Battle Branch Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

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.

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