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    Eno Quarry

    4.5 (11 reviews)

    Eno Quarry Photos

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    Yep that's a dead turtle
    John B.

    The quarry, a waypoint on a larger system of trails, is an attraction unto itself. Some people apparently swim, but it seems like a really bad idea. The water is green in an aesthetically fascinating but disturbing way; I don't know whether it's algae or metal contamination of some sort, but the dead turtle I saw floating would suggest I don't want any of that water in my mouth. And that's to say nothing of submerged trees or mining equipment or whatever else might be lurking in the opaque water. No thank you. But even if you abide by the warning signs and stay out of the water, walking the trail and looking around is an interesting enough experience. The water casts fantastic reflections, and there's plenty of pleasant wilderness around.

    Shadow about to jump in the water
    Cheryl C.

    Wanted to be part of the MST's 44th birthday year and decided to do Segment 10 which starts at Eno River Pleasant Green Access and travels down Laurel Bluffs Trail looping around the Eno Rock Quarry for a total of 3.1 miles! The hike is easy to moderate and passes through a heavily rooted path surrounded by lush green foliage! The reward is at the end when you reach the water at the quarry! Beautiful and if you fancy a swim.....jump in! But be careful of rocks and trees under the surface of the water! Great way to spend an afternoon!

    Janice M.

    Located on the outskirts of downtown Durham, the Eno Quarry is nestled unassumingly after a mile hike through the woods. It is best visited during the summer, once you have had a chance to work up and sweat, and for the cool spring waters to feel inviting. The plants and small animals along the way is the start of the journey that transports you to a place that feels like one of it's own. It may begin with the brightly colored insects, and the thickening of the trees, which sprawl and almost take their own sort of personification. You'll cross over wooden steps that lead you down to large stones across a creek, which are reminiscent to childhood memories of playing in the woods. It is then as you venture deeper, the space suddenly opens up to reveal a one of a kind swimming hole, and one of nature's great treasures for the area. Swimming isn't recommended here, but it isn't prohibited either. Go here with others, and always bring a floatation device. If you like the feeling of being submerged in the water, like myself, than bringing a noodle will work just fine. But you definitely want something. If you are particularly concerned, I've seen some wearing life jackets too. The quarry is bowl shaped, and uniformly deep, about 60 feet. There is no where to touch the bottom, or any kind of graceful way to get in- Just hold your float and jump out. There have been several deaths here over the years, but most of those were attributed to inexperienced swimmers, and others, who neglected to exercise their common sense. Teenagers and college students alike often enjoy the trill of the 40 foot cliff dive, but I never would. Be mindful of the that which is unseen below, such as underwater trees, and old machinery. Exercise common sense and you'll be fine. There's a supernatural hold about this place, and a sensation of being open and vulnerable to nature, which is part of the appeal here. Respect the forest, and it will respect you. Like a snake shedding skin, I leave here with a sense of rejuvenation each and every time. If you want physical exercise along with a clearing of mind, this place is highly recommended. Come here for Zen, walk away from any pressures of the week floating on the bottom.

    If you are looking for a fun and adventurous time, I highly recommend checking out the Quarry!
    Maddy R.

    This little hide away adventure is truly one of a kind. It is a quarry that has blue water with gorgeous views. The hiking is light with nice scenic trails going through Durham. There is a pretty river wrapping around the hiking trials and the quarry which is extremely unique. When you are the quarry, you feel like you're in your own world. There are places for you to jump off cliffs and for you to launch yourself off to float into the middle of the quarry. I noticed that a lot of locals like to go there so it's nice to make some new friends as well.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Best place to hang with your friends in a hot summer day. Bring a floatie, and do the hike in sturdy sandals, the hike is super short.

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    10 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Eno Quarry

    Starting at Eno River Pleasant Green access, you can access the Laurel Bluffs trail which will take you out and around the Eno Quarry.

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    Ellerbe Creek Trail - Trail route

    Ellerbe Creek Trail

    4.1(7 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    Since moving from Berkeley, California to North Carolina, my family -- including our high-energy…read moreBasenji -- has been on the lookout for good walking trails. Back in Northern California, we were spoiled with countless dirt trails that often allowed off-leash dogs. To our surprise (and horror ), North Carolina has no off-leash options. That said, the Ellerbee Creek Trail has become our go-to spot. While it's not ideal for our dog due to the leash requirements, it's a paved, 1.5-mile trail that's great for casual walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Coming from dirt paths, the smooth pavement is gonna take some getting used to, but we appreciate it -- especially since it rains often here and this trail doesn't get muddy are slippery. We take our dog on the trail twice a day, and we're truly grateful to have it nearby. It's not a mountain trail, but it's clean, safe, and accessible.

    We tried out Ellerbe Creek trail because it's paved and great for strollers or bikes. We parked at…read morethe Rock Quarry Park lot which is near Duke Regional hospital. We loved the various scenery that the trail includes as it passes lots of little bridges, the Brontosaurus (my goal for this trail), dog parks, and the Vietnam Living Memorial. The trail wasn't too crowded save for the occasional runner or bicyclist. I found Rose L's Yelp review super helpful in terms of the different sections of the trails. We did smell a few sewage-y odors wafting up from the ground but it was only brief and not too overpowering. You can go along the trail as long as you like---we did about 1-2 miles before turning back to the parking lot.

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    Ellerbe Creek Trail
    Ellerbe Creek Trail - First time down this trail the section that goes through the wooda is beautiful. Gonna have to make this a part of my routine.

    First time down this trail the section that goes through the wooda is beautiful. Gonna have to make this a part of my routine.

    Ellerbe Creek Trail - Map trail guide, directly off Trinity.

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    Map trail guide, directly off Trinity.

    Morgan Creek Trail

    Morgan Creek Trail

    4.8(4 reviews)
    10.6 mi

    It's a pretty decent place to walk in there are paved areas, which is nice, but there aren't very…read moremany places that indicate trails lengths or where to go. It's not that huge that I think anyone would get lost and it's very wide open. All dogs on the trail while we went were leashed which was great. Pretty nice place for a picnic with large open grounds. No bathrooms or water that I saw but did have it's own parking lot (although small)

    I usually don't like paved trails, but beggars choosers sometimes. Definitely great for wheelchairs…read moreand slow walkers. I will say there's enough natural elements to distract from the huge concrete sidewalk extending the entire length of the path, which ends up emptying into a community and another fitness path (has outdoor equipment stops) on one end and a pasture of wild flowers (mostly common milkweed for monarch butterflies) roughly midpoint. At the pasture the trail is definitely NOT paved and rather rough to navigate. If you have problems walking, be cautious, yet try experiencing it in the spring and late summer to catch glimpse of the butterflies and their caterpillars eating away before their chrysalis stage. There's a small parking lot at the beginning of the trail big enough for 20 cars. This includes a couple handicap spots. I've been there twice now on the weekend and I've lucked out to find a few spots open. Once you park DON'T head for the tempting metal bridge. Go in the opposite direction where you'll see the regulations sign. Then you'll know you're in the right spot!

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    Morgan Creek Trail
    Morgan Creek Trail
    Morgan Creek Trail - Closeup of the Morgan Creek Trail sign.

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    Closeup of the Morgan Creek Trail sign.

    Eno Quarry - hiking - Updated May 2026

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