 miles or 30 minutes from UNC-Chapel Hill. A great place to rock hop up the lovely river. Reservations for camping are not required but recommended.

Eno River State Park

Haw River (30 mins)

Fishing, Canoeing, Swimming, Horseback riding, and Paddling available. Located 25 miles or 30 minutes driving from UNC-Chapel Hill. The Haw River has recently made an impressive reversal from a heavily industrial polluted river to a home for a variety of wildlife. Bonus – visit the Haw River Ballroom after a day of play for some live music.

Haw River

Little River Regional Park and Natural Area (35 mins)

Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Bike, Camping available. Located 25 miles or 35 minutes driving from UNC-Chapel Hill. Little River offers a convenient spot to getting into nature including 14 miles of hiking / running or mountain bike trails, a butterfly garden and playground.

Little River

Falls Lake State Recreation Area (40 mins)

Boating, Hiking, Camping, Picnicking, Community Building, Swimming, and Cycling available. A great spot to kayak! Located 30 miles or 40 minutes by car from UNC. Entrance Fee: Car = $5/day; Bus or Van = $10/day
Campsite Rentals: $18/day

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Raven's Rock State Park (1 hr)

Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Picnicking, Camping, Swimming available. Located 50 miles or 1 hour by car from UNC-Chapel Hill. The park offers primitive backcountry camping areas for families, groups and paddlers; all supplies must be carried in, but the solitude is worth the effort.

Raven's Rock State Park

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