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Duke Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 450 Google reviews · Running trail in Durham, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Duke Forest'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.
Over 7,000 acres of land maintained by Duke University for teaching, research & recreational use.
What runners say about Duke Forest
“Very pretty, well maintained, close to Durham and well worth a visit.”
“Beautiful forest with lots of great trails.”
“It's a great place to unwind, explore, or jog.”
The Duke Forest is an excellent location for a leisurely walk or an exhaustive long distance run. The trails are well maintained and natural. This makes your runs much easier on the knees. There are rolling hills that'll challenge you but will train you well at the same time.
Geat Forrest trails for hiking, running, biking and birding. Deer can be seen sometimes. Some small elevation changes. Most of the trails have gravel with some spots of dirt. Dogs on leash are allowed.
Wonderful hiking trail! We hiked to piney mountain and it was a moderate hike. The trial is filled with deep roots and lots of rocks. The trail is well taken care of!
I recently moved to North Carolina & A friend of mine took me there. It's a great place to unwind, explore, or jog. Really beautiful & lively during the day, you will come across wildlife, from insects to birds, to even snakes, so be careful if you do decide to take a mini detour from the trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Great place but people need to pick up after their dog and not leave poop or poop bags behind.”
“Most of the trails have gravel with some spots of dirt.”
“There are rolling hills that'll challenge you but will train you well at the same time.”
Plan your run at Duke Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedukeforest.duke.edu
- Phone(919) 613-8013
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Durham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Short, self-guided hiking trail looping through Duke Forest with informational signs on trees.
Cabelands Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Hiking area with well-marked trails of varied terrain, including one along the river.
Al Buehler Cross Country Trail
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Pump Station Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 121 reviews
Park, hiking area, and trail offering ruins of a pump station and hiking trails.
Hollow Rock Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 245 reviews
Forested park with easy walking paths, plus a waterfall and a creek.