Eno River State Park will see an expansion of 200 acres, including the addition of a historic site, according to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).

What You Need To Know

  • Eno River State Park will see an expansion of 200 acres, including the addition of a historic site, according to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)

  • A $973,000 grant from North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund, along with $500,000 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and other contributions covered the acquisition costs

  • The land features four walking trails and the only surviving NASCAR dirt track, Occoneechee Speedway, from its 1949 inaugural season. The trail system links to the Hillsborough Riverwalk greenway and the state’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail

  • Also included in the deal is the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve, a dedicated nature preserve with the N.C. Natural Heritage Program

The acquisition had been in the works with the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, formerly the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, since 2021.

A $973,000 grant from North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund, along with $500,000 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and other contributions, covered the acquisition costs.

The land features four walking trails, and the only surviving NASCAR dirt track, Occoneechee Speedway, from its 1949 inaugural season. The trail system links to the Hillsborough Riverwalk greenway and the state’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

The walking trail opened through the Jenrette Foundation’s work with the volunteer Historic Speedway Group in 2003, according to DNCR.

“The speedway, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was also one of the first designated locations on the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail, launched in 2023 DNCR to celebrate the state’s unique traditions in distilling and auto racing," DNCR said.

Also included in the deal is the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve, a dedicated nature preserve with the N.C. Natural Heritage Program.

Officials said they are excited the expansion deal protects North Carolina and Native American history.

“This land has a rich history, from its original stewards, including the ancestors of the present-day Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, to its role in shaping North Carolina’s thriving racing industry, and now as part of a beautiful state park,” DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell said. “We are thrilled that it is now protected forever and will remain accessible for the public to enjoy.”

The deal not only protects history, but also endangered animals known in the area, including seven species of mollusk, which the state considers threatened or endangered.

The official ribbon cutting is scheduled for spring 2025.