Explore the best rated trails in Southern Pines, NC. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cape Fear River Trail and Longleaf Trail. With more than 21 trails covering 66 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.
parked at the nature center (bathrooms!) and walked to the right on the advice of a local that that was the prettier way to go (it was lovely) - took about a mile to get to the river - did 1.75 one way for a 3.5 mile walk - we were driving GA to NJ on 95 and we took the ten minute detour off the highway to break up the drive with a nice walk - WELL WELL worth it ! - would like to come back with the bike someday and see the whole trail
Nice distance and great surface. Located in the middle of everything. You can ride and enjoy the city all in one day.
Flat and easy ride with only a couple road crossings. A go to trail when I just want to petal.
Mostly paved and few road crossing until you get into Durham. Tough to follow after that
It has become part of our life, we spend few hours every week in it.
Spent this morning (Monday) on the trail - and with the exception of one other biker - we had it all to ourselves! A fun ride, although you will encounter downtown streets for a bit in Erwin. Also, don’t freak if the Fire Department siren goes off… it’s LOUD but necessary! Thumbs up all around!
We embarked upon the asphalt/concrete path that led out of downtown (right at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where we later watched 4th of July fireworks) and soon, we were winding through long, shaded stretches of woods that led south for the next 22.6 miles. With a name like The American Tobacco Trail, we had anticipated cycling past old fashioned general stores with carved Indian statues and former tobacco farms and barns. But no. We call this and rail-to-trails similar to it “Zen” trails because, with little visual variety, they can be described as either tranquil and serene, or boring. These trails range from flat to slightly rolling but they never have more than a 3-4 degree incline because that was the steepest railroad engines could handle at the time the tracks were laid.
It seemed for the first 6-8 miles of the ride, we passed through traffic intersections about every quarter mile, which meant waiting at lights every five minutes or so. Only one or two of the intersections appeared to have shops nearby for buying water or energy bars, so it’s best to plan ahead. Four miles prior to the end, the pavement stopped and the path became a mixture of grass, gravel and clay. On the map, we seemed to be nearing Jordan Lake, and there were swampy areas on either side of the trail, but that was the extent of the water view. With the exception of the many intersections, it was basically tree-lined the entire length – which did make the temperature perfect on an otherwise steamy summer day.
We rewarded ourselves with a short drive to an excellent brewery in downtown Durham.
We stated at the Southern Terminus and road up to O'Kelly Chapel Road Trailhead and returned to New Hill Trailhead. Parking right off the road has only spots for 5 vehicles but proceed ahead and there is plenty more at the actual Trailhead start point. The crushed limestone surface was in great condition and truly liked that there was a crushed limestone option once the asphalt became available.
Reservoir park was a wonderful walk to start our new adventures after two years stuck near home because of Covid. Not crowded, runners, walkers, dogs and toddlers on bikes. A beautiful mix of life.
This is my first review on TrailLink but we have ridden many trials. I had to leave this review because this trail is SOOOO special it deserves it. 6.8 miles each way and it has it all. Bridges, train trestles, some decent hills to get your heart pumping a little bit, beautifully paved, friendly people, shaded, etc. We enjoyed this trail so much we repeated again just to make sure we we saw all the surroundings. GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO HIT THIS ONE!
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