Sports & Recreation

Sports in Orange County revolve mostly around the Tar Heel basketball, football and other teams for obvious reasons, but outdoor activities are very big here, too, because the county and towns have a long-standing commitment to the preservation, development and promotion of parkland—25% of the county's nearly 400 square miles is undeveloped—including nature preserves, parks and playgrounds, walking trails and bicycle routes and paths, not to mention state parks and lakes and reservoirs. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for personal athletic activities, e.g. biking, fitness, golf, swimming and even ice-skating year-round.

Cycle 9

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601 West Main St
Carrboro, NC 27510

Directions

phone (919) 636-5909

Open Tue-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm.

Dean E. Smith Center

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Skipper Bowles Dr (UNC campus),
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8500

Directions

phone (919) 962-7777.

Open Mon.-Fri., 8am-5pm, and for special events.


Opened in January 1986, this is the third largest on-campus arena in the country, with a seating capacity of 21,750 for basketball games and 21,500 for concerts. The facility also houses the offices of the UNC Athletics Department (see below). Cost varies by event. Parking. (Photo by UNC Athletic Communications)

Eno River State Park

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6101 Cole Mill Rd
Durham, NC 27705

Directions

phone (919) 383-1686

Open 8am-9pm (May-Aug); 8am-8pm (Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct); 8am-6pm (Nov, Feb); closed Christmas Day.


More than 4,000 acres of natural beauty along 14 miles of winding riverbanks. Wilderness areas feature hiking, back-country camping, fishing, canoe access, picnicking and nature programs. Three areas in Orange County are Cabelands (on Howe St off Sparger Rd), Fews Ford (Cole Mill Rd) and Pleasant Green (on Pleasant Green Rd). Parking. Pets allowed on leashes.

Finley Golf Course

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Finley Golf Course Rd (off Raleigh Rd, NC Highway 54 East)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8500

Directions

phone (919) 962-2349

Open daily.


Following an $8-million facelift by famed golf course architect Tom Fazio, the course now features each hole with five tee boxes, allowing the course to be played from 4,981 yards to a tournament-level 7,187 yards (although it has the standard four par-5s and four par-3s). It also offers a driving range, putting green and lessons. Call for green fees and reservations.

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve

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Mount Sinai Rd (off NC Highway 86)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Directions

phone (919) 833-3662

Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Located 1.1 miles east of NC Highway 86, with a parking area on the right just before New Hope Creek. Three miles of intimate hiking trails traverse this 296-acre sanctuary. Explore mature forests, discover historic mill sites and splash in bubbling creeks. Enjoy the wonders of nature just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill.

Kenan Memorial Stadium

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Stadium Dr (UNC campus),
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8500

Directions

phone (919) 966-2575.


One of the most beautiful grass-turf sports venues in the nation, where Tar Heel football teams have played since 1927. Having undergone several major additions over the years, the stadium now seats 60,000. Cost varies by event. (Photo by UNC Athletic Communications)

Ladies Fitness & Wellness Center

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1728 Fordham Blvd, #127 (Rams Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Directions

phone (919) 929-7474

Lake Michael Park

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East Lebanon Rd
Mebane, NC 27302

Directions

phone (919) 563-4573

Open Thu-Mon, 7am-dusk (Mar.); 6am-dark (Apr.-Nov.).


Located in Orange County, one mile east of Mebane. A beautiful 59-acre lake with two piers and a surrounding 200-acre park that has nature trails, playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes, picnic areas, boat rental and fishing. Special areas for children, and four covered shelters available.

Little River Regional Park and Natural Area

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301 Little River Parkway
Rougemont, NC 27572

Directions

phone (919) 732-5505

Park is open seven days a week, 8am-5pm, plus extended seasonal hours.

Natural area of 391 acres has 7 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of separate mountain-bike trails, picnic shelters, playground, 1/4-mile ADA trail and restrooms. Straddling Orange and Durham Counties, the park entrance is off Guess Road northbound between St. Mary’s Rd and New Sharon Church Rd, 1.1 miles into Orange County on the right.

Meadowmont Club of Chapel Hill

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301 Old Barn Ln
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Directions

phone (919) 945-0640

Pool open daily (mid-May to Sep.), 10am-9pm.

Outdoor facility includes a six-lane competition pool and fun pool featuring a 98-ft. waterslide, with raindrop and shoreline entry. Offers year-round programming and activities for all ages and interests. Children’s playground. Call for clubhouse hours, daily entrance and activity fees. Parking.

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Did You Know?

Orange County offers a wide range of spectator and recreational sports and leisure activities, and is home to the fastest 3/8-mile oval stock car race track in the U.S.