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You are here: Home / Diary / Geology Hike at Occoneechee Mountain offers education, scenic beauty

Geology Hike at Occoneechee Mountain offers education, scenic beauty

November 20, 2016 By Michelle Rogers

Geologist Jean Michel-Margot with hikers at the summit
Geologist Jean-Michel Margot with hikers at the overlook.

This weekend I got to do something that’s been on my want-to-do list for a while. I went on the guided Geology Hike at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in Hillsborough, N.C.

Geologist and author Jean-Michel Margot, originally from Switzerland and now retired, is a volunteer with the park and leads the hikes.

At 867 feet above sea level, the Occoneechee Mountain summit is the highest point in Orange County and is the highest point between Hillsborough and the Atlantic Ocean. The park encompasses 190 acres of land and includes over three miles of trails. It’s located next to I-85 and conveniently accessed.

What’s interesting about this park is that despite its name, it isn’t in the mountains. Hillsborough is located in the Piedmont section in the middle part of the state, over 100 miles from the Blue Ridge. It’s hilly, with lots of rolling farmland interspersed with flat parts but that’s about it. So to have a “mountain” here seems a bit out of place, but Margot says that technically this area is part of the Appalachian Mountains.

One hiker asked, “Is this a real mountain?”

“I learned geology in the Alps,” said Margot, with a smile. “To me, this isn’t even a hill!”

But he says you be the judge. He explains that Occconeechee Mountain is a ridge, with volcanic origins. It is made mostly of quartz — the same mineral whose crystals make up the sand on the beach. Learn more

The Geology Hike is offered once a month and lasts about an hour and a half. Normally attendance is around 25 but November’s hike was the largest group of participants to date, about 50. With the day featuring peak fall colors and beautiful weather, this was the place to be! Attendees included a cub scout troop and their parents, and other visitors of all ages.

If you’re looking for a wonderful park to visit that isn’t remote, and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the natural environment, you’ll love this hike.

Here is my photo tour of the Geology Hike:

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology Hike
To begin, hikers meet at the picnic area by the parking lot. Jean-Michel Margot gives an introduction to the park and its history and geography.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
The group sets off on the Overlook Trail.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
The trail is easily accessed and navigable.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Heading up on the Overlook Trail; others are returning.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Margot stops at various points along the way to point out features and interesting geological facts about the location.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Demonstrating a few geologist tools of the trade.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
What’s in this rock? Let’s find out.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Heading for the overlook and enjoying the gorgeous fall scenery.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Overlook

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Learning at the overlook

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Back on the trail, on the way down.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
This family-friendly Overlook Trail is well suited to hikers of all ages and abilities.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
Overlook trail, with entrance to the Brown Elfin Trail in the distance.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
There’s no place I’d rather be on a beautiful fall day than exploring one of North Carolina’s state parks!
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Geology HIke
I wasn’t familiar with the Japanese term “Forest Bathing” but the concept certainly resonates with me. Shinrin-yoku — a visit to the forest for relaxation, a chance to stroll through nature and take in the atmosphere for one’s well-being, literally “forest bathing.” The park is offering a Forest Bathing/Nature Hike, too.
Shinrin-yoku…(Japanese) a visit to the forest for relaxation; a chance to stroll through nature and take in the atmosphere for one’s well-being; literally “forest bathing.”
Fishing area near the park’s entrance

Want to visit?

For more information on this park and upcoming events, see http://www.ncparks.gov/occoneechee-mountain-state-natural-area.

To find out about other guided hikes in North Carolina, visit http://gohikenc.com.

© Michelle Rogers, Inc.

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Filed Under: Diary, Fitness, Travel, Videos Tagged With: fall, fitness, hiking, mountain, North Carolina, outdoors, walking, What It's Like, workout

About Michelle Rogers

I'm a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Health Coach, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and a Senior Fitness Specialist. Visit my fitness services website!

About the Editor

Welcome to my healthy living blog! My name is Michelle Rogers. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Health Coach, a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and a Senior Fitness Specialist. I … Read more

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