Explore the best rated trails in Durham, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Northeast Community Greenway and Downtown Greenway . With more than 71 trails covering 277 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.
Great trail for this first timer to the area. Arrived on a Saturday around 7:30am. Parking lot was starting to fill up quickly. Weather was humid, about 75 degrees. Felt safe as there were plenty of runners & cyclists on the path. Majority of the path is shaded, which was a blessing on this hotter than July weather. Police presence on the trail as well. A lovely couple was passing out cold water bottles, which was much appreciated. Would definitely visit this trail when visiting the area again.
It would be a good trail for hybrid, gravel or trail bike, the parts assessable are maintained, but the majority of the trail is closed for repair. The sign says from hurricane Michael, which occurred in October 2018. So despite the claim of working diligently, I hold little hope of it being opened any time soon.
Rode the trail starting in Erwin by the Mill. The ride was great. Needs a little trimming in places but was beautiful trail through the area. Took a little ride into town on the Dunn’s side. Just a few blocks from end of trail to downtown. Recommend stopping at Sherry’s Bakery. Great food. At the the other end in downtown Erwin you have the Pizza House and Burney’’s Bakery. You will not regret stopping there. The rail trail is about 10 miles round trip. Easy ride.
Had a Great Bike ride on the Black Creek Greenway. As a first timer, We weren't sure where to go, but figured it out pretty easily. Went around lake and just followed the trails in what ended up being a 10 mile ride. Went on a weekday and it wasn't too crowded, but I imagine it would be a bit busier on the weekends. Did cross 1 or 2 roads to follow the trails, and took several turns, but made it back without any issues at all. Paved trails and a couple of wooden bridges made for an easy ride. Restroom facilities available in parking lot and signs are posted along the route. Highly recommended.
Well-maintained and nice creek views. It is an urban/suburban trail but I found it very pleasant. Nice tree shade and lots of different scenery. Some nice wetlands too with bridges. Small bumps here and there but nothing that got on my nerves. Lots of opportunities to create loop rides using connecting trails, like the Neuse River Trail and House Creek Trail. Give it a try and I think you will like it, so long as you understand it is an urban/suburban trail and not a rural rail trail. Also --- Check Raleigh Greenways website to get a grip on construction alerts because the trail does cross under a bunch of roads and runs on top of underground sewer lines.
This trail has been on my “bucket list” and I finally got to ride it! Absolutely stunning early spring day for riding - sunshine and warmth. I started the trail at its head point - New Hill Olive which was well marked off the road. Lots of parking. Has a bathroom. The segway portion leading down to the trail is loose gravel and on the steep side - take note - wasn’t easy to bike on and I could see people taking spills here. From here, the trail is packed sand which I find more enjoyable to ride on as there aren’t root humps and bumps. New Hope Church Rd is a beautiful stop with bathrooms and water fountains. From there it turns into mixed use with asphalt and packed sand.
Actually 3.5 miles finished. Working on the last .5 mile. Will be a 4 mile loop around the city. Nice paved trail.
Spouse and I were trying to find a moderate length rail trail within a couple of hours from home (Charlotte area). We decided to try the Dunn-Erwin trail and are glad we did. It was a nice late winter day with temps getting into the mid 70's. The trail was enjoyable and fairly well maintained until we got to the trail extension in Erwin. There was a short section which was washed out more suitable for mountain bikes rather than road bikes. Some of the signage is getting weathered and needs replacing but otherwise well marked. Overall a satisfying ride.
The trail is currently closed. No mention of this on the Clayton Parks and Rec website. This area is experiencing explosive growth in housing developments with the accompanying need to expand infrastructure. The trail parallels a sewer line which is being upgraded. According to the Johnston County website, there is no timetable for completion. An on-road detour to connect Municipal Park to the Clayton River Walk where it crosses Covered Bridge Road is possible, but there is plenty of traffic and some steep hills. I recommend parking at the River Walk Parking area on Covered Bridge Road and riding north.
This is a very lovely trail with some elevation gain and loss, but very quiet and remote. The key is do not ride this trail if there has been any substantial moisture! We rode this trail when there was snow and ice on the trail as well as melt water and the trail was like riding through quicksand. Very difficult! Maybe during the summertime when it’s dry it would be lovely but not today. Riding on the snow and ice was also treacherous as there were packed down frozen tracks from a truck that uses the path for maintenance and access to surrounding areas.
Walked just 2 miles but it was so nice, around the lake, through the woods, very nice. Will go back.
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