Gardens & Natural Areas

Chatwood Gardens, 1900 Faucette Mill Road, 643-2514

The nationally acclaimed, English-inspired country garden features perennial borders, woodland and kitchen gardens and a world-famous collection of heritage roses. The restored house, circa 1790, originally served as a tavern. The gardens may be viewed by appointment only to groups of 10 or more. $5 admission.

Helen’s Garden, 150 E. King St., 732-7741

The garden, located beside the Alexander Dickson House, features 18th- and 19th-century medicinal and herbal plants, along with a variety of flowering shrubs, trees and perennials.

Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, east side of Elizabeth Brady Road, 732-6886

The 44-acre natural area — the site of the Occoneechee Speedway from 1948 to 1968 — features three miles of trails along the Eno River and around a 1-mile track that is one of only three surviving speedways from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season.

Horseshoe in the Dogwood, 417 St. Mary’s Road, 732-1288

The English country gardens — which surround a neo-classic bungalow — feature an award-winning collection of iris, peonies and other perennials. The gardens may be viewed by appointment only. $7.50 admission.

Montrose Gardens, 320 St. Mary’s Road, 732-7787

The nationally known gardens were begun in the 19th century by Gov. and Mrs. William Alexander Graham. The grounds also feature specimen trees, rock gardens, woodlands, a scree garden, sunny perennial borders and several 19th century outbuildings. The gardens may be viewed by appointment only. $10 admission.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, entrance on Virginia Cates Road entrance, off Orange Grove Road, 383-1686

Occoneechee Mountain, at 867 feet, is Orange County’s highest point and has been recognized as one of the most important natural areas in the Triangle. The 124 acres of land includes nearly two miles of trails.

Poet’s Walk, 376 St. Mary’s Road, 732-6886

The mile-long trail on the grounds of Ayr Mount Historic Site, an 1815 plantation estate, meanders through meadows and woodlands. The path follows the Eno River, passes the ruins of an old tavern and parallels the Old Indian Trading Path.