Dunn-Erwin Rail-Trail:
North Carolina
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Description:
The Dunn-Erwin Rail-Trail traverses 5.3 miles of the Aberdeen and Rockfish corridor in Harnett County, North Carolina. It connects the downtown areas of Dunn and Erwin, coursing through the suburbs, light industrial areas and cotton fields, crossing the Black River and wetlands.

The Dunn-Erwin Rail-Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway; interpretive markers and signs relay the history of the area. The trail is also close to shops and restaurants.

Though the trail is gravel, wheelchair users will find the road-level route accessible. Nearby attractions include parks, the Cape Fear River, the Erwin History Room, the General Lee Airborne Museum, the Averasboro Battlefield Museum and the Centennial Trail in downtown Erwin.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Dunn trailhead from the north, take I-95 south to Exit 73, head west on Cumberland Street/US Highway 421/NC 55 then turn right on Orange Avenue. Drive three blocks to Harnett Street and park along the road or in the Harnett Primary School lot. The trailhead is behind the school.

To reach the Erwin trailhead, continue on US Highway 421/NC 55 past Dunn. In Erwin, turn left on Old Field Church Road, then right on East H Street. The trail ends in the median on this street.

Contact:
Dunn Area Tourism Authority
P.O. Box 310
Dunn, NC 28335
910-892-3282

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Beautiful Trail
By giantocr in November, 2010
My family and I rode this trail yesterday, starting in Erwin, to Dunn and then back to Erwin. Ten miles round trip. My 8, 11 and 13 year olds all enjoyed this trail. The surface is well kept. The grade, if there is one, was not noticable in either direction. There are several road crossings on this trail but they are well marked.

We passed several historic houses on the side of the trail as we left Erwin, then you get into nice rolling country. As you get into Dunn you pass behind some industrial plants, which I always find interesting.

My 8 year old wanted to head back as soon as we got to Dunn, although I would have liked to explore Dunn a little on bike before heading back. The streets in Dunn appeared to be wide and not too heavily traveled, so they may lend themselves to exploration.

We bought water and snacks at the BP in Erwin before we headed out. It is a block away from the trailhead in Erwin. There was plenty of parking and we felt safe to leave our truck there while we were gone.

When we returned there are several eating options within site of the trailhead. Tubby's Diner was very busy and looked inviting, but the kids chose the pizza place, Pizza House a few doors down. The pizza was good, my wife and I split a sub which was tasty. There was also a Chinese restaurant and another upscale looking restaurant on that strip. Next time I want to try Tubby's.

It was an easy drive from Raleigh to Erwin. Less than an hour, we took 401 south out of Raleigh got on 55 E in Fuquay Varina and rode that right into Erwin.

Thank you to the towns of Erwin and Dunn North Carolina for making such a nice trail available to us.
What a Surprise
By reppeprd in September, 2010
We rode the trail yesterday (9/5/10). The reviews left us a little unsure as to what we would find. What a pleasant surprise. The trail was well groomed and maintained, and we got to see some of the things that make up the little places like Erwin and Dunn. A small neat business district, a small suburban or residential area, and then the farmland growing things like cotton and soybeans. This was a great ride, will be back.
runner
By jshumway in June, 2010
How about directions from the South? thanks.
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