Eno River State Park in October

Eno River State Park in October

The Eno River meanders through Durham woods like someone who has nowhere to be. Autumn is when the park dresses up — maples go scarlet, hickories turn honey-colored, sycamores shed bark in pale scrolls that litter the trail.

Start at the Few's Ford access on Cole Mill Road. The Cox Mountain Trail is a 3.8-mile loop that climbs through hardwood forest to a rocky ridge. The ascent is moderate but honest. At the ridge the Eno Valley opens up — rust, amber, stubborn green, a red-tailed hawk riding a thermal like a surfer who found the perfect wave. On the descent the trail follows the riverbank where the water runs cold and clear over rocks that gleam like copper coins.

Free. Dogs on leashes. No fountains on the Cox Mountain loop, so bring water. Parking fills early on October weekends — arrive by eight. And bring a camera, because your phone won't do justice to the way light filters through hickory leaves at two in the afternoon.