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American Tobacco Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 207 Google reviews · Running trail in Cary, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from American Tobacco Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Long, scenic, 20-mile-plus trail open to hikers, bikers and runners, with shade and rest stops.
What runners say about American Tobacco Trail
“It was clean and very well maintained making for an enjoyable adventure even with my limitations.”
“The scenery was stunning, with views of fields, forests, and wildlife along the way.”
“The trail was well-maintained, with clearly marked paths and plenty of shade on hot days.”
My all time favorite place to bike ride! The path is wide, well maintained and simply gorgeous. I'm very lucky it's only 10 minutes from home.
I am trying to ride my trike 2 to 3 times a week at 12+ miles each time. Good exercise and fun time
This is a great trail to hike, bike, or run. It's over 20 miles from end to end. The sections I've been on are mostly flat with trees surrounding both sides of the trail. We walked those sections, but I plan on biking it with my kiddos soon. Everything is kept super nice and the trail is very well maintained.
Good place for a bike ride or a walk with the doggo. She definitely loves it there, always pretty calm.
Trail conditions & character
“Very clean restrooms, water fountains, and panic benches under a pavilion.”
“We like this spot as it is right where the paved section ends so we can head north toward Durham if we want pavement or South if we just want gravel.”
“It's obviously a popular place (I was at the New Hope Church Road trailhead park in Car) judging by the number of people.”
“The trail was well-maintained, with clearly marked paths and plenty of shade on hot days.”
“The scenery was stunning, with views of fields, forests, and wildlife along the way.”
“I didn't see any drinking fountains on the northern half, but there might be one or two gas stations semi nearby.”
“We like this spot as it is right where the paved section ends so we can head north toward Durham if we want pavement or South if we just want gravel.”
“The sections I've been on are mostly flat with trees surrounding both sides of the trail.”
Plan your run at American Tobacco Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetriangletrails.org
- Phone+1 919-469-4061
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Cary
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Northwest Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
Family-friendly area with a playground, a climbing structure, trails and picnic tables.
Batchelor Branch Greenway
4.7 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
Lake Betz Nature Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews
Nature preserve offering a hiking trail and a volleyball court.
