About Hill Forest


(Use the links at left to navigate between sections)

RECREATION

Leave only footprints, take only memories


View G.W. Hill Demonstration Forest, Durham Co., NC in a larger map

Driving Directions: By car, the Forest is most easily accessed via Roxboro Rd. (US-501). Traveling north from Durham, turn right from US-501 onto Moores Mill Rd (or left onto Moores Mill if traveling south from Roxboro); your landmark is the Quail Roost Farm sign on the opposite (west) side of US-501. Then take your second right from Moores Mill onto State Forest Road (a gravel road). Anywhere past the Hill Forest sign park on the shoulder, off of the roadbed. Note that at this time, one mile east of Moores Mill Road, State Forest Road is closed due to a washed-out bridge over the Flat River.

As you enjoy Hill Forest, please remember that its primary mission is education and research; recreational users are guests of NCSU's hospitality. When educational and recreational interests conflict (for example, as may sometimes concern logging operations), educational interests are paramount.

All recreational uses of the Forest (including walking) require a current permit from NCSU clearly displayed by the visitor. State Police and Forest personnel can and do check for these permits. Permit fees help to fund the Forest's operations.

To apply for a permit please visit the NCSU Hill Forest web page.

Allowed Recreational Activities (w/ Permit) Include:

  • Walking and hiking (on-trail)
  • Bicycling (on designated trails)
  • Horseback riding (on designated trails)
  • Fishing (with state fishing license)

Additionally, canoeing/kayaking on Flat River is permitted. Note that the stretch of Flat River running through the Forest is owned by Durham County, not by NCSU, so no NCSU permit is required in order to paddle through the Forest on the Flat River. However, if you wish to put-in, take-out, or land within the Forest a hiker's permit is required for every individual. Put-in or take-out on the shoulder of State Forest Road (at the washed-out bridge over the Flat) does not require a permit, as this is state road property. Boaters should bear in mind that the stretch of the Flat running through Hill Forest is one of the most pristine river segments in the state (see 'About Hill Forest: Hydrology'); please treat it with appropriate respect.

Currently, individual hunting permits are not being issued; hunting rights in the Forest are leased by a local private hunting club, and only members of that club may hunt in the Forest.

Highlights of Rules For Recreational Users


(Find complete rules here)
  • Except on Sundays, recreational permit holders are not permitted in the Forest during the gun seasons for deer and turkey
  • Horse and bicycle riders are not permitted in the forest for two days following a 1-inch or greater rainfall
  • Do not disturb vegetation or soil surface
  • Stay on designated trails. Obey 'Trail Closed' and 'No Trespassing' signs
  • If you pack it in, pack it out. This includes horse manure, hay, and shavings
  • Right-of-way on trails: horses yield to walkers and bicyclists, bicyclists yield to walkers (we know, this is the opposite of convention, but it's the rule here)
  • Do not tie horses to trees
  • The Forest is closed between sunset and dawn
  • No motor vehicles in Forest w/o permission. Park on county and state road shoulders. Do not block gates, drives, trailheads, or traffic. Display your dashboard permit
  • No alcohol, guns (except permitted hunters), or illegal activities