Bobbitt Hole Trail to Cole Mill Trail Loop is a 2.4 mile heavily 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.
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.
Bobbitt Hole Trail in Eno River State Park has restrooms and ample parking. Overall Eno State park has camping, shelters, and offers lots of activities. More information can be found here: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/enri/facilities.php
Eno River State Park (919) 383-1686 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27705-9275 eno.river@ncparks.gov GPS: 36.0783, -79.0050 Make an Online Reservation or Call 1-877-722-6762 North Carolina Div. Of Travel and Tourism, 301 N. Wilmington Street , Raleigh, NC, 27601, Phone: 919-733-4171
Hint: Pick up a trail map at the visitor's center or in the box next to the trailhead. HIKING DIRECTIONS to Bobbitts Hole: From where you park at the Cole Mill Access, walk along the parking lot toward the river. When you reach the end of the paved access, you will see a wayside display overlooking the river. Turn right and take the Cole Mill Trail (blazed with yellow dots) along the river until it intersects with the Bobbitt Hole Trail (blazed with red dots). Continue along the river on the Bobbitt Hole Trail, then follow the spur trail to reach the hole. This round trip hike along the river is approximately 2.75 miles. DRIVING DIRECTIONS to Bobbitts Hole from I-85: take Exit 173, Cole Mill Road. Head north on Cole Mill Rd. away from Hillsborough Rd. In 3 miles, you will cross the Eno River. Take the next left onto Old Cole Mill Rd. This is the Cole Mill Access of Eno River State Park. The physical address is 4300 Old Cole Mill Road, Durham NC 27712; if this address does not appear in your GPS, then use this intersectionEno Woods Trail and Old Cole Mill Road. The park will be straight ahead on Old Cole Mill Rd. DRIVING DIRECTIONS to Bobbitts Hole from 147 N & 15/501 N: take Exit 16A off 147 N or Exit 108D off 15/501 N. The exit ramp for 147 will merge into Exit 108D, stay in your lane. If you are coming from 15/501, get in the right lane. As you are coming up the exit ramp, stay in one of the two left lanes. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Hillsborough Road. In 0.3 miles, at the second stoplight from the exit, turn right onto Cole Mill Road. In 3 miles, you will cross the Eno River. Take the next left onto Old Cole Mill Rd. This is the Cole Mill Access of Eno River State Park. The physical address is 4300 Old Cole Mill Road, Durham NC 27712; if this address does not appear in your GPS, then use this intersectionEno Woods Trail and Old Cole Mill Road. The park will be straight ahead on Old Cole Mill Rd.
January 19, 2021
January 17, 2021Nice easy trail, walk through the woods. Heavily trafficked but most people wore masks.
January 13, 2021January 10, 2021January 10, 2021We weren’t able to find the crossing on the river so we only were able to get to bobbits hole. Great hike just shorter than we anticipated.
January 2, 2021Warning! The water crossing is impossible this time of year.
December 28, 2020December 13, 2020This map shows a way across the river and there is Not a way across. We ended up doing a double loop around bobbit instead.
November 14, 2020Little muddy after all the rain this week but nice trail overall
November 8, 2020Probably one of the top 10 most beautiful days of the year. A little hiking, a touch of Tenkara fishing, and two kids I adore.
October 21, 2020Foggy run along the water!
October 18, 2020Easy trail that winds along the Eno - pretty in many spots. Lots of dogs on trail.
October 4, 2020Great trail! Easy to know where you’re going but lots of roots. The part by the water was super pretty and the woods part had small elevation changes.
September 20, 2020September 13, 2020River too high to cross.
September 12, 2020September 5, 2020September 4, 2020August 30, 2020August 25, 2020One of the better trails in eno state park. Not crowded at all
August 21, 2020Nice little trail. My dog and I enjoyed it.
August 15, 2020Good
July 12, 2020Fine day for the trail loop - went early and not too busy! Fun to see a few folks swimming at Bobbit Hole too! We will be back!
June 21, 2020Great trail, well marked with a few places to get your feet wet. Turtles galore! Will do again
June 14, 2020Nice little trail that we hiked along with the other connected trails. Some campsite connections along the way as well.
May 30, 2020Great trail to get a mix of settings. If you take it counter-clockwise you get to go through the woods to the hole outlook and then walk along the river on the way back. Lots of people taking inner tubes and dogs down to the water. Some muddy/rooted parts but overall easy to follow. 2 mi loop was the right distance for a morning walk.
March 16, 2020Nice track with good circular route with some variety. We spotted lots of turtles in the river and enjoyed sitting watching them.
February 17, 2020Peaceful walk along the river.
February 2, 2020One of my favorite in a river trails. If you didn’t know any better do you think you were in the mountains.
