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Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · Running trail in Durham, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 0.8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature 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.
Short, self-guided hiking trail looping through Duke Forest with informational signs on trees.
What runners say about Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail
“Duke Forest is a peaceful place for a short walk in nature.”
“Relatively easy trail with informative signs along the way, and some interesting trees and wildflowers.”
This trail crosses over Rt. 751. On one side is the Shepherd Nature Trail on the other is Gate 6. These trails are easy to miss if no one else is parked there. Shepherd Nature Trail is a 1/2 hour loop along and crossing over a creek. It has some gradual hills , but nothing difficult. It is great for kids and dogs.
Its an easy trail, quite to where I used to stay while at Duke. Have walked and cycled here. Just be careful not to disturb sensitive ecological studies that are at times being undertaken here and notices are put up. There are multiple entries and exits. So quite flexible.
Love coming here because it's a loop and there's usually not a lot of people here. My dogs love playing on the bridge that goes over the water.
Relatively easy trail with informative signs along the way, and some interesting trees and wildflowers. Also a couple picnic areas. Probably going back to this trail again for more hiking and a little cookout. ***** Unseasonably warm March weather brought us back there to the same trail. Still very nice!
Trail conditions & character
“The trail makes a short loop with interpretive signs to learn about the forest around a small tributary.”
“My dogs love playing on the bridge that goes over the water.”
“One downside is that there isn’t a clearly designated parking area, which can make arrival a bit confusing and we had to park on roadside.”
“It has some gradual hills , but nothing difficult.”
“Duke Forest is a peaceful place for a short walk in nature.”
“Nice trail, not too long, not for strollers.”
Plan your run at Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance0.8 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedukeforest.duke.edu
- Phone(919) 613-8013
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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