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Rhododendron Bluff Circuit
4.9 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Running trail in Durham, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rhododendron Bluff Circuit'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.
What runners say about Rhododendron Bluff Circuit
These trails are incredible! The beauty is breathtaking! I parked on the side of Whitfield Rd.
Fun hiking trail 4-6 miles depending on the path you take. Fairly rough terrain and some opportunities for light bouldering; watch your footing so you don’t sprain an ankle :).
A popular set of trails that are both moderate and easy in difficulty. It is very scenic and follows along one of the nearby creeks. Only difficult thing about it is that parking is pulling off the side of the road and there aren't as many signs visible from the road.
What a great hike! Located in the Duke Forest this hike has a little bit of it all. A rock scramble, gentle paths, high pitched gravel roads, ambling through forest next to a large stream, and tons of mushroom hunting with all the rain we’ve been having. Haha!
Trail conditions & character
“A rock scramble, gentle paths, high pitched gravel roads, ambling through forest next to a large stream, and tons of mushroom hunting with all the rain we’ve been having.”
“The main trail coming off the trailheads is wide flat and gravel; look out for the more interesting/challenging hiking trails that shoot off from this gravel trail.”
Plan your run at Rhododendron Bluff Circuit
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- Websitedukeforest.duke.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–5 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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