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Brumley Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 330 Google reviews · Running trail in Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Brumley Nature Preserve'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.
Ecological park featuring hiking and mountain biking trails, plus ponds and ruins.
What runners say about Brumley Nature Preserve
“Dedicated to restoring and preserving the natural order of the forest and keeping water ways clean.”
“Beautiful nature preserve with miles of both hiking and biking trails.”
“Well-marked trails with challenging climbs and rock gardens.”
If you enjoy nature trails, you will be thrilled upon visiting the various loops here! Note: I recommend you take a picture of the map located at Parking. Anyway, I explored Wood Duck Way, Walnut Grove, Flat Tail, Grand Oak Loop and just a scratch of Springhouse.
Brumley is gorgeous! There are several loops of varying lengths. You share the narrow trails with bikes so stay aware.
Beautiful nature preserve with miles of both hiking and biking trails. Dedicated to restoring and preserving the natural order of the forest and keeping water ways clean. My family and I only did the first 4 trails, but the beaver dam and wetland area was the best spot to just relax and enjoy the view.
Triangle Land Conservancy, ~4 miles of trail. Ponds, wildflowers, old farm structures, bird watching, creeks. No bikers. Dawn to dusk hours
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful nature preserve with miles of both hiking and biking trails.”
“Note: I recommend you take a picture of the map located at Parking.”
“Several miles of trails that range from kid friendly to highly technical rocky areas to jumping hoodoos.”
“Anyway, I explored Wood Duck Way, Walnut Grove, Flat Tail, Grand Oak Loop and just a scratch of Springhouse.”
“Anyway, I explored Wood Duck Way, Walnut Grove, Flat Tail, Grand Oak Loop and just a scratch of Springhouse.”
“Well-marked trails with challenging climbs and rock gardens.”
Plan your run at Brumley Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitetriangleland.org
- Phone(919) 908-8809
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Chapel Hill
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Brumley Nature Preserve Expansion
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Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
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Cabelands Trail
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