Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Outlook at Occoneechee
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 Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Orange, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 221 acres (89 ha) |
| Established | 1997 |
| Named for | Occaneechi Tribe |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area |
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is a special park in Orange County, North Carolina, United States. It is right next to the town of Hillsborough. This natural area covers about 221 acres (0.89 square kilometers). It includes Occoneechee Mountain, which is the highest spot in Orange County. The mountain stands at 867 feet (264 meters) tall. This area was also once home to the Occaneechi tribe.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Occoneechee Mountain
Occoneechee Mountain rises more than 350 feet (107 meters) from the Eno River. Its peak is the highest point in Orange County.
Ancient Times and Unique Wildlife
Scientists believe that the plants and animals in this area have stayed mostly the same since the last Ice Age. This is because of a rare butterfly called the brown elfin. There are also several special types of plants found here. The brown elfin butterfly usually lives in mountains or northern areas. The closest group of these butterflies to Occoneechee is over 100 miles (161 kilometers) to the west.
After the Ice Age, the Piedmont region changed a lot. It became too warm for the brown elfin and other species that liked cooler weather. These butterflies were then mostly found only in the state's mountains. However, the brown elfin butterflies at Occoneechee Mountain managed to survive there.
Native People and Modern Park Creation
The land where the natural area is now was first settled by the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. They traveled to the mountain from areas to the west. Later, during the colonial period, European settlers moved into the area.
Until 1987, a small village with a mill was located in one part of the natural area. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation first bought land at Occoneechee Mountain in December 1997. Since then, the natural area has grown to its current size of 221 acres (0.89 square kilometers).
Explore Nearby State Parks
There are several other state parks close to Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. These parks are all within 30 miles (48 kilometers) of the mountain:
