ayr mount historic site

Such a beautiful place to visit and walk..peaceful.Get to stroll past a lovely historic home (never went in there though, yet).Nicely marked paths, stroll across the river, a reflecting pond.Enjoy!

This is a quiet and lovely place to visit. Bring your dog for a brisk walk on the wooded trail. The trail is medium terrain and I wouldn't recommend it for very young children or disabled, unless they are assisted.

Ayr Mount is about a 1-mile walk through woods & fields, by the Eno River & a pond, which often has turtles & fish to enjoy. It is well maintained & depending on the season there are beautiful flower beds as well as wild flowers; always something to see & enjoy. Hillsborough is a neat little town with many assets and Ayr Mount is definitely at the top of the list.

I am fortunate to live down the street from Ayr Mount, as it continuously draws me to its beauty. The inside of the house is furnished impeccably with priceless antiques which perfectly complement the stunning moldings and art work.For me though...it is the grounds and the trail which beckon me for I love to be out in nature and to muse as i wander along Poet's walk. It is magical at all times of the year.Perhaps after your walk, sit upon the wonderful adirondack chairs and pretend the grounds are yours...A most special place...any time of the year...

I've never actually been inside the home, but I've run or walked the 1 mile trail around the property at least 30 times. Landscape varies from riverside to rolling hills, and I never ever tire of it. The people that take care of this property really care about it, and it shows!There is a fee for the home tour, but not for the grounds (although donations are much appreciated and certainly well-deserved!)There are picnic tables, and plenty of spaces by the pond or in the fields for a picnic or kite flying!Leashed dogs welcome (please don't be a jerk and let your dog run free or leave poop on the trail though - thank you!)Speaking of bathrooms - there are none on the grounds so if you are not doing the house tour make a stop before you get here.

Ayr Mount should not be missed! Superb house, and the grounds are wonderful to relax in. The Poet's Walk is a grand meander through the woods around the bottom land of the home site. Before long, it should be connected to Hillsborough's River Walk. Highly recommended!Be sure to find out if home open to the public when you want to visit. Christmas is also a fun, beautiful time to see the house.

The grounds are beautiful with the lovely Poet's Walk. You can walk your leashed pet too! Sadly, the home is not always open as was the case this time.

Ayr Mount captures the best of all worlds and has something for everyone. A spectacular federalist home, painstakingly restored, sitting in the heart of NC's Piedmont region. Beautiful and tranquil vistas allow one to sit and relax or enjoy a hike on "Poet's Walk" that traverses riverbanks, pastures and forests for about a mile. I've been able to visit during each season and it's definitely worth the trip.

Pat the docent is full of knowledge and tidbits about the family and the house. Beautiful grounds for walking.

When you visit Hillsborough don't forget to visit Ayr Mount. From the visitor center, where we parked our car, it's a 4 minute drive to the historic site. Entry is free for the Poet's Walk. 1 mile walk, though the land and through some little forest. You have a nice view over the large house. We didn't visit it, because it was closed. You need to pay a fee to visit the house though. Poet's Walk is beautiful and worth doing.

We visited for a family hike around poets walk. This is a great location for a walk/hike with a BOB type off-road stroller. My 1 year old son loved it.

Hi - We are glad you were able to visit Ayr Mount and enjoy the Poet's Walk. It is especially beautiful in the fall with the Carolina blue skies highlighting the changing colors of the ample foliage. The site is open to walkers from 9 am until 6 pm in October. We do not have a public bathroom for walkers but the Hillsborough Visitor's Center is conveniently located at 150 East King Street which is less than 5 minutes from Ayr Mount.Cheers, Ayr Mount staff

Hi - So glad you enjoyed your time on the grounds at Ayr Mount. If you are interested in additional walking trails please visit our site across the Eno River known as the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail (HOST). Thanks for mentioning that leashed dogs are welcome.The fee for a guided house tour is $12 per person. Our website has information about open times and days as well as group visits and provides general information.A fee is charged for grounds photography, picnics of more than 6 people, parties and events.Hope you come again for a visit. Cheers, Ayr Mount staff

Hi - Thanks so much for your review of Ayr Mount. We are glad you enjoyed your house tour and a walk about the grounds. The grounds are open daily for visits regardless of weather - but you are right, a sunny day is near perfection when the sun hits the pond and the birds are singing. Sometimes you can even see or hear a turtle snap. Hope you will be able to visit again.Cheers, Ayr Mount staff

Hi - Glad to know you enjoyed your visit to Ayr Mount. Sorry for any confusion on the tour fee - it is $12 per person. Your recommendation of comfortable walking shoes is spot-on as we have a one mile walking trail (Poet's Walk) that meanders to the Eno River along with a quarter mile spur trail. The grounds are especially enjoyable with rolling hills, pond, trees and flowers.Hope you will be able to return for a visit.Cheers, Ayr Mount staff