3 Hillsborough gems to explore

I've traveled in and out of Hillsborough for as long as I can remember. It's a town my father once lived in and where my high school graduation dinner was held. I have many memories there.

Through the years, I've had varying reasons to return. Whether there for business or pleasure, something new seems to pop up consistently. The newness intrigues me. I want to know what's up with Hillsborough.

Adventuristas like me need the inside scoop!

Staying true to form, I've done a bit of research and come up with different itineraries. I'm ready to explore. I can visit an area many times and rarely repeat the same activity.

Many people don't find excitement in exploring locally. I get it. When thinking of travel/exploration, plane tickets and suitcases usually come to mind.

I love that, too! We already have our first getaway booked for summer.

On the other hand, my daughters and I look at exploration a bit differently. The way we see it... there's always something new around us. And we don't have a problem repeating things we've experienced (and enjoyed!) before.

Adventure is out there but you sometimes have to create it for yourself.

As we move through our new Hillsborough itineraries, check out a few places we've already been. They're listed below. Store them in your memory banks but be on the lookout for an article about our new finds.

Last summer, I ushered my girls into the car in search of new-to-us parks. Gold Park looked interesting enough. What really captured our attention were the hiking trails and cool structures along the way.

We didn't realize, however, that the trails ran almost two miles and the structures were not close by. It was our first time hiking as just us girls. Therefore, we weren't prepared to walk very far.

Gold Park is located at 415 Dimmocks Mill Road in Hillsborough. There's playground equipment, an open field for various play, a dog park, and it's connected to the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a paved greenway along the Eno River. It's about 1.8 miles long and stretches East.

Spend a minute with us on the trail and find out what scared us.

Ayr Mount was an unexpected find. I took a few random roads just to explore and came across this place.

Located at 376 Saint Mary's Road in Hillsborough, Ayr Mount is an 1815 plantation home built by William Kirkland. The grounds are beautiful and with just one look, we knew it held a lot of history.

At the time, the house was closed to tours due to Covid. Therefore, we haven't had a chance to thoroughly explore and learn. We did, however, enjoy meandering the ground's many paths.

Get a quick look from our point of view:

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, a local treasure we had no idea about until 2020. In case you're wondering, we also have no idea how it eluded us for so long! My daughters and I fell in love with this splendid place even though the heat was merciless during our visit. It is located at 625 Virginia Cates Road in Hillsborough.

With 190 acres of land, 3 miles of trails, and a summit of 867 feet, prepare to have a full heart and tired legs when you leave. I promise you won't regret one minute of it. Count on Mother Nature to work her magic as you take in the views.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the land is the Occaneechi Indian tribe who first lived there. Learn some of their history.

If you've read any of my previous articles on WRAL.com, you know I often include video footage and blog post links. I also have them for this location.

This link gives you more details and know-before-you-go tips.

This link shows our video (vlog) footage

Occoneechee Speedway Trail... another Hillsborough gem with rich history.

Nowadays you'll find families and individuals alike occupying the one mile trail. Once upon a time, it was used by NASCAR. What's even cooler are the abandoned race cars left on the premises.

The cars fit perfectly with the scenery but beware fellow adventurers. Nature now claims these cars. Your curiosity will lead you to look inside. Be on the lookout for bees, wasps, etc.

See huge photos and get a bit more information and see some video footage.

For more current information about any of the locations above, please visit their individual websites. And remember, respect every place you visit and leave no trace.

Tandra Wilkerson is a regular Go Ask Mom contributor. You can read more of her adventures on her blog, Thriller Mom.