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.

Occoneechee Golf Club

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1500 Lawrence Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278

phone (919) 732-3435

Open daily.

18-hole, par-71 golf course. Electric and pull carts are available for rent. Driving range and golf lessons also available. Call for green fees and reservations.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

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Virginia Cates Rd (off Orange Grove Rd)
Hillsborough, NC

(919) 383-1686

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


Features 190 acres of natural beauty, three miles of trails and a couple of ponds for fishing. Overlooking the Eno River, the mountain has an elevation of 867 ft., which is the highest point in Orange County. Parking. Pets allowed on leashes. Picnicking.

Orange County Parks

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300 West Tryon St
Hillsborough, NC 27278

phone (919) 245-2660

Office open Mon.-Fri., 8am-5pm.

The department operates four recreational facilities with various features and activities: the Central Recreation Facility, Efland-Cheeks Park and Community Center, Homestead Community Center and the Northern Recreation Center. Plus the new Little River Regional Park (listed separately). In the Town of Hillsborough is Fairview Park with a playground and picnic area. Call the office for facility and program information.

Orange County Speedway

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9740 NC Highway 57
Rougemont, NC 27572

phone (336) 364-1222

Open on race days (Mar.-Nov.), noon to midnight; race times, 2pm & 7pm.


The fastest 3/8-mile paved oval in the nation. The high-banked, wide turns make for fast, close competitive racing action. Admission: Adults, $10; students & seniors, $8; children up to 10; free. Parking. Picnicking.

Peak Fitness

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257 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

phone (919) 942-1182

Performance Bicycle

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404 East Main St (Downtown)
Carrboro, NC 27510

phone (919) 933-1491

The Bicycle Chain

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210 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

toll-free (800) 337-8286; phone (919) 929-0213

The Clean Machine

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104 West Main St (Downtown)
Carrboro, NC 27510

toll-free (800) 369-5103; phone (919) 967-5104

The Wellness Center at Meadowmont

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100 Sprunt St
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

phone (919) 966-5500

Triangle SportsPlex

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One Dan Kidd Dr (Meadowlands Office Park)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

phone (919) 644-0339

Open Mon.-Sat., 5:30am-10pm; Sun., noon-7pm.


Year-round ice skating on NHL-size rink, aquatic center (with three pools), fitness center, meeting room, tanning, pro shop and snack bar. Costs vary by activity. Parking. Picnicking.

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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.