Eno River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eno River |
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The Eno River near Falls Lake
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 Location of Eno River mouth
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Counties | Orange Durham |
| Cities | Hillsborough, Durham |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of East and West Forks of Eno River about 5 miles north of Efland, North Carolina 568 ft (173 m) 36°07′42″N 079°09′29″W / 36.12833°N 79.15806°W |
| River mouth | Neuse River at Falls Lake Durham, North Carolina, NC 252 ft (77 m) 36°05′42″N 078°48′48″W / 36.09500°N 78.81333°W |
| Length | 40 mi (64 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally east |
| River system | Neuse River |
| Basin size | 259.74 square miles (672.7 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Falls Lake |
The Eno River is a beautiful river in North Carolina, United States. It was named after the Eno Indians, who were Native Americans who lived along its banks a long time ago. The Eno River is the very first stream that flows into the Neuse River. A stream or river that flows into a larger river is called a tributary.
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The Eno River: A North Carolina Treasure
The Eno River is known for its amazing natural beauty. It also has very clean water. People have worked hard to keep the river and its surroundings healthy. Even though the Eno River is only about 40 miles (64 km) long, many parts of it are protected.
Where Does the Eno River Begin?
The Eno River starts in Orange County. It flows through most of Orange and Durham counties. The area of land where all the rain and streams drain into the Eno River is called its watershed.
The Eno River eventually meets two other rivers, the Flat River and the Little River. Together, they form the Neuse River at Falls Lake. This lake is located between Durham and Wake counties.
A River with a Rich History
European settlers began to live along the Eno River in the late 1740s and early 1750s. Many of these settlers were Quakers who came from Pennsylvania.
In 1752, Orange County was created. The county needed a main town, called a county seat. Officials chose a spot along the Eno River near the homes of James Watson and William Reed.
How Hillsborough Got Its Name
The county seat was first named Corbin Town, or Corbinton. It was named after Francis Corbin, who worked for a powerful landowner named John, Earl Granville. The county court met at James Watson's home from 1754 to 1756. After that, a courthouse was built in Corbinton.
In 1759, the name of the county seat was changed again. It became Childsburg, named after another of Earl Granville's agents, Thomas Child. Finally, in 1766, the name was changed one last time to Hillsborough. This is the name it still has today.
Protecting the Eno River's Beauty
Many people and groups have worked together to protect the Eno River. The North Carolina State Parks System, local governments, and private groups have helped. They have protected over 5,600 acres (23 km²) of land around the Eno River.
These protected areas include:
- Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
- Eno River State Park
- West Point on the Eno (a park in Durham)
- Penny's Bend State Nature Preserve (managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden)
Fun Things to Do at the Eno River
The Eno River offers many fun activities for visitors. You can enjoy the outdoors and explore nature.
Some popular activities include:
- Swimming in the river
- Hiking on the many trails
- Fishing for different types of fish
- Canoeing and kayaking on the water
- Backcountry camping, where you can stay overnight in nature
There are also special campsites available for individuals and groups.
