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Pump Station Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 121 Google reviews · Running trail in Durham, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pump Station 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.
Park, hiking area, and trail offering ruins of a pump station and hiking trails.
What runners say about Pump Station Trail
“Summer time would probably be a lot more scenic when the trees are green again.”
“It's an easy hike without much incline/decline, although there are some places where footing was the slightest bit tricky.”
One of my favorite trails! Not too crowded and right next to the river.
A great park for kids! Beautiful wooded area - and not too crowded. A short hike, wide trails and easy to follow path along the river. The water is also shallow and great for kids to play in! Parking is limited along the side of the road.
Roadside parking only, just before the bridge. The trailhead is off a gravel road, down a hill, and there's no designated place for parking, so it's a little easy to miss. Usually not too crowded, the trail is an easy 25min loop (faster if you hustle), nice and even terrain most of the way.
Very pleasant easy walk. 80 degree day but under the tree canopy it was very nice. Limited parking but was not crowded weekday afternoon.
Trail conditions & character
“Summer time would probably be a lot more scenic when the trees are green again.”
“Limited parking but was not crowded weekday afternoon.”
“Usually not too crowded, the trail is an easy 25min loop (faster if you hustle), nice and even terrain most of the way.”
“You do have to watch your step because of all the tree roots, but it’s a really nice nature walk with lots of places to sit and chill for a bit, or even put up a hammock.”
“Usually not too crowded, the trail is an easy 25min loop (faster if you hustle), nice and even terrain most of the way.”
“The trailhead is off a gravel road, down a hill, and there's no designated place for parking, so it's a little easy to miss.”
Plan your run at Pump Station Trail
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
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 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.
Cabelands Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Hiking area with well-marked trails of varied terrain, including one along the river.
Buckquarter Creek Trailhead
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Shallow river known for its rapids and waterfalls, plus easy to moderate trails for hiking and swimming.
Sennett's Hole
4.5 ★★★★★ 162 reviews
Swimming basin is free to enter and features turtles.
Duke Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 450 reviews
Over 7,000 acres of land maintained by Duke University for teaching, research & recreational use.
Eno River State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,650 reviews
Vast acres of woodlands for hiking & camping, with canoeing & fishing areas on the Eno River.
