Occoneechee Speedway Trail

The first half of our hiking trip was spent at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. The second half took us to the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trailhead also in Hillsborough, NC. With the energy we had left, we decided on one more exploration.

The Speedway is now a walking trail but the 44 acre site was once used by Nascar. It closed in 1968. Nowadays you’ll find people from all walks of life walking & running the trail. We met a mother taking her two small sons for a walk there. They were having a ball running, skipping, & jumping. That’s definitely one thing being outdoors is for.

You may not know this but our family enjoys exploring abandoned things & place. This now retired speedway has a couple of rusting cars on the premises to remind passersby of what was. The old cars are cool to see but be cautious if you want to peek inside. Stinging insects now call them home.

While checking out one of the vehicles, we learned a band filmed a music video by it the day before. Ya just never know!

During this time of social distancing, the wide trail is perfection. There’s plenty of space to keep to yourself without getting close to strangers. The trail length is one mile.

The only other things we saw on the premises are a flag stand you can no longer climb, a spectator's area with a lot of steps (you can access it from a trail at the top instead), & an old concession stand. Of course, we wandered around & took random photos.

The area was well kept & quiet. Perfect for a scenic family walk or just hanging out for fresh air. There is a building labeled “Outhouse” but we did not go in. I suggest using the restroom before arriving if possible but I understand how unpredictable things are with kids.

Have you visited this #NCAttraction?