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Duke Forest Gate 26
4.7 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · Running trail in Durham, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Duke Forest Gate 26'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.
Natural paths for hiking, plus creeks and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
What runners say about Duke Forest Gate 26
“Fun trail, easy to navigate, leads to a beautiful section of Hope Valley Creek.”
“Great rock hopping! Get to run into horses, too.”
“Trails are maintained, clearly marked and provide a glimpse of unspoiled nature.”
“I take our family dogs to Duke Forest for 1-2 hour walks.”
Excellent trails. Some scrambling along the river section, but nothing too outrageous. Some sections of the trail are gravel, but most are natural. Roots and rocks on natural sections. Good babbling brook action, looking forward to hiking this trail in the springtime when the rhododendrons are blooming!!
The parking spots near this gate is not enough. You have to park along the road side. The park is quiet. So quiet that I think I am the only one in the world. After the trail seemingly end, you could find a tiny trail that lead you to a river. Really nice clean water and both banks.
Our family loves to come here with the dog. You park on the road and there’s room for about 10 cars. Most of the path is gravel and leaves. It’s hard to know the best loop to take if it’s your first time since signage is confusing but we generally do a 2.4 mile loop that take 1 hour 20 minutes.
Amazing! Great for dogs! Wonderful hike by the water. Watch for snakes!
Trail conditions & character
“Great trails; from leisure (easy) to some technical single track parts”
“Long connected so dogs and their people get a full workout, mostly shaded so protected and cooler.”
“Nice, wide gravel paths for walking, not ugly, hard pavement.”
“It’s hard to know the best loop to take if it’s your first time since signage is confusing but we generally do a 2.”
Plan your run at Duke Forest Gate 26
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- 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
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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