10 Easy Road Trips From Chapel Hill, NC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Orange County
If you’re in
Chapel Hill, North Carolina and itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so, you can find small-town charm, hiking trails, historic sites, and some pretty amazing food.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips—so you’ll be exploring beyond Orange County, in nearby
Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, and Person counties.
Whether you live in Chapel Hill or you’re just visiting, here are
10 short road trips that make great day or weekend getaways.
1. Burlington & Graham (Alamance County): Riverwalks, Donuts, and a Little Downtown Charm
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 30–40 minutes west
If you want an easy, low-stress day out, head to
Burlington and nearby
Graham in Alamance County.
Don’t miss:
- Burlington City Park – Classic family-friendly park with a mini train, carousel, and plenty of room to walk.
- Haw River Trail & Glencoe Mill Village – Stroll along the Haw River, then wander through the restored mill village with its historic buildings.
- Downtown Graham – Small but lively, with coffee shops, murals, and local restaurants around the courthouse square.
I like to start with a slow walk by the river, grab coffee downtown, and then end with a relaxed dinner before heading back to Chapel Hill. It’s the kind of simple day that feels like a reset.
2. Saxapahaw (Alamance County): Tiny River Village With Big Vibes
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 30–35 minutes southwest
Saxapahaw is one of those places that feels like a secret, even though locals absolutely know about it. It’s a tiny riverside community with an artsy feel.
Things to do in Saxapahaw:
- Walk the Haw River and watch kayakers and paddlers.
- Browse the general store-style market and grab a snack or sandwich.
- Catch live music or outdoor events on warmer weekends (check ahead for schedules).
If you’re craving a relaxed afternoon with good food and water views, Saxapahaw makes a perfect short trip from Chapel Hill.
3. Hillsborough Riverwalk & Alamance Battleground (Alamance County side)
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 25–35 minutes west
While Hillsborough itself is in Orange County, the nearby
Alamance Battleground State Historic Site is in Alamance County and worth the quick ride.
Highlights:
- Alamance Battleground – Learn about the 1771 Battle of Alamance, a key pre-Revolutionary War conflict. Walk the short trails and explore the historic grounds.
- Country back roads – Take the slower route and enjoy rolling farmland and old barns that are picture-perfect in the late afternoon light.
If you enjoy history but don’t want a long museum day, this is just the right size—interesting, but not overwhelming.
4. Hyco Lake (Person County): Quiet Lake Day Getaway
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 1 hour north
Want a peaceful lake day that still feels close to home?
Hyco Lake in Person County is a great option.
What you can do at Hyco Lake:
- Fish from a pier or boat.
- Rent a kayak or boat (reserve ahead if you can).
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a picnic by the water.
On a clear day, the reflections on the lake are gorgeous. It’s the kind of spot where you lose track of time, in a good way. If you’re coming from Chapel Hill, it’s an easy drive up through the countryside.
5. Roxboro (Person County): Small-Town Stroll and Scenic Drives
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 50–60 minutes north
Roxboro is the county seat of Person County and feels like a classic Southern small town.
Ideas for your Roxboro road trip:
- Walk around downtown Roxboro, check out local shops, and look for murals.
- Drive some of the rural back roads—especially pretty in the fall when the leaves change.
- Pair your visit with a stop at Hyco Lake or Mayo Lake for some time outdoors.
If you’ve ever wanted to just roll the windows down, turn up the music, and go for a Sunday drive, this is a good place to do it.
6. Durham, NC (Durham County): Food, Art, and Tobacco Warehouse History
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 20–30 minutes east
You probably already know about
Durham, but if you haven’t made the trip yet, it’s absolutely worth it. It’s one of the quickest and most rewarding
day trips from Chapel Hill.
Classic Durham activities:
- Explore the American Tobacco Campus with its brick warehouses, water features, and restaurants.
- Catch a Durham Bulls baseball game in season.
- Walk around Brightleaf Square and nearby downtown streets for shopping and dining.
- Visit the Durham Farmers’ Market (check the schedule) for local produce and baked goods.
From Chapel Hill, Durham is close enough that you don’t even need to plan that much—pick a neighborhood, park, and explore on foot.
7. Eno River State Park (Durham County): Shady Trails and Swimming Holes
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 25–35 minutes northeast
If you’re craving a nature break,
Eno River State Park, just outside Durham, is a great escape.
Why locals love the Eno:
- Miles of hiking trails that follow the river.
- Rocky sections and shallow spots where you can cool your feet.
- Peaceful forest paths that feel far from the city, even though you’re close.
Trails vary from easy to moderate, so you can pick what works for your group. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and maybe a change of socks if you plan to splash around in the river.
8. Pittsboro (Chatham County): Artsy, Laid-Back, and Very Local
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 25–35 minutes south
Head into
Chatham County and you’ll find
Pittsboro, a friendly small town with a creative side.
What to do in Pittsboro:
- Wander downtown Pittsboro and browse local shops, galleries, and antique stores.
- Stop into a local café or bakery for something sweet.
- Check the calendar for local festivals, makers’ markets, and music events.
Pittsboro has that “everybody knows everybody” feel, but it’s also welcoming to visitors. It’s an easy afternoon trip from Chapel Hill when you want something low-key.
9. Jordan Lake (Chatham County): Camping, Boating, and Big-Sky Sunsets
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 25–40 minutes south/southwest (depending on which access area you choose)
If you love the water,
Jordan Lake should be high on your list of things to do near Chapel Hill.
Jordan Lake activities:
- Swimming areas with sandy shorelines at several recreation sites.
- Boat ramps and marinas if you have (or rent) a boat.
- Campgrounds if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure.
- Wildlife viewing—this is a great place to spot bald eagles and other birds.
Pack a picnic, bring plenty of sunscreen, and plan to stay for sunset. The sky over the lake on a clear evening is stunning.
10. Yates Mill & South Durham Area (Durham County): Historic Mill and Local Eats
Drive time from Chapel Hill: about 35–45 minutes east/southeast
While technically in the Raleigh area, many Chapel Hill locals pair
Historic Yates Mill County Park with a stop in
south Durham for food or shopping on the way there or back.
What to do:
- Visit Yates Mill, one of the last remaining water-powered gristmills in the region, and walk the easy trails around the pond.
- On your way, swing through south Durham for restaurants, coffee, or a quick Target or outlet stop.
It’s a simple day that mixes a bit of history, some walking, and practical errands—perfect if you like to “stack” activities into one outing.
Tips for Planning Your Chapel Hill Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Chapel Hill, NC, here are a few quick tips:
- Check hours before you go. Smaller towns and parks sometimes have seasonal hours or special event days.
- Bring cash and a card. Some local spots or parking areas may be cash-only.
- Start with what feels fun. Love food? Start with Durham or Saxapahaw. Prefer nature? Head to the Eno River, Jordan Lake, or Hyco Lake first.
- Keep it simple. You don’t need a packed schedule. Often, the best part of a road trip is wandering a bit and seeing what you find.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Chapel Hill?
There are so many
things to do near Chapel Hill once you step just outside Orange County—lakes, trails, small towns, and historic sites are all an easy drive away.
Have you tried any of these spots in
Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, or Person counties?
Did I miss a hidden gem you love?
Share your favorite nearby road trip in the comments—or tell us which one you’re planning to try first.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s always saying, “We should get out of Chapel Hill more.” It might be the nudge they need to start exploring.
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