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Hollow Rock Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 245 Google reviews · Running trail in Durham, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hollow Rock Nature Park'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.
Forested park with easy walking paths, plus a waterfall and a creek.
What runners say about Hollow Rock Nature Park
“Beautiful trails, in some parts of incline and decline, one needs good shoes … the trails to the Duke Forest is amazing!”
“It seems to be a bit of a small park but you can cross over to Duke Forest (clearly marked when you do) if you’re looking for a longer hike.”
“Very easy hike and good for kids too!”
An amazing little hidden gem! Very easy hike and good for kids too! It’s dog friendly and there are areas where your pup can easily access water for a quick dip on warm days. Places like this are top on my list for reasons that I adore Durham.
That’s a little wild little natural park near Chapel Hill. I am happy to spend 30 min here before or after work to sort myself. The bench are plenty and the signs are clear. Well maintained but pretty wild and natural place. Love it. There is a river just 2 min away from parking lot, just cross the meadow.
Nice and easy trail in the woods. There are a few bridges with smaller streams based on rainfall. Worth it for a quick walk with very little elevation. *** note about pictures** someone posted Mountain View pictures tagged to this trail. That is a separate park almost two hours away. That’s Hanging Rock State Park
It's a great little hike (great for families). My favorite section is the shorter trail that goes near the river. There's a interesting pond you pass with some kind of green algae on the surface.
Trail conditions & character
“Note: there are wild trails at the turning point of the loop without official safety guarantee but pretty fun to explore.”
“Beautiful trails, in some parts of incline and decline, one needs good shoes … the trails to the Duke Forest is amazing!”
“There’s plenty of parking and even bug spray for use at the park entrance.”
“Beautiful trails, in some parts of incline and decline, one needs good shoes … the trails to the Duke Forest is amazing!”
“It’s dog friendly and there are areas where your pup can easily access water for a quick dip on warm days.”
“It is pretty flat, but the path does get narrow at points and there are lots of tree roots so be careful.”
Plan your run at Hollow Rock Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance2 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.
- Websiteorangecountync.gov
- Phone(919) 245-2510
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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 Gate 26
4.7 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Natural paths for hiking, plus creeks and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Sandy Creek Park
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Lively park featuring a butterfly garden, walking trails and picnic spots as well as a pond.
Dry Creek Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews
Dry Creek Trail entrance
4.6 ★★★★★ 24 reviews