25 min hike to the swimming hole. Park in the 2nd lot. And head towards the mill. Path on the left brings you to the dam. Trail is on the left. Follow till it comes to a valley and a bench you are 1/3 of the way. Keep going it eventually turns to the the left at a little Vista with another bench trail bends to the left you are 2/3s there. Follow trail and it decends to the stream and comes to a narrow stream bed. You cross the stream and are 2 min from the swimming hole. Follow the path and you come to a beautiful swimming hole. There are snakes. Be on the lookout, we have seen three but they didn't pose a problem. Also path opens and there's a lot of rocks approaching the water. Careful they are slippery. However, once in the water is beautiful and refreshing and when you get to the inlet it has a sandy bottom. Some people fish here and we found a hook once so water shoes or sandles are a must.
Fantastic spot though.
Jonathan Howes
Oct 29, 2022
5
Great park. Able to paddle around if you want! Nice, marked trails. Busy in summer, but Oct-March you may have a trail to yourself. Nice escape just minutes from downtown Durham.
Ted Queen
Sep 24, 2022
5
Always enjoy visiting this park. Went on a weekday so it wasn't crowded at all. Some of the trail markers need to be refreshed but it was easy enough to follow.
Shelia Edwards
Aug 21, 2022
5
I walked through here and enjoyed the scenery. I miss the previous look, but the trails are nice and challenging for people and dog walkers. You will see dogs and owners in the water playing and having fun. There are poop bags available and all dogs should remain on a leash. There is a map available to see in the parking lot and port a potties to use. The mill is open to see. There is water all around to swim in. Picnic tables and much more to enjoy and see.
Oyuki Allen
Aug 20, 2022
4
Most sweet serence hike and had several close deer sightings. Plenty of parking and did the Eagle trail that was roughly 3.5 mi total.
Rachael McGhee
Aug 20, 2022
5
Fantastic park with great wide trails by the river to walk through. Large rocks in the river you can sit on. Some people were swimming and there was a small fall. There's a neat swinging bridge. Very nice park!!
Penetta Craig
Jun 11, 2022
5
I love this park. Love spending time in and around the water and walking the trails. Please keep Westpoint Development away from this amazing place. This wonderful Durham gem
Jonti Talukdar
Jun 10, 2022
5
The fireflies are out, and it's the perfect time for a dip in the cool water on a warm summer evening. Lovely to walk around the trails in peace and solitude. Make the most of out of the longer days ahead.
Nelson Williams
Apr 3, 2022
4
A large park with decent pavilions/shelters for groups. Ample parking. While we were there, one of two bathrooms was closed. Then that second bathroom closed because the toilet was clogged. I was ready to write a brutal review of the park, but on a Saturday afternoon, a repair person got both bathrooms working, cleaned, and reopened. Good effort on a weekend. There's shopping near the park entrance, making it convenient to buy things you may have forgotten to bring. So, good location, facilities, and maintenance.
Jenna West
Mar 29, 2022
5
Beautiful trails, easy parking and wide open fields. Love that it’s close to so much but still feels secluded in nature. A great park for small children and easy trails for walking.
Twisted Sixs
Mar 24, 2022
5
Cool place to hang out. Weekends are a bit busy but got lots of room canoeing on weekends great nature trails also would definitely recommend.
