GetHiking! Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Occoneechee Mountain, at 867 feet it's the highest point in the Triangle! And it's our destination on this Sunday morning hike — the last Sunday morning hike of the year — nay, the decade!
We'll start from my place in Hillsborough and hike down to Gold Park, where we'll pick up the Hillsborough Riverwalk. About a quarter mile later we'll be entering the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area through the back entrance off Eno Mountain Road. In the park, we'll hike a little over two miles — two hilly miles; this is the high point of the Triangle, remember. We'll enjoy a view west and north along the Eno River from near the summit, we'll hike through a Piedmont forest near the summit, we'll experience a taste of the Southern Appalachians (including rhododendron, mountain laurel and galax) along the Eno River.
Total distance: about 3 miles.
Degree of difficulty: Moderately easy. Fairly short, but some stout, if short, climbs.
After the hike, we'll return to my place for holiday cookies that need to go because I start a purification regimen on Wednesday.