How To Plan A Visit To The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail

If you do a lot of hikes in the same area, at some point they start to look the same. It can get to a point where you might want to mix it up. Maybe to see some different scenery, different vegetation, or maybe something really unique. Maybe something like hiking on an old speedway complete with old cars and empty buildings that give it the feeling of a zombie movie set. Here’s my complete guide on how to plan a day trip to the Historic Occoneechee Speedway trail with everything you need to know to prepare for a fun adventure.

How To Plan A Visit To The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail

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FAQ for the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail

Where is it located?

Hillsborough, about an hour and a half from Fayetteville.

What is the cost?

None – parking and hiking is free.

What skill level is required?

Beginner.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes. The caveat to this is of course you know your kids better than I do, so use this guide and your best judgment to decide what’s appropriate for them.

Is it dog-friendly?

Yes, on a leash.

What should you bring with you?

• Comfortable walking shoes – these are my favorite beginner hiking shoes but regular sneakers are good for this trail
• Adventure camera – this is the one I always have with me and I use it with this compact selfie stick and tripod
• Water
• Sun protection
• Snacks or energy gels – I always have a couple of these in my bag with me

Getting there and where to park

Like many of the adventures in North Carolina, getting there is pretty simple. One thing I really love about living here is how so many adventures are accessible, well maintained, and easy to find.

You can use ‘Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trailhead’ in Google Maps and it will lead you to the parking area. Parking is free in the large dirt lot.

The parking area is signed off the road and easy to spot as well.

Where to start the Occoneechee Speedway Trail

From the parking area, walk directly back towards the end of the parking lot. It turns into a path where you can start the trails.

You will come to an information board with a map of all the trails and can then decide which you want to do first. It’s a good idea to take a photo of the map to have as a reference while you’re hiking.

The Speedway Trail is the big star of this area because it’s cool to walk around the old track, but there is also:

• Spectator Trace Trail
• Terrace Trace Trail
• Wolf Tree Trace Trail
• Beach Bluff Trail
• Big Bend Trail

You can do them all in one visit, as they are short and interconnected.

When I went, I started with the Speedway Trail, then came out and followed the trails outside the speedway for some extra exploring and scenic river views.

I also added on an extra detour up the ridge trail and back after walking along the river. It was an uphill walk that went up to a suburban street (Clarkson Ridge Ln.) Nothing particularly amazing to see, but a nice way to extend the adventure and get some extra steps in.

What to expect

On the Occoneechee Speedway Trail, you get to walk around the actual speedway. There’s even two of old cars near the entrance that add an interesting element to the hike and make for a cool photo spot.

Around the grounds you will also see the old grandstand, ticket office, posters, and toilet buildings that give the scene an almost post-apocalyptic vibe. It’s kind of like a large, outdoor museum for this track and I really like the uniqueness of it.

The speedway trail itself is very easy, wide, and on flat ground. There’s not much technical hiking skill needed, so it’s great for beginners and casual walks.

You can also venture off to the side trails in the area and, again, the information boards with the maps can help guide you around.

The trail has a couple of benches along the way if you just want to sit and soak in the ambiance.

Other things to do in the area

If you’re looking to stay for lunch after your hike, I recommend Hillsborough BBQ Company. Fill up on great BBQ food for a decent price and even get a jug of their sweet tea to take home.

Just down from that is Whit’s Frozen Custard if you’d like a sweet treat to top it all off. They have different flavors each day and a big range of toppings too.

If you’d like to do some more walking, you could also check out the Hillsborough Riverwalk.

More guides you might be interested in

• 10 Awesome Hikes 1 Hour From Fayetteville – Kid And Dog Friendly

• A Detailed Guide On How To Find The Waterrock Knob Plane Crash

• The Top 8 Places To Go For A Scrumptious Brunch In Fayetteville, NC

• What To Bring On A Short Hike – Essentials To Always Have On You

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