Hoke County Highpoint Trip Report

Date: March 4, 2006
Author: Brian Bockhahn

Weird! Off NC 211 in McCain, turn north following signs for the prison hospital. If you're coming from the south, this is past the main prison. Follow the road up and park in the visitor parking. The hospital itself is on the highpoint. Walk around the perimeter of the fence and debate where the higher ground is. Everything inside the fence is man-altered but does appear to be slightly higher than outside the fence.

The prison opened in 1908 and some of the oaks around the perimeter are probably more than 100 years old. I like the big oak full of mistletoe by the visitor parking; it's probably 150+ years old and I'd suggest it is growing on the "highest" man-unaltered soil. Everything inside the fence was younger pines and hollies.

I was there very early on a Saturday morning but several prisoners were up and stirring. Given that I'm an LEO and may have arrested some of the people inside, this is one fence I don't think I want inside of! I'm content enough walking the perimeter for now.