down by the river - hillsborough's river walk

Both the Eno and the Haw run through our area, along with hundreds of creeks and tributaries. No matter what town we're in, there is river access for hiking, sitting, swimming, kayaking, whatever your heart desires. Add to that the lakes and ponds and we are decidedly water rich and it's a perfect way to spend some time. On this day we headed to Hillsborough and hiked one of the Riverwalk trails.

You don't have to meander far along this trail before coming upon Patrick Doughterty's Stickwork installation. It's a one-of-a-kind bent sapling sculpture that was commissioned by the Hillsborough Arts Council. Five towers and one central tower, all created using elm, sweetgum and sugar maple, complete with windows and an oculus in the central ceiling so visitors an view nature from within the framed observatory.

 

Then down to the river, to sit on the huge rock outcroppings.

The river winds it's way under an old train trestle,

giving hikers a rare view of the underside, footings, etc.

 

Riverwalk is a part of NC's Mountain-to-Sea Trail but is an easy walkabout for those of us who want to spend a day in the woods or an afternoon on the river.