Images from UNC Chapel Hill and Coker Arboretum

Shortly after moving to eastern NC, I began referring to the Piedmont as the land between me and the mountains. I've stopped saying that, for there appears to be some great places we need to visit. So why we started at UNC Chapel Hill, I don't know.

During the drive to UNC, I consulted my Gazetteer to see what outdoor destinations lie close to the university. To the north, I found Eno River State Park, and what looks like the Cox Mountain Trail (Yes, mountains! Although the elevation in this area appears to be less than one thousand feet.) Also to the north, just southwest of Hillsborough, the Occonneechee Mountain State Natural Area. To the south of Chapel Hill is popular Jordan Lake. Around its banks, counterclockwise:

Parker Creek State Recreation Area (SRA)
Vista Point SRA
Poe's Ridge SRA
New Hope Overlook SRA
Ebenezer Church SRA
Poplar Point SRA
Crosswinds SRA

And in various spots around the lake, Jordan Game Lands, so be careful during hunting season. I don't yet know what kind of public access these locations have. They're just more destinations we need to explore. But hey, I'm good with that.

We also walked around Coker Arboretum, which is either on UNC's grounds, or adjacent to them. It was a pleasant stroll, and the shade of the large trees cooled us off on such a warm day.