Allen's Loop

Allen's Loop: Historic Farm Trail in Orange County

Allen's Loop is one of four well-maintained hiking trails winding through Blackwood Farm Park's 152 acres of Piedmont hardwood forest and open fields. Named after the Blackwood family who farmed this land for generations, this easy trail connects to the park's larger trail network, offering families a peaceful escape into nature combined with fascinating North Carolina farm history dating back to 1827.

Located between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill off NC Highway 86, Blackwood Farm Park provides accessible outdoor recreation where wide open spaces meet forest trails, historic farmhouse and outbuildings tell stories of rural Orange County, and a fishing pond creates perfect afternoon destination for families seeking quality time outdoors.

Trail Stats:

• Distance: Part of 4-mile trail network (can combine with Mary's Trail, Alice's Loop, Herbert's Loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: Minimal (gentle slopes throughout park)
• Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on connections)
• Best For: Family hiking, nature walks, dog walking, connecting to other trails
• Season: Year-round
• Fee: Free

Getting to Blackwood Farm Park

Location: NC Highway 86 and New Hope Church Road, Hillsborough, NC (Orange County)

From Durham/Chapel Hill: Take I-40 west to exit 266 (NC-86 South/Hillsborough). Turn left onto NC-86 South and continue approximately 3 miles. The park entrance is on the right at the intersection with New Hope Church Road.

From Hillsborough: Head south on NC-86 for approximately 4 miles. The park is on the left.

Parking: Large grassy parking area near the entrance provides ample free parking. Arrive early on weekends for best selection.

Park Hours:

• January, February, November, December: 8 AM - 5 PM
• March, October: 8 AM - 6 PM
• April, September: 8 AM - 7 PM
• May - August: 8 AM - 8 PM
• Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and day after, December 23-25

Allen's Loop Trail Experience

Allen's Loop, named after a member of the Blackwood family, meanders through classic Piedmont hardwood forest with gentle slopes and well-maintained natural surface paths. The trail connects key areas of the park, making it perfect for creating custom loop hikes by combining with Mary's Trail (the 2.3-mile perimeter trail), Alice's Loop, and Herbert's Loop.

Trail Surface: Natural surface with roots and rocks in places—wear supportive hiking shoes or trail runners. The trails are well-broken-in and maintained, improving yearly since the park's 2015 opening and 2021-2023 renovation.

What You'll See: Walking Allen's Loop, you'll pass through towering hardwood forest where oaks, hickories, and poplars create shady canopy perfect for hot Carolina days. The forest comes alive with songbirds, woodpeckers, and seasonal wildflowers. White-tailed deer are common sightings, along with squirrels, rabbits, and abundant birdlife.

Trail Markers: All trails are clearly marked with their names at junctions. A detailed map at the entrance helps navigate the network. Download a trail map from Orange County's website before visiting or photograph the entrance map.

Connections: Allen's Loop intersects with other trails, allowing you to extend your hike. A full perimeter loop on Mary's Trail totals about 3 miles (roughly 5K), while shorter combinations let you adjust distance to your fitness level and available time.

Historic Blackwood Farm

What sets this park apart from typical hiking destinations is the preserved historic farm complex. The 1827 Strayhorn-Blackwood farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, and corncrib stand near the entrance, telling stories of Orange County's agricultural heritage.

The History: For thousands of years, this land was home to Occaneechi, Sissipahaw, and other Siouan tribes. In 1778, a Quaker farmer settled here but moved to Indiana in 1817 due to opposition to slavery. The Strayhorn family purchased the property that year and operated a plantation worked by at least 34 enslaved people, who are buried in the Strayhorn slave cemetery preserved along Mary's Trail.

In 1906, Herbert Blackwood and his wife Alice Kirkland purchased the farm, repairing the "nearly rotten and gone" house and working the land for nearly a century. The Blackwoods grew corn, cotton, wheat, and potatoes before opening a small dairy farm in the 1930s. In December 2001, Nannie and Mary Blackwood sold the property to Orange County for parkland.

Exploring the Farm: Walk among the historic buildings (exterior viewing only) where interpretive signs with vintage photographs explain each structure's use and history. The iconic oak tree pathway leading to the farmhouse was planted generations ago.

Park Amenities

Fishing Pond: The 1-acre pond offers peaceful fishing surrounded by picnic tables—perfect for casting a line while family spreads lunch. Valid North Carolina fishing license required (over 16 years old). Artificial bait only; no boating permitted.

Picnic Areas: Large picnic tables under shade of ancient trees near the farmhouse provide ideal lunch spots. A covered picnic shelter with tables is available and can be rented for private events.

Open Fields: Wide open spaces throughout the park are perfect for flying kites, playing frisbee, letting kids run, or simply spreading a blanket for relaxation. These fields rarely see crowds, even on nice weekends.

Restrooms: Port-a-potty facilities available near entrance.

Dogs Welcome: Leashed dogs are allowed throughout the park and trails.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Wildflowers bloom along trails, migrating birds return, temperatures perfect for hiking. The forest comes alive with fresh green leaves.

Summer: Shaded forest trails provide cool escape from heat. Long park hours (until 8 PM) allow evening walks when temperatures drop.

Fall: Hardwood forest displays spectacular autumn colors—oaks, hickories, and sweet gums turn vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Cooler temperatures make this prime hiking season.

Winter: Bare trees reveal forest structure and wildlife more easily spotted. Peaceful atmosphere with fewer visitors. Dress in layers as temperatures can be brisk.

Nearby Hillsborough Attractions

Downtown Hillsborough: Historic town with galleries, antique shops, restaurants. Just 10 minutes north.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: Highest point in Orange County with challenging summit hike and views.

Eno River State Park: Popular river park with swimming, paddling, extensive trail network.

Ayr Mount Historic Site: 1815 Federal-style plantation house with gardens.

Mental Health & Wellness Benefits

Allen's Loop offers accessible forest bathing, historic connection creating perspective, and the gentle physical activity that builds outdoor habits without intimidation.

Family-Friendly Forest Therapy: The easy terrain removes barriers that keep families from hiking together. Children, seniors, and less-experienced hikers all succeed here, making outdoor wellness accessible regardless of fitness level. This inclusivity builds confidence and positive associations with nature.

Historic Perspective & Gratitude: Walking land farmed since 1817, passing buildings from 1827, and reflecting on the complex history—from Native Americans to enslaved people to family farmers—provides perspective beyond personal stress. This connection to deep time and human stories larger than yourself creates humility and gratitude.

Natural Surface Benefits: Unlike paved paths, the natural surface with roots and rocks requires attention to foot placement, keeping you present and grounded. This mindful walking naturally quiets mental chatter without meditation instruction.

Accessible Green Space: Located just off I-40 between major population centers, Blackwood Farm removes the "it's too far" excuse. This proximity matters—studies show people use nearby parks far more frequently, building regular outdoor wellness habits that compound over time.

WELLNESS TIP: Visit on a weekday morning when the park is quietest. Start with a slow walk through the historic farm buildings, reading the interpretive signs to connect with the land's story. Then walk Allen's Loop at your natural pace, pausing when something catches your attention—a bird call, interesting tree bark, play of sunlight through leaves. End at the fishing pond, sitting quietly for 10 minutes watching dragonflies and listening to water. This simple ritual—history, forest walk, water reflection—creates complete mental reset in under 90 minutes.

Why Choose Allen's Loop at Blackwood Farm Park?

If you're seeking an easy, family-friendly trail combining natural beauty with North Carolina history, Allen's Loop at Blackwood Farm Park delivers accessible outdoor recreation just minutes from the Triangle area. This well-maintained trail offers gentle Piedmont forest hiking (perfect for beginners), connection to 4-mile trail network (customize your distance), fascinating farm history from 1827, fishing pond and picnic areas, wide open fields for play, abundant wildlife viewing, dog-friendly paths, and free admission with ample parking.

Whether you're a Triangle resident seeking weekend nature escape, a family introducing children to hiking, a history enthusiast interested in Orange County heritage, a dog owner needing trail exercise, or anyone seeking accessible forest immersion without crowds or difficulty, Blackwood Farm Park provides peaceful retreat where nature and history intertwine.

The combination of easy trails, historic farmstead, fishing pond, and open spaces creates multi-generational appeal—grandparents enjoy the history and easy walking, parents appreciate the safety and facilities, kids love the space to explore and run. This is outdoor recreation that truly works for all.

Visit during seasonal transitions for best weather and colors, bring a picnic to enjoy by the pond, explore the historic buildings, and discover why 30,000+ people annually choose this peaceful Orange County gem for outdoor family time.