Eno River State Park

Covering 4,200 acres in North Carolina's Durham and Orange Counties, Eno River State Park offers an incredibly diverse range of attractions and outdoor experiences.

Located just a stone's throw from urban areas and all the amenities they provide, Eno River State Park provides an easily accessible nature escape. The river for which the park is named runs through rolling hills and deep forest and is popular with both canoeists and kayakers. The Eno also offers excellent fly fishing and lure fishing, with a variety of species on offer.

Elsewhere, the park has almost 28 miles of trails to explore, allowing you to step well away from everyday life and right into nature. And with thick vegetation home to wildlife that ranges from wood ducks and great blue herons to white-tailed deer and even bobcats, there's no shortage of sights to see.

If you're planning on staying a while, Eno River State Park offers backcountry camping at individual sites and group campsites; however, this is primitive camping and all equipment must be carried in, so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into before you visit.

There are two backpack camping areas:

• At Fews Ford Access, follow a trail off the Fanny's Ford Trail to reach the Fanny's Ford Campground. Located one mile from the parking lot, it features five sites on a hill not far from the river.

• At Cole Mill Access, follow the Bobbitt Hole Trail to the Piper Creek Campground, which is located about 1.2 miles from the parking lot. There are five sites near Piper Creek.

You won't need to pay an entrance fee to get into the park, but be aware that camping fees do apply. If you're bringing your canine pal along for the trip, remember that your pooch will need to be leashed at all times. You'll also need to stick to those areas designated as pet-friendly and clean up after your dog whenever required.

Eno River State Park is one of the most-loved parks in North Carolina, so why not check it out if you ever get the chance?