Ruins in North Carolina include the mill built by Isaac Holden in 1811 for grinding wheat and corn. The stark structures are located at Eno River State Park in Hillsborough. In 1820, Isaac’s son Thomas Holden inherited the business which was handed down and later renamed the Holden-Lyon Mill which remained open until 1868. It was reopened by Samuel Cole and closed upon his death in 1893. At one time it was the largest mill in the area holding 300 acres and employing many workers. It even supported a schoolhouse. Most of it was destroyed by a flood in 1908, but a few remains are enough to arouse our curiosity.

Locating these ruins requires a hike on a couple of wooded trails. 
ruins in North Carolina
Mark S/AllTrails
The ruins are located on the Holden Mill Trail that is accessed from Buckquarter Creek Trail in Durham. Enjoy the pretty scenery and large rocks in the Eno River.
Wildlife comes in full swing along this exciting trail; we love these friendly turtles.
ruins in North Carolina
Mark S/AllTrails
Depending on the season, the journey showcases birds, wildflowers, butterflies, deer, and sometimes a snake might appear.
You'll find the trailhead to this moderately challenging 1.5-mile loop on the Cole Mill Road lot inside the park.
Buckquarter Creek Trailhead, 6101 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Jacob Hilliard/AllTrails
Eventually you will cross the steep footbridge that leads to a fork in the trail.
As you trek the 3.9-mile Holden's Mill Trail, the historic ruins will soon show up along the loop.
ruins in North Carolina
Kristen Brandt/AllTrails

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If you close your eyes you might imagine someone living or working in these structures and hear the sounds of the working mill.
And while people are long gone, other creatures have made these places useful.
ruins in North Carolina
Ashley Gonzalez/AllTrails
Early settlers used the natural resources in the area and the native granodiorite to construct the mill dam and many of the buildings.
Nils Brubaker/AllTrails
For a fascinating guide about the geology of this area, read "A Geologic Adventure Along the Eno River”, which explains the rocks in detail and other places to explore around these ruins.
This marker explains a short history of the mill.
ruins in North Carolina
Kexin Ma/AllTrails

Ruins in North Carolina raise interesting questions. Discover more about these hikes on the Alltrails website. If you go, find out why Hillsborough is perfect for a day trip. And keeping with the rustic theme, reserve this cabin on Airbnb.

This Enchanting And Historic Town In North Carolina Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

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Holden Mill Ruins, 9895204596, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA