Hillsborough is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. It sits 12 miles west of Durham. Most Triangle residents have driven past it on I 85 without stopping. That is their loss. Hillsborough has a Colonial era downtown, a real arts scene, and genuinely good restaurants. And hidden inside a state park on the edge of town are the ruins of the Occoneechee Speedway, one of the original NASCAR tracks.
A Quick History of Hillsborough
The town was settled in the 1750s. It was a major meeting point during the Revolutionary War and one of the most important towns in early North Carolina. The main street still has 18th century architecture. There are historical markers, a courthouse that has been in continuous use since 1845, and walking tours worth 30 minutes of your time. The history here is real, not manufactured for tourists.
The Occoneechee Speedway: NASCAR's Forgotten Track
This is the most interesting thing in Hillsborough that most people do not know about. Occoneechee Speed Way opened in 1948. It was one of the original tracks on the NASCAR circuit. The great drivers of the era raced here, including Curtis Turner, Herb Thomas, and a young Richard Petty. The track ran until 1968. Then highway construction made access difficult, and it was abandoned.
Today the track is preserved inside Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. You can walk the entire original 0.9 mile track through the woods. The banking is still visible. Old grandstand footings are still in the ground. A handmade sign near the start and finish line marks where it all happened. It is eerie and fascinating and completely free to visit.
OCCONEECHEE SPEEDWAY, HILLSBOROUGH NC
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
The park sits right at the edge of downtown Hillsborough. It is small, about 190 acres, but it packs a lot in. The main summit gives you views of the town and the Eno River valley. The track walk is the star attraction. But the ridge trail is worth doing too. Give yourself two to three hours if you want to do both.
ORIGINAL TRACK SIGNAGE, OCCONEECHEE SPEED WAY
Downtown Hillsborough
The main street is King Street. It has independent restaurants, galleries, and shops. It feels genuinely historic without being a tourist trap. The art scene here is real. Hillsborough has a large number of working artists and galleries that show their work. The town hosts a gallery walk on the first Friday of each month, and on Saturdays in summer, through the Hillsborough Arts Council.
Where to Eat in Hillsborough
A few spots worth knowing about:
- Hillsborough BBQ Company. Casual and solid. Good NC barbecue on Nash Street.
- Wooden Nickel. Burgers, sandwiches, and a good beer list. Reliable and not crowded.
The restaurant scene is small but the quality is high. King Street has several independent spots worth walking through before you leave.
Getting There
Hillsborough is 12 miles west of Durham on I 85 and US 70. It is an easy day trip from Raleigh (about 25 minutes), Durham (about 15 minutes), Chapel Hill (about 15 minutes), or Greensboro (about 45 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough NC?
Occoneechee Speed Way was one of the original NASCAR tracks, opened in 1948. Drivers like Curtis Turner, Herb Thomas, and Richard Petty raced here. The track closed in 1968 and was abandoned. Today the 0.9 mile dirt track is preserved inside Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. You can walk the entire track through the woods. The banking and grandstand footings are still visible. It is free to visit.
Is Hillsborough NC worth visiting?
Yes. Hillsborough is one of the most underrated day trips in the Triangle. It has Colonial era history, independent restaurants, a real arts scene, and the Occoneechee Speedway hidden inside a state park. Most people live in the Triangle for years without ever stopping here.
How far is Hillsborough from Durham and Raleigh?
Hillsborough is about 12 miles west of Durham, roughly 15 minutes by car. From Raleigh it is about 25 minutes. From Chapel Hill it is also about 15 minutes. It sits on I 85 and US 70, so it is easy to reach from anywhere in the Triangle.
What are the best things to do in Hillsborough NC?
Walk the abandoned Occoneechee Speedway track inside the state natural area. Hike the ridge trail for views over the Eno River valley. Browse King Street for independent restaurants and galleries. Check the Hillsborough Arts Council events for the monthly gallery walk. And stop for barbecue at Hillsborough BBQ Company before you leave.
Hillsborough is 15 minutes from Durham and most people have never been. Go on a weekday if you can. Walk the speedway. Eat on King Street. It is a complete afternoon, and you will wonder why you waited so long to stop.