Bobbitt Hole Trail to Cole Mill Trail Loop is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Durham, North Carolina that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
birding
camping
fishing
hiking
paddle sports
trail running
walking
forest
river
wildlife
muddy
Not much is known about the history of Bobbitts Hole, nor has much been written about the geologic features that cause the hole. But, one thing is certain, it is a beautiful gem all year long and a great hike along the Eno! At the beginning of the hike, when you are standing at the wayside display, imagine a single-lane steel truss bridge spanning the Eno. This is the old river crossing for the second edition of Cole Mill Road. On the far side of the river stood the McCown Mill (later Cole Mill), which was in operation from 1814-1908. The mill was started using money provided by John Cabe to his fifth daughter Rachel and her husband Moses. As you hike along the river, you will discover beautiful patches of rhododendron and mountain laurel on the shady north-facing slopes of the opposite riverbank. This same side of the river also has the remains of the Alpha Woolen Mills and the foundation of a cabin that was said to be an off-campus party house for one of Duke University's fraternities. Bobbitts Hole was a popular swimming hole, being one of the deepest spots on the river. For those who wish to explore more of Eno River State Park, visitors can stay the night at one of the five backcountry campsites in the Piper Creek Campground.
Very pretty easy hike! Particularly loved the portion by the river. It follows a beautiful section of the Eno river with pretty rocks here and there.
Pleasant, easy trail. Not busy at all on a weekday morning. About half is walking along water which is very nice. Saw a big heron and turtle during our journey. Great low key hike.
Nice views and what not; however the Bobbit Hole didn't look as tempting to swim in as I had hoped.
Enjoyed a leisurely hike with a friend and her dog. Used my trekking poles for the first time here. They were not absolutely necessary, but the many exposed roots gave them a little work out. Lovely trail along the Eno River with pretty views.
Great peaceful walk along the Eno River. I did an extra .4 miles along the river on the way back.
After a nice little hike through the woods, the trail comes out at Bobbitt Hole. We were able to cross over a few rocks and branches to go sit on some big rocks in the river for a little mini-picnic with snacks and water and let the kids take off their shoes to feel the icy cold water. There is also a log bench that overlooks the water. The rest of the trail goes along the river and can be followed to get to Dunnagan trail. Good scenery and lots of rocks to hike across. It was very pretty!
Accessed by the Cole Mill Trail, it is about three miles when completing a loop of both trails. Bobbitt Hole is located at a pretty bend in the Eno River at the far point on the trail. There are a couple small sandy areas along the water's edge. And with the current water level, the rocks above were not difficult to climb on, allowing for a pretty view as the water rushes by into the hole.
Great hike. I love the large swimming hole.
Very nice and easy hike! Great views especially once you start walking along the river. Lots of turtles!
Claire F.
This is one of my favorite go-to trails for a brisk hike or run. Pretty flat and easy with well traveled and pine needle cushioned trail. I also usually spot a snake or too and lots of turtles. This time I came across a truly stunning hornets nest.
On a sunny winter day, we hiked this trail in addition to several others along the Eno River. Bobbitt Hole is accessed via the Cole Mill trail and is a loop through the woods and along the river to a deep "hole" with some nice small waterfalls at its end. Found out it's named for a man named Bobbitt who drowned there. The area is good for trail running, fishing and camping as well. Many of the Eno trails offer multiple river access points for kayaks too. We enjoyed the outing. More info on the history of the area can be found at the eno river association website: http://www.enoriver.org/events-and-activities/what-we-protecthidden-gems-of-the-eno/what-we-protecthidden-gems-of-the-enojanuary/.