Eno River State Park Celebrates Semicentennial

Eno River State Park Superintendent Kim Radewicz describes her place of work as an “oasis of nature in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Triangle.” The idyllic natural haven encompasses more than 4,600 acres of protected area and boasts more than 31 miles of paths along 18 trails. Its remarkable transformation into a cherished destination, which draws close to 1 million visitors a year, owes much to a group of concerned Durham citizens who rallied against the city council’s proposal to dam the Eno for water supply purposes. This grassroots group, initially known as the Association for the Preservation of the Eno River Valley Inc. and now recognized as the Eno River Association, formed in 1966 and quickly took action to save the natural beauty of the river both by raising awareness in the community through organized hikes and canoe trips as well as by engaging public officials and newspapers.

Eno River State Park joined the North Carolina State Parks system in 1973; this year, the park celebrates the 50th anniversary of that monumental event. The Eno River State Park and the Eno River Association continue to work closely together on land acquisitions, fundraisers, public recommendation evaluations and events such as EnoFest and the annual First Day Hike at the beginning of each year. “North Carolina State Parks are for everyone,” says Kim, greeting yet another park guest and their pup as they pass her by during our interview. She is an avid believer that a ranger’s job is to not only ensure the safety of visitors, but also to teach and lead them to new experiences and trails so they “leave [the park] different.”

Each month, rangers host educational programs about various topics, from the Perseid meteor shower to historical figures such as Fanny Breeze, a formerly enslaved midwife who lived along the Eno in the 19th century.

Kim and her team view themselves as stewards of the park, working diligently to ensure its longevity. Kim is particularly passionate about cultivating a sense of curiosity and a love for nature among younger generations, recognizing the importance of engaging young visitors, as they represent the future of the park and conservation efforts. The park hosts programs for kids, including hikes and its Junior Ranger Program. By exposing children to the park’s wonders, she hopes to create a “ripple effect” to inspire their future choices and foster a lasting appreciation for the environment.

Kim’s daily responsibilities range from managing prescribed fires to addressing law enforcement matters to administering the Junior Ranger oath. She cherishes the opportunity to contribute to the success of the park and its future as a beloved natural resource.

The park recently built a new visitor center and maintenance compound through a 2016 bond project and also acquired more than 200 acres of historically significant land, including the Historic Occoneechee Speedway and the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve. These additions expand the park’s reach and also tack on 3 miles to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Kim says the park is actively working to establish more complete trails for this renowned 1,175-mile hike. In celebration of its legacy, Eno River State Park hosts anniversary events during the third week of August (its official birthday is Aug. 22). Visitors are encouraged to engage with park rangers to discover their favorite spots and gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s natural wonders.

5 Things You May Not Know About Eno River State Park

It was almost a reservoir
In the late 1960s, the City of Durham made a plan to dam the Eno River to create a new drinking water reservoir. A concerned, informal group of local citizens organized to stop the project. They formed the Association for the Preservation of the Eno River Valley Inc. (now known as the Eno River Association) in 1966. Seven years later, thanks to a cooperative effort between the City of Durham, Orange County, the State of North Carolina, The Nature Conservancy and the Association, the first parcel was acquired, and its birthday is celebrated on Aug. 22.

It’s bigger than you think
The linear park encompasses more than 4,600 acres, five access points and numerous neighborhood entries. Park staff and resources also support Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, and by the end of 2023, Historic Occoneechee Speedway and the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve in Hillsborough. That will bring its footprint to more than 4,800 acres – and counting! The park grows almost every year, thanks in large part to the work of the Eno River Association, now the official “friends group” for the park.

It welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year
The state park includes more than 31 miles of trails for hiking, walking and running. These trails are maintained and improved not only by park staff, but also by dedicated staff and volunteers from the Eno River Association and the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Nearly 50 volunteer trail stewards also adopt trails to keep them well maintained for the million annual visitors to the park. It takes a village!

It’s a thriving wildlife corridor
You may have encountered herons, turtles or even deer on the trails, but have you seen a beaver, otter or wild turkey? Thanks to several thousand acres of undeveloped wilderness, the park is home to a wide array of plant and animal life, including some you might never spot yourself. In fact, 14 known rare, threatened and endangered species, like the Neuse River waterdog, can be found in the park.

It’s a sanctuary for cultural history, too
In addition to protecting the natural resources of the Eno River basin, the park’s footprint includes many important historic sites. Visitors can see remnants of dozens of historic mills, the remains of Fish Dam Road – an ancient Indigenous footpath connecting the Occaneechi community at Oxbow to tribes along the Neuse River – or old homestead sites, like that of Fanny Breeze, a Black midwife who had a thriving practice along the Eno River after her post-Civil War emancipation.

• One Eno for All This family-friendly hike highlights some of the best spots to explore the Eno and share more about the current work of the Eno River Association.
• Untitled Hike Hike 2.5 miles to a cemetery of enslaved people as guides discuss the practice of slavery in North Carolina during the Colonial period and leading up to the Civil War.
• Morning Meander Along the Eno Look for wildflowers, listen to songbirds and converse about the history of the park on this 3.5-mile round-trip hike to the Eno Quarry.
• Blind as a Bat Have you ever wondered what a bat sounds like? Do you want to know how bats can “see” at night? Join a park ranger to try to locate some bats and hopefully hear some echolocation.

• Wildlife Trek Look for signs of the wildlife that have called the park home all these years as you trek through the Eno wilderness.
• Fight for the Eno Learn how the community around the Eno came together to protect the river valley and aided in the creation of the state park with this gentle hike at the Pump Station access.