Orange County High Point Trip Report
Occoneechee Mtn (860+ ft)
Date: November 23, 2002
Author: Carl Mills
Since this high point is in a state park now, directions are published on the web
here.
The parking area is literally a few feet from a junction of two interstate highways (40 and 85), but the
directions require 4 turns from interstate 85. From Interstate 85, follow exit 164 north onto Churton Street,
then left on Mayo Street, then left on Orange Grove Road, and right on Virginia Cates Road.
From the parking area, follow the trail uphill to the summit. Forest lookout and communications towers are
on the left side of the trail, and the benchmark is on a boulder on the right side.
This is not a high point for seeking splendid seclusion. With two highways nearby, there is almost constant
truck noise. It is likely to be one of the most heavily visited high points in the Tarheel state, since the
Raleigh News and Observer recently featured it in an outdoor article, identifying the high point of the
combined 3-county Research Triange metropolis. Also, there are no orange trees on Orange Grove Road,
or elsewhere in the county.