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    American Tobacco Trail

    4.4 (51 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

    American Tobacco Trail Photos

    Recommended Reviews - American Tobacco Trail

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    Fayetteville and Crooked Creek parking lot
    Lizzy L.

    We finally checked out the American Tobacco Trail, one of the places in Durham with paved bikeable trails! After reading other Yelp reviews on safer vs. sketchier stretches of the trail, we decided to start out on Saturday morning at the parking lot near Southpoint Mall, off of Fayetteville road. The parking lot there can hold about 10-20 cars or so; we were able to find a space easily. From there we biked south 6 miles and then 6 miles back to the parking lot. The trail is well-marked although at a few parts of the beginning that wrap around Kroger and the shopping center we had to kind of guess where the trail continued. I like that the trail has varied scenery and a few benches or areas to rest along the way too! It crosses the main road only twice or so where you have to keep an eye out for cars. Otherwise it's a separate paved 2-laned trail. Since it's still a bit cold outside there weren't too many people out on the trail, but we did run into a lot of running groups, joggers, and bicyclists. I can see how the trail might get a little congested when it gets warmer. The terrain is mostly flat with a few hilly areas, and the part near Southpoint even has a few lamps. A helpful map of the trail: http://www.triangletrails.org/pdfs/ATT_map_page1-2015.pdf http://www.triangletrails.org/pdfs/ATT_map_page2-edited.pdf We'll be back on a longer bike ride next time!

    Durham on Fayetteville
    Katharine B.

    I love walking on the American Tobacco Trail and there are plenty of entrance points along this 20+ mile stretch. I have also biked on the trail and on some parts near Apex you will see horses. I have parked at the White Oak entrance in Apex and most recently in Durham in Fayetteville Street. I have always wondered where the bridge that crosses 40 goes and just found the entrance near the intersection of 54 and Fayetteville Street. The path is paved and bikers and runners did a good job of announcing "on your left". You pass residential parts and there are a few cross walks where you need to press the light to alert the drivers. All in all, it was a great walk on a pretty fall day and easy to park and navigate.

    Natacha S.

    I absolutely love the American Tobacco Trail! It's a perfect little getaway to get yourself submerged into nature, and away from the city bustle and highways. I live just behind the trail by the Southpoint area and LOVE the new foot bridge that was recently completed!! It now connects the trail east of the NC 40 across to the Southpoint Mall! Whatever better way to get exercise on your way to some shopping!? The trail is miles and miles long and takes you into Downtown Durham. On a sunny day in the spring, it's so green and gorgeous, it's perfect for a run or nice walk with your dog. I highly recommend walking the trail off Fayetteville because it connects to Sutton Station where you can take a break for some gelato at Dulce Cafe on a hot day!!

    Around mile marker 13, on a summer day
    Jessica P.

    Today, as I was beginning my workout on the ATT, I saw a giant black snake crossing my path. I am more city than country, so I was a little freaked out, as he slithered into the grass on the side of the trail. A guy was jogging behind me and I stopped to tell him what I saw... he informed me it was just a rat snake. And I felt silly... well I am considering my American Tobacco Trail cherry: POPPED. I have not traveled the entire trail, I frequent the area that is between miles 10 - 13 on the lower portion (around Fayetteville Rd, Scott King Rd, Chatham County). It is really gorgeous and empowering... so calm and peaceful! If you can't focus on your workout here, I don't know where else you could go! But I would like to remind people that it is NOT paved in many places. Do not wear sandals while you walk on the ATT! I have seen really giant spiders, and from my recent (and first) rat snake sighting, please remember that you are in the WOODS and dress accordingly! Also, look out for horse droppings. It's kinda funny that dogs need to be cleaned up after but not horses? Stepping in dog poo is gross, but step in some horse poo and you have ruined a pair of shoes! (Yes, I know there is probably no practical way for horse riders to clean up after their horses) They have a really great map on their website that shows you where you can park to enjoy the trail. Also if parking is filled up along the Scott King Rd entrance (which it does on a nice day), you can park in Herndon Park. There is a paved path between two baseball fields that goes straight to the trail (under the power lines).

    Beginning of the East Coast Trail at Morehead Ave. & Blackwell St.
    Rose L.

    As far as running trails in Durham, American Tobacco Trail is by far my favorite. Mostly paved and with no sharp hills since it used to be a railroad track. The trail runs through all Durham's "major attractions" (Southpoint to Downtown and beyond). I usually jump on the trail between Cornwallis and MLK and run left or right. I love that the trail is mostly shaded, paved and has no major hills (on some days I just can't do hills, I'm not an expert runner yet people!) I usually see a lot of people biking the trail, especially during prime "get to work" and "get out of work" hours. There are flashing yellow lights that you can hit to let pedestrians cross busy roads and crosswalks over all busy roads as well where the trail cuts through. Depending on where you hit the trail, you may have to cross over roadways every 1-1.5 miles, but again, all dependent on where you pick it up. Along my run, there are several "branch offs" of the trail as well. For example, I have a real hesitation to run past Fayetteville Street when I'm alone, believe me when you see it you'll know why. It just gives me severe warning signs and memories from last years "incidents". But then I'm left in a dilemma as to where to go next. Luckily, ATT has an offshoot on Riddle Road that leads all the way into RTP and offers a seemingly safer path. If you live in Durham, you'll have heard some horror stories about runners getting mugged on the ATT. I NEVER run the trail at night or dusk because of this (plus the trail technically closes at sunset). However, I often run the trail by myself during the day, just keep your wits about you, I always carry my phone. Also, I have seen police patrolling the trail in golf carts, usually heading towards the Fayetteville intersection (glad to know that my instincts aren't skewed) and I've heard since the attacks last summer security has gotten tighter. The only other downside of the trail are lack of water stops and bathrooms. While there are a handful scattered around the trail, make sure you take necessary precautions before your run. And just get out there and DO IT! ATT is a great trail for beginners and intermediate training alike and the mile markers every .25 miles are always kept fresh! NOTE: If you don't live close to or on the ATT, the best place to start is at the beginning. Begins right downtown underneath the highway, across from the Bulls stadium. Park in the parking deck at American Tobacco Campus! Also, if you have a YMCA membership, you can shower up and change at the YMCA too!

    Riding the tobacco trail on a warm summer day!
    Anthony C.

    So much Fun! What a great trail from downtown Durham to the Streets at South Point Mall. My wife and I had a wonderful time riding the eight mile section of this trail. The trail is well maintained and has mile markers every quarter mile. We found the ride to be very easy, great for beginner cyclists. It took us only 35-40 minutes to casually bike from downtown Durham to the mall. We highly recommend taking some time to enjoy this trail. Enjoy!

    One of the more isolated parts of the trail.

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    Ask the Community - American Tobacco Trail

    Review Highlights - American Tobacco Trail

    I went over the new bridge over I-40 and rode the northern section for the 1st time yesterday into downtown Durham.

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    Ellerbe Creek Trail

    Ellerbe Creek Trail

    4.1
    (7 reviews)
    13.7 mi

    Since moving from Berkeley, California to North Carolina, my family -- including our high-energy…read moreBasenji -- has been on the lookout for good walking trails. Back in Northern California, we were spoiled with countless dirt trails that often allowed off-leash dogs. To our surprise (and horror ), North Carolina has no off-leash options. That said, the Ellerbee Creek Trail has become our go-to spot. While it's not ideal for our dog due to the leash requirements, it's a paved, 1.5-mile trail that's great for casual walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Coming from dirt paths, the smooth pavement is gonna take some getting used to, but we appreciate it -- especially since it rains often here and this trail doesn't get muddy are slippery. We take our dog on the trail twice a day, and we're truly grateful to have it nearby. It's not a mountain trail, but it's clean, safe, and accessible.

    We tried out Ellerbe Creek trail because it's paved and great for strollers or bikes. We parked at…read morethe Rock Quarry Park lot which is near Duke Regional hospital. We loved the various scenery that the trail includes as it passes lots of little bridges, the Brontosaurus (my goal for this trail), dog parks, and the Vietnam Living Memorial. The trail wasn't too crowded save for the occasional runner or bicyclist. I found Rose L's Yelp review super helpful in terms of the different sections of the trails. We did smell a few sewage-y odors wafting up from the ground but it was only brief and not too overpowering. You can go along the trail as long as you like---we did about 1-2 miles before turning back to the parking lot.

    Photos
    Ellerbe Creek Trail
    First time down this trail the section that goes through the wooda is beautiful. Gonna have to make this a part of my routine.
    First time down this trail the section that goes through the wooda is beautiful. Gonna have to make this a part of my routine.
    Map trail guide, directly off Trinity.

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    Map trail guide, directly off Trinity.
    Morgan Creek Trail

    Morgan Creek Trail

    4.8
    (4 reviews)
    8.9 mi

    It's a pretty decent place to walk in there are paved areas, which is nice, but there aren't very…read moremany places that indicate trails lengths or where to go. It's not that huge that I think anyone would get lost and it's very wide open. All dogs on the trail while we went were leashed which was great. Pretty nice place for a picnic with large open grounds. No bathrooms or water that I saw but did have it's own parking lot (although small)

    I usually don't like paved trails, but beggars choosers sometimes. Definitely great for wheelchairs…read moreand slow walkers. I will say there's enough natural elements to distract from the huge concrete sidewalk extending the entire length of the path, which ends up emptying into a community and another fitness path (has outdoor equipment stops) on one end and a pasture of wild flowers (mostly common milkweed for monarch butterflies) roughly midpoint. At the pasture the trail is definitely NOT paved and rather rough to navigate. If you have problems walking, be cautious, yet try experiencing it in the spring and late summer to catch glimpse of the butterflies and their caterpillars eating away before their chrysalis stage. There's a small parking lot at the beginning of the trail big enough for 20 cars. This includes a couple handicap spots. I've been there twice now on the weekend and I've lucked out to find a few spots open. Once you park DON'T head for the tempting metal bridge. Go in the opposite direction where you'll see the regulations sign. Then you'll know you're in the right spot!

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    Morgan Creek Trail
    Morgan Creek Trail
    Closeup of the Morgan Creek Trail sign.

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    Closeup of the Morgan Creek Trail sign.

    American Tobacco Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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