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Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 107 Google reviews · Running trail in Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead'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.
Paved 0.85-mi. woodland trail for walking, running & cycling, with connections to other trails.
What runners say about Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead
“A great local trail connecting other trails nearby, as well as running through the nearby creeks, with picturesque bridges, and shady spots to sit along the way.”
“Most of the system is paved, and wide, and is great for strollers, bikes, running, or walking.”
“A great local trail connecting other trails nearby, as well as running through the nearby creeks, with picturesque bridges, and shady spots to sit along the way.”
This short trail had many different terrains as it led you on a paved path to a clearing with a thin trail and eventually through some woods. Would definitely recommend!
The Trailhead provides easy access from NC-54 eastbound and good parking to the beginning of the MC Trail, one of Chapel Hill's Greenways. While I wouldn't score it 5 for quality, it was very nice and ease of access was a solid 5.
I enjoyed this trail alot when I lived on that side of town. Short but once you get to Merritts pasture it is lots of fun. the dirt path around the pasture makes one feel as if they are in a hay field in the back 40!
Great place to walk or jog or run. It has been our go-to place for a daily jog.
Trail conditions & character
“The Trailhead provides easy access from NC-54 eastbound and good parking to the beginning of the MC Trail, one of Chapel Hill's Greenways.”
“A great local trail connecting other trails nearby, as well as running through the nearby creeks, with picturesque bridges, and shady spots to sit along the way.”
“A great local trail connecting other trails nearby, as well as running through the nearby creeks, with picturesque bridges, and shady spots to sit along the way.”
“This short trail had many different terrains as it led you on a paved path to a clearing with a thin trail and eventually through some woods.”
“The Trailhead provides easy access from NC-54 eastbound and good parking to the beginning of the MC Trail, one of Chapel Hill's Greenways.”
“It had rained a fair amount on the previous day, and the dirt path was surprisingly not muddy in most places.”
“But no bathrooms anywhere close by so if u have a medical condition that needs access to a bathroom you can't stay very long.”
“Most of the system is paved, and wide, and is great for strollers, bikes, running, or walking.”
“There is a nice wooden boardwalk ushering you in the direction of Merritt's Pasture, where the path continues out onto a field resembling something out of a Tolkien book.”
Plan your run at Morgan Creek Trail Trailhead
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
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.
Merritt's Pasture
4.7 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
Park featuring a trail that leads to a pasture with wildlife, plus picnic opportunities.
Southern Community Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 642 reviews
A 72-acre preserve featuring lots of natural land as well as sports fields & trails.
Frances Shetley Bikeway
4.7 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Umstead Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 443 reviews
Park featuring play structures, picnic shelters, a basketball court & wooded paths along a creek.
Wilson Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 110 reviews
Park offering baseball and tennis courts as well as a playground featuring slides, swings, a sandbox and grills.
Battle Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Forested university nature site with a noteworthy stone amphitheater, walking trails & streams.