Explore the best rated trails in Mebane, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Salem Lake Trail and Northeast Community Greenway . With more than 79 trails covering 302 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
What was not expected was the trail was closed on two ends, so I can’t put in a totally fair review, but I was not impressed. The trail breaks up a lot, connects via the road, runs through a lot of suburban areas that are somewhat scenic. There are some cool bridges, but can’t really say I saw much more to write about. I am giving this 3 stars based on the fact I could not see the entire trail.
The bridge crossing Lake Brandt 1/4 mile south of Strawberry Rd is blocked off. The detour is Battleground Rd to Bur-Mil park.
We began our ride at the northern terminus and rode only about a mile and a quarter before we came to a bridge that was closed and had to turn around. We got back in the car and went to a trailhead further south that was only to be found in the heart of an apartment complex. We rode in circles not able to find the trail leading to where the opposite side of the bridge closure might be. So we got back in the car once more and found the southern terminus of the trail and tried again. It was a better start with a stop at the Guildford Courthouse National Military Site (part of the National Park Service) where we could ride along the battleground car/bike tour road. Generally, the trail is not well signed and at points it is a shared sidewalk along busy roads. Coming from the cold of the north, we were looking to begin our bike season in a warmer March climate. The trail sections of this ride would be beautiful come April - September. This was a very hard-won 16.5 mile ride.
We usually ride this multiple times a week. Went last week and boy does it need some work all around the lake. Lots of wash outs and gullies that make it difficult to ride.
Went 11 miles biking today and it was very busy surprisingly busy for 30 degree Monday in mid January but still a good day
We just did this trail with teens- 70’s age range along with our dog. Everyone enjoyed it along with the Faith Rock loop ( Faith Rock trail is still easy but more like a traditional trail). We hope to return to the area in the future and explore more.
Been biking and walking there many times. Good shady trail in the woods around the lake. Pretty crowded on weekends in nice weather. The trail is sandy/dirt and there are some roots/ washout at some places. Decently wide enough to pass someone. I've seen bikers, walkers, runners, dogs and an assortment of scooters and one wheel bikes. I believe it also doubles as bridle trail or at least it used to. Some hills but not too bad except for the ones right at the parking end of the lake. Glad for my e-bike on those. You can join up right from the trail to the Salem Greenway and skirt by town- although it is not as clean or safe in my opinion.
My son and I wanted a place to walk that was easy, pretty and wheelchair friendly. Parking was great. We had no problem on any part of the trail. I guess the one down fall is to continue the trail around the water you walk on a main roads sidewalk. I did not want to do that so we turned around and back tracked the trail. Which was great for us. We saw turtles and cranes.
The American Tobacco Trail is an excellent trail for bikers, walkers, runners, and horseback riders. I did a bunch of research via YouTube on the trail before I drove the hour to get to it. It was shaded, easy to find, and the trail surfaces were superb and easy to ride.
There were available bathrooms at the trailhead and in different areas along the trail. It was exceptionally busy with the cooler temps so you need to watch out for oncoming traffic (runners, bikes).
If I had to pick something to improve, I would fix two things to make the trail even better. First, the markings as you get into the outskirts of Durham (from the south). We missed the trail marker and had a slight diversion. The other thing I would do to improve this great trail experience would be putting more garbage cans throughout the trail to throw out any trash and especially for folks cleaning up after their dogs (doggie bags). No one wants to carry that for a few miles.
This is an easy to use trail for walking or slow bike riding. It will become a lot longer in the future and connect to other trails at Bond Park. When completed you will be able to travel all the way to Crabtree lake by trails.
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