Hill Forest Recreation Permits

Hill Forest, located in Durham County, is open to the public by permit for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. Follow the instructions below to obtain a permit and enjoy the forest responsibly.

How to Obtain a Permit Online

1. Click here to apply (for best results, use Google Chrome)
2. Create an account with Outdoor Access
3. Enter all your contact information
4. Agree to the terms and conditions
5. Provide payment information
6. Go to My Permits to print your dashboard and carry your on-person permit.

Parking Information

• Always display your dashboard permit when parking on the property
• Keep your named pocket permit on you at all times, as deputies regularly patrol the forest
• Do not park in front of gates to avoid being towed

Recreation Restrictions

• Recreational use is permitted Sundays only during the active hunting seasons for deer (blackpowder and gun) and turkey.
• Dates may vary slightly each year, so please consult the North Carolina Wildlife Resources site for current information.

Forest Use Applications

If you plan to use any of our forests for teaching, research, tours or events, an application is required. Applications are necessary whenever your activities may disturb trees, wildlife, soil or the forest floor. This form can also be used for other events or meetings to help prevent scheduling conflicts with other users.

Properties Requiring Applications

• Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest
• Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest
• Chowan Swamp
• Hill Forest
• Hofmann Forest
• Hosley Forest
• James Goodwin
• Julius B. Lee Experimental Forest
• Taylor/Holt Forest
• Timaca Forest

For questions regarding the application process or the use of our forests, email cnr_forests@ncsu.edu.

Safety Information

Before visiting one of our forests, download and review the safety manual for a safe and enjoyable experience.