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Wilderness in the heart of Chapel Hill adjacent to UNC Chapel Hill Campus.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

98%

Runnable

431' 131 m

High

265' 81 m

Low

176' 54 m

Up

15' 5 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Fairly rocky and rooty.

Description

This trail takes visitors from the bottom of Chapel Hill Community Center Park to Park Place at the top.

Do not take any side trails other than those that lead to the UNC Campus. (The first sign you'll see is for Sugarberry Road; instead, follow the sign to UNC Campus.) Soon you'll have a choice to take the Lower Trail or the Upper Trail to the UNC Campus; either one is fine, but the Lower Trail is more scenic.

Shortly after passing the Sandy Creek Trail sign (following signage to UNC Campus), you'll cross another bridge over Battle Branch Creek and enter Battle Park proper. Battle Branch Creek babbles down the middle of the park, and a wide trail follows along the creek. Though picturesque, avoid playing in the water, as the feature is mostly city drainage.

A nicer and hillier "pedestrian trail" makes its way above and mostly to the north of the creek. Be sure to stop to enjoy the benches and viewing areas along the way. Unless you are in a mood to explore, do not take any of the side trails with names, such as the Cedar Top Trail or Solitary Hill Trail.

Eventually, the pedestrian trail rejoins the OWASA access trail along Battle Branch, and you'll cross the creek on a rocky portion, then cross again on a bridge where you'll turn right and continue going uphill until you reach the end of the trail at Park Place.

Flora & Fauna

Head out and enjoy a mature hardwood forest, with deer and birds of prey.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Lynch

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#7

in Chapel Hill

#27842

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#7

in Chapel Hill

#1,157

in North Carolina

#27,842

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,457 Since Nov 9, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Beginning of the Battle Branch Trail at the Community Center Park.
Nov 1, 2015 near Chapel…, NC
Bolin Creek Foot Bridge
Nov 14, 2017 near Chapel…, NC
Upper end of Battle Branch Trail
Oct 31, 2015 near Chapel…, NC
Upper Trail portion of Battle Branch Trail -- wide, straight and flat! This segment is more likely to be dry, compared to the Lower Trail portion, after rains.
Nov 8, 2015 near Chapel…, NC
Battle Park Trail over the creek.
Nov 1, 2015 near Chapel…, NC
Connecting trail between Upper Trail portion and Lower Trail portion of Battle Branch Trail.
Nov 8, 2015 near Chapel…, NC

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