A long-awaited acquisition of over 200 acres of land that includes the Historic Occoneechee Speedway to add to Eno River State Park has been finalized, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced. The acquisition process, which began in 2021, was facilitated by the Eno River Association, which worked with the previous landowner, the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation (formerly the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust).
The addition to the state park includes the four-mile walking trail that traverses the only surviving dirt speedway from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season, as well as the adjacent James M. Johnston Nature Preserve, a dedicated nature preserve with the N.C. Natural Heritage Program. The existing trail system connects to the Hillsborough Riverwalk greenway and is part of the state's flagship state trail, the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. The walking trail opened in 2003, through the Jenrette Foundation's work with the volunteer Historic Speedway Group. The speedway, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was also one of the first designated locations on the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail, launched in 2023 DNCR to celebrate the state's unique traditions in distilling and auto racing.
"We are excited about this expansion, made possible through a unique partnership between the Division of Parks and Recreation and two dedicated conservation groups, the Eno River Association and the Jenrette Foundation," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "This land has a rich history, from its original stewards, including the ancestors of the present-day Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, to its role in shaping North Carolina's thriving racing industry, and now as part of a beautiful state park. We are thrilled that it is now protected forever and will remain accessible for the public to enjoy."
The complex acquisition process involved multiple parcels of land and many stakeholders. An adjacent 20-acre parcel along the Eno River bend, containing four known early settlements dating back to A.D. 1000, is now owned by the nonprofit organization, The Archaeological Conservancy. One acre that includes an active pump station was transferred to the town of Hillsborough.
The acquisition was funded through a North Carolina Land and Water Fund grant of $973,000, supplemented by a $500,000 grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Eno River Association also secured a $100,000 gift from the Harkrader Family, which was matched by members of the association, which serves as the state park's local friends’ group. The Jennette Foundation also donated nearly a quarter of the land value.
"We are thrilled to have led the successful closing of the Hillsborough project, marking another critical step forward in our mission to protect the ecological health, cultural heritage, and historical significance of the Eno River basin," said Kim Livingston, the association's interim executive director. "This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our partners, supporters, and the community, who share our commitment to safeguarding this vital resource for generations to come. Projects like this not only preserve land but also reinforce the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes."
Though the centerpiece of the new acquisition has long been protected as a historic site, the land is also crucial to the preservation of the Eno's watershed quality and in providing a movement corridor for the wildlife that call the river and its banks home. It includes several documented natural heritage elements, including the threatened Neuse River waterdog, one of the rarest salamanders found only in two river basins, and seven species of mollusk listed by the state as threatened or endangered.
"We are very grateful for our partners who made this important addition to Eno River State Park possible," said State Parks Director Brian Strong. "This property provides our visitors with new opportunities for outdoor recreation and educational programs on the area's prominent history. It also brings the serene nature oasis of the state park closer to downtown Hillsborough's amenities, supplementing the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area to the south."
An official ribbon cutting to celebrate the acquisition is planned for the spring.
About the Eno River Association
Eno River Association is an accredited land trust and watershed nonprofit founded in 1966 with a mission to protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River basin in northern Durham and Orange counties. It has protected 8,000 acres of natural and working lands and has helped create six local, state, and regional nature parks, including Eno River State Park, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, West Point on the Eno City Park, Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, Little River Regional Park, and the Confluence Natural Area. The association continues to acquire land and secure easements, as well as provide stewardship, education programs, and events like the annual Festival for the Eno to inspire others to prioritize our local, natural resources. Learn more at www.enoriver.org.
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 262,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.