Orange County MST Birthday Hike with GirlTrek

We will hike along a new 'reroute' of the MST which includes the whimsical "Rachel’s Unfinished Wall." Then after crossing bridges across Cates Creek and a smaller feeder creek, we'll walk up the ridge with dense Mountain Laurel on either side. We'll descend from the ridge top to riverside and walk within sight of the river to the (current) end of the natural surface MST in Hillsborough. We'll retrace our steps, and take a quick lap around the Historic Occoneechee Speedway (passing the grandstands, several old racecars and other historic structures) as we return to the parking lot.

Distance: 3 miles

Level of Difficulty: Moderate 

Type: Out and back

Elevation: 100 foot change 

Location of trailhead: Historic Occoneechee Speedway

Parking: Occoneechee Speedway parking lot, 320 Elizabeth Brady Road, Hillsborough 27278

Time: 9:00 AM 

Hike Leader: Bill Boyarsky, Hike Sweep: BJ Boyarsky

What to bring: Water, snacks, bug spray, hiking poles (if you use them)