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Merritt's Pasture
4.7 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Running trail in Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Merritt's Pasture'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.
Park featuring a trail that leads to a pasture with wildlife, plus picnic opportunities.
What runners say about Merritt's Pasture
“This trailhead also boasts the closest parking area to the picturesque Merritt’s Pasture.”
“Like to walk across the street to it in the morning and take the dogs for a walk there.”
This is a very nice open space close to Chapel Hill. In it is a patch of milkweed just waiting for warm weather and the monarch butterflies to come lay eggs! Come here for a walk any time of year!
Went on Morgan Trail for a light walk but I ended up getting adventurous and continuing the Loop trail around the Pasture. It was a great way to start the weekend and you hardly run into other people. I'm so glad i live only a few minutes away from this haven.
Some people consistently seek shortcuts, but this approach rarely yields positive results; it often serves as an excuse for laziness. In reality, starting from the Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead, it takes only about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint, and the entire route is paved with concrete.
Absolutely stunning, well maintained trails, great parking, dogs love it. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered an unleashed dog on the trails!
Trail conditions & character
“Like to walk across the street to it in the morning and take the dogs for a walk there.”
“In reality, starting from the Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead, it takes only about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint, and the entire route is paved with concrete.”
“This trailhead also boasts the closest parking area to the picturesque Merritt’s Pasture.”
“This is a very nice open space close to Chapel Hill.”
“In reality, starting from the Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead, it takes only about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint, and the entire route is paved with concrete.”
Plan your run at Merritt's Pasture
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetownofchapelhill.org
- Phone+1 919-968-2743
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
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.
Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead
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Paved 0.85-mi. woodland trail for walking, running & cycling, with connections to other trails.
Southern Community Park
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Battle Park
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Frances Shetley Bikeway
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Umstead Park
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Park featuring play structures, picnic shelters, a basketball court & wooded paths along a creek.