March Trail Spotlight: Eagle Trail

If you’re reading this, no matter what your relationship to trails may be (if you don’t already know), you’re probably wondering what all of the fuss about Year of the Trail is.

The closing paragraph of the Year of the Trail Anthem above sums it up eloquently: “We need trails. To move, to play, to discover. To enjoy, sustain, and to champion…” That is exactly what all of the fuss is. Trails are a critical element in the fabric of North Carolina.

Trails connect one place to another, providing a link, a way to get around. They provide a place for fellowship and community, connecting people to each other. Trails also provide a connection to one’s self through physical activity – ever heard someone say they had a “spiritual experience” after an exceptionally challenging hike, run, ride, or other activity? There’s something to all of that and you don’t need to spend hours out on a trail to reap the benefits of that connection.

Physical activity, being outside, connected, and moving on trails, has been proven repeatedly to have a positive impact on health. Sure, it’s fun, but it’s good for you too! Just about any activity you pick to participate in on a trail is going to have a positive impact on your health. Moving on trails helps build physical and cardiovascular fitness, and coordination. Take enough walks, hikes, or rides, and what once seemed to be a long ways away will start to feel a little closer to home and things that were once unreachable may become achievable goals.

All of those physical benefits are great, but the benefits of being outside and discovering new places, understanding what you are capable of doing, the fellowship with (or without) others, and the time spent in nature will do wonders for your mental health too. Studies have shown that physical activity outside can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even improve cognitive function.

Trails play such a vital role in North Carolina. Those who live in The Great Trails State, and those who visit, use trails to get outside. To move, explore, discover, and have fun. These trails also play a vital role in the state’s economy, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. Did you know that tourism related to trails in North Carolina sustains over 160,000 jobs?

March Trail Spotlight: Eagle Trail

The Eagle Trail stretches for nearly two miles along the north bank of the Eno River, passing westward from quiet waters of the millpond to the Sennett Hole before finally reaching Guess Road. The trail offers magnificent views of the Catawba rhododendron and mountain laurel clinging to the rocky bluffs on the opposite bank. The trail is named in appreciation of the many Eagle Scouts who have labored countless hours over the years in the completion of various Park improvement projects. The entire trail is part of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the two trails overlap in the park. The trail starts at the small parking area across a bridge and over the Eno River. Visitors will have to park, and then retrace their steps to reach the trail.

Each month DPR will highlight a trail and provide Durham residents with a trail focus self-guided activity. Residents are encouraged to visit the monthly Trail Spotlight and complete a self-guided activity and photo challenge for a chance to win a DPR Play More Pack! Download March Trail Spotlight & Activity: Geocaching at the Environmental Education Pavillion Activity.

Part of this blog was adopted from Great Trails NC's blog, The Great Trail State. Read their full blog here.