American Tobacco Trail — Attraction in Durham

The American Tobacco Trail in Durham, NC, truly stands out as a premier multi-use pathway, deserving every bit of its five-star rating. My recent experiences on this trail have consistently been exceptional, solidifying its place as one of the best trails I've had the pleasure of utilizing.

One of the most immediate benefits is the ample and well-distributed parking, making access incredibly convenient regardless of your starting point. Furthermore, the numerous access points to surrounding neighborhoods are a thoughtful addition, seamlessly integrating the trail into the local community and providing easy entry for residents.

The trail's infrastructure is meticulously maintained. The initial 12 miles are beautifully paved, offering a smooth and comfortable surface ideal for cycling, rollerblading, and leisurely strolls. Beyond that, the transition to a nicely packed crushed stone surface ensures continued ease of use, even for those preferring off-road experiences without sacrificing comfort.

The foresight in providing three strategically placed water fountain stations along the route is a huge plus, especially on longer rides or warmer days, allowing users to stay hydrated without interruption. Cleanliness is clearly a priority here; the trail is remarkably free of litter, which speaks volumes about both the maintenance efforts and the respect of its users. Its generous width allows for safe and comfortable passing, preventing bottlenecks and enhancing the overall flow of traffic.

Moreover, the thoughtful placement of shaded benches approximately every half-mile provides convenient spots for rest and reflection, making it accessible and enjoyable for all fitness levels. The American Tobacco Trail is a testament to excellent trail design and maintenance, offering a safe, clean, and highly enjoyable outdoor experience...

This is one of the absolutely jewels of Durham. I cannot say enough good things about the ATT. I’ve biked its length more times than I can count, both on a mountain bike to cover the full 45-ish miles round trip including gravel trail, and, far more often, road bike to cover the 30-ish paved miles round trip. I’ve also run here, OneWheeled here, and so much more. When buying a house in Durham, proximity to this trail should be your first concern - perhaps your only concern. I do feel like Durham’s traffic engineer has continued to make this trail more dangerous - a foolish detour that has fortunately since closed saw me thrown from my bike by a car. I was fine, fortunately, but you should’ve seen the car (not the driver’s fault - again, whoever has been redesigning intersections in Durham seems to be fiendishly bent on Malthusian population reduction). Watch where you’re going, bring the kids, and have an unforgettable...

Me and my husband frequent this trail quite often for a peaceful walk around Durham. It is no longer a good idea to be on the section of trail that runs along Hillside High during school hours. It frightening to know how easy it is for a student to walk out of the school building and access this trail and then end up across town without anyone realizing they are gone. Parents are even losing their babies on this trail. It's sad to know that even an adult can fear this trail because of the thought of being shot, a trail that should be loved by everyone because some of the views and wildlife you see are wonderful considering it is within the...