It has become part of our life, we spend few hours every week in it.

It was a nice way to end our Sunday/weekend! Plenty of cyclists but still enough room to walk with my partner and my doggie!!!!

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.

For such a short trail, this one is enjoyable. The trail is all concrete and has a few hills, especially going under the roadway. With a skate park and ball fields along one side and a creek along the other, this is a nice neighborhood trail. I visited the trail in mid February with temps in the low 50s, and the trail was well used. Park at the skate park.

This is a very decent trail. It would be very nice in the summer as it is mostly shaded and a good portion of it runs along the creek. As it is very close to downtown Durham, you will see many backyards and apartments along the way. It is relatively flat and is paved asphalt the whole way.

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.

Short trail best for walking. Lots of places where tree roots have split the pavement making a very bumpy ride. Connects through park to Stadium trail but it quickly becomes a ride on city sidewalks. Not great for those looking for a long ride away from cars

Just ended to soon to be useful for biking.

Mostly sidewalks through town. Crosses major roads, a couple crosswalks. Not good for biking.