A good place to bike, walk your dog or just plain walk/ jog. I've been through pumpkin loop and crow branch overlook and I prefer the crow branch since we never realized there was a whole retention pond to walk alongside!! Beautiful and able to see a mix of wildlife if you look closely enough and slow down. We've seen crayfish, mushrooms, even owls and deer out there. Really love this spot and glad it's close to home! It doesn't have water like drinking fountains or legitimate bathrooms is the only reason it's not a full 5 star. Otherwise I'd consider it a 4.5. There is also a small pollinator garden area that comes up on the left when starting from MLK side. Love this place. read more

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Near the university campus, this offers a retreat for runners. The entry road is of dubious quality, but it isn't that long. Some gravel roads continue to run through the area but are pedestrian only most of the time, and a series of hiking and bike trails interlace each other throughout the area. The aesthetic of Carolinian forests is distinctive and it was a peaceful environment. The trail marking could stand to be clearer and I got turned around a bit. It's definitely worth checking out the area. read more

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This place is a very busy and social spot. Made for more trail biking than anything else but, you're still able to walk some paths just be mindful of the fellow bikers out there lol. Great place for taking your kids out f your into biking off road or even just for yourself. The scenery isn't breathtaking but still beautiful none the less. Happy Nature Walking!!!! read more

Carolina North Forest - Off road bike trails - Hiking Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This place was gorgeous!! Went in the morning (about 8:15) and it was not crowded whatsoever. Very pretty trails and easy to walk, bike, run, hike, etc. it was very quiet and peaceful. Only critique is that the trails were not marked very well and my friend and I did end up getting lost. The trails all look very similar so getting lost can be easy!! read more

UNC's Carolina North Forest offers a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the two towns it is sandwiched between, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The Forest itself is a bit less crowded than are some other local hiking or biking spots, and it offers a respectable amount of both double and single track trails (some sites note that you could mountain bike 20 miles within the trail system here). Regardless of the exact amount of mileage that this forest boasts, the trails are largely technical in nature with roots, rocks, drop offs, etc. So whether you are running, hiking, or riding your bike, you had better be paying attention! (and watch out when your weary feet aren't clearing roots like they were at the beginning of your run or hike) The trails are largely well maintained, but are clearly subject to erosion from heavy rain falls and the like. Though the trails are also relatively well marked, there are a ton of different routes and loops offered so it's probably best to print out and bring a trail map when you visit. The inaugural "Race to Sustainability 6k" trail run was recently held at this site, and the forest provided a perfect venue for a trail run. Hopefully, this event shall become a yearly tradition. Regardless, I know I'll be looking to visit Carolina North more regularly! read more

This is one of my favorite hiking spots in the area. I've been here about 10 times with my dog and we discover a new part of the forest every time. One of my favorite aspects of this place is the peacefulness of these trails. It isn't a high frequented place and the trails are always in good condition. I discovered on my last trip that there is a bike trail near the Horace Williams airport entrance. This is a nice place to come and hike in the woods without traveling very far from the Chapel Hill area. read more

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Discovered this hidden hiking jewel fortuitously. I was Jogging with a friend in Chapel Hill when we happened upon this Park. We were pleasantly surprised as it provided us with a challenging, yet scenic, workout. Trails are well maintained, some are very wide, while one in particular, (borders a fence enclosing an Airport), are narrow. During our excursion we did encounter many others taking advantage of the Park. 3 Hikers, A Couple Dog walking, 1 Bicyclist. I do not know if this was due to the University not being in session, Summer Heat, or it is not on many Hiker's radar? It worked for us, we felt like we had Mother Nature to ourselves! Witnessed Deer on 2 occassions making our wooded Jog all the more memorable. Check it out, if you get a chance... read more

Carolina North Forest is a great location for walking dogs, running, biking, and enjoying an outing in the woods right in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of trails for every use: a paved trail which is great for bikes and running with strollers, wider trails for all purpose use, and winding rougher terrain trails for mountain biking. None of the trails seem to have too steep an elevation or be very strenuous. If you're not that familiar with the forest, I would recommend having a copy of the map (https://facilities.unc.edu/files/2015/12/Carolina-North-Trail-Map-East.pdf). found here. There are maps at some of the trail heads, but not all entry points, and trails overlap and cross each other, so it can get confusing the first time you're out there (especially Crow Branch). In general, I pass enough people on my walks to feel safe, but not too many that I can't enjoy the wilderness experience. I've sighted deer, several raptors, and snakes on various walks. read more

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Nice and secluded trail. A great place to go with your dog and plenty of trails to choose from to hike.

Well marked trails, lots of rocks and roots on single tracks but fire road is well groomed. Great for walks and also single track if that's your thing read more

Pretty walking trails. If you want to walk or run on fairly flat ground, this is for you. There are no big hills. Shaded & easy - dog friendly. Maps on trails. read more