American Tobacco Trail
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
16 reviews for American Tobacco Trail
16 reviews in English
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Review from Matty B.
11/8/2011
The phenomenal greenway system that we have here in the Triangle is really something that sets the area apart from other metropolitan areas throughout the country, and I think it's safe to say that the ATT is the epitome of this system.
Basically, the trail provides 22+ miles of awesomeness for bikers, runners, walkers, kids in strollers, teens on skateboards, and weird dudes either on segways or scooters to meander on as it stretches through Durham, Wake, and Chatham counties. A really cool aspect of the trail is that the feel and look of the trail can vary greatly from county to county and even by the half mile at some points. The more traditional paved greenway of the Durham portion is contrasted by the gravel and dirt portions found in Chatham and Wake. As mentioned by other yelpers, there definitely are portions of the trail where you feel immersed in nature despite the fact that you probably aren't too much more than a stone's throw from a road or house. I know I've seen my fair share of snakes, turtles, rabbits, and deer on this trail.
The trail is quite well maintained no matter which portion you are on, and the vast majority of the trail has mile markers every quarter mile. How great is that? Like other previous reviewers, I've used this trail numerous times on long run days given its flatness and handy distance markers. Though I've hated the trail on some of those more grueling days, I've always come back for more and apologized to the trail for my previously rude behavior.
Since the secret is out as to how great of a resource this trail is, it can get quite crowded (especially on weekends and in the summer). I've also noticed some increased use of the trail right after New Years, though this dies down within a couple weeks (resolutions can only last so long!). No matter how crowded it is, though, there is usually quite a communal feel on the trail with numerous greetings and head nods exchanged (this does not ring true with the sketchy at best crowd around Fayetville Street in Durham).
As great as the ATT is, there are plans to make it even more amazing so stay tuned. But in the mean time, get on out there and get your fitness on! Maybe even consider training for the annual ATT half or full marathon...Listed in: Go Outside!!
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Review from stacy W.
5/14/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Love this trail for biking and running. There are some areas that need improvement, particularly on the Durham side, but the trail has some character.... just like Durham.
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Review from Shannon A.
Wake Forest, NC
9/12/2011
In the process is training for a half marathon, there is once a week where I integrate a "bitch day" which is what I call the days where I have to do more than 5 miles. The American Tobacco Trail is a one of my fave places to do those "bitch days" as it seems to make those days less horrific.
The path is gravel and shaded a lot of the way which is really nice. It is also super safe-feeling since there are always a lot of people out there, especially on the weekend. You can literally go on it forever, ok not forever but 22 miles, which I have never done. I usually get in trouble because I keep going until I realize that I actually have to turn around to get back to my car.
It is super enjoyable though, relaxing and makes you feel like you are away from all the hustle-bustle and you actually think you are in a different state or country for a bit. I highly recommend it for anyone walking, jogging, or biking. -
Review from Jessica P.
Durham, NC
Today, as I was beginning my workout on the ATT, I saw a giant black snake crossing my path. I am more city than country, so I was a little freaked out, as he slithered into the grass on the side of the trail. A guy was jogging behind me and I stopped to tell him what I saw... he informed me it was just a rat snake. And I felt silly... well I am considering my American Tobacco Trail cherry: POPPED.
I have not traveled the entire trail, I frequent the area that is between miles 10 - 13 on the lower portion (around Fayetteville Rd, Scott King Rd, Chatham County). It is really gorgeous and empowering... so calm and peaceful! If you can't focus on your workout here, I don't know where else you could go! But I would like to remind people that it is NOT paved in many places. Do not wear sandals while you walk on the ATT! I have seen really giant spiders, and from my recent (and first) rat snake sighting, please remember that you are in the WOODS and dress accordingly!
Also, look out for horse droppings. It's kinda funny that dogs need to be cleaned up after but not horses? Stepping in dog poo is gross, but step in some horse poo and you have ruined a pair of shoes! (Yes, I know there is probably no practical way for horse riders to clean up after their horses)
They have a really great map on their website that shows you where you can park to enjoy the trail. Also if parking is filled up along the Scott King Rd entrance (which it does on a nice day), you can park in Herndon Park. There is a paved path between two baseball fields that goes straight to the trail (under the power lines). -
Review from mari h.
10/28/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I'm gonna second Matt K. Build the bridge over I-40 for 5 stars.
If we could pave over all the abandoned rail in this country for pedestrian traffic like this, that would just be a dream! I love the American Tobacco Trail. I've run, biked, walked, and rollerbladed the entire thing. It's got me through some hard times in my life...I exercise when I'm stressed.
Now if it could just get me over 40 without fearing for my life. C'mon ATT, you know you want that 5th staaar! -
Review from Liz K.
Cary, NC
8/31/2008
Runners, walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders eat your heart out!
The best thing that I found in Cary, North Carolina so far. (Besides my 2 year old niece and newborn nephew, but that's just a given.)
This all dirt trail spans from New Hill to Downtown Durham. For you NC foreigners, that's 23 miles of all dirt trail! A 46 mile out and back for you ultra marathoners. Wowee!
My beaten running feet basked in pleasure as I took on this trail. I've only been on 10 miles of the trail, but as far as I can see it is completely shaded by tall willowing trees.
This trail was originally built in 1906 to transport tobacco leaves. The trail was named the American Tobacco Trail to reflect its historical roots. The multi-use trail opened up to the public in 2003.
It's wonderful moving along the trail and spotting old tobacco farm houses that are located off the trail. There are also some newer farm houses that fit in with the lay of the land. Also, you will spot horsies taking on the trail, too. It's nice to see that people and animals know how to share a trail properly.
Overall: City dwellers like me, be envious. -
Review from Mia C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/24/2011
Lush & verdant with 1/4-mile markers. Woohoo!
This trail is so dang handy for distance training, fun-time biking, and general lollygagging. The intersection right at Fayetteville Road between miles 1.75 and 2 (if starting at the American Tobacco Campus) can seem a little unsavory, but the trail is well populated, and everyone seems to mind their own business--I've never been hassled.
I do wish it were lit at night, especially given that it is officially open until 10pm and some areas can get totally blanketed in darkness (at least that was the case from Southpoint Crossing 4 miles towards NCCU and back--I know, I know--I should have started the 8 miles earlier in the day). More trash cans would also be nice, but all in all, this trail is just the one of the dandiest gems in the area. -
Review from Helena K.
3/1/2010 75 Check-ins Here
I ran my first practice half marathon on the Tobacco Trail. And my second. And my third. I love you, Tobacco Trail. You make me feel so strong and confident and like I'm out in the woods, and not running parallel to Fayetteville Road!
I live near where the trail picks up at Southpoint Crossing, and I always start my runs at the 6.25 mile marker. I've run to the DBAP (0 mile marker) and back on three different occasions. I am kind of awesome.
But I digress! My point here is really that, yes, for a while you really are just running parallel with Fayetteville, but then you get back in some wilderness that you never knew existed. It looks like Asheville back there: big trees all draped with verdant kudzu, hot pink rhododendron in the summertime, bridges over small valleys, birds chirping, blue, blue sky. Sometimes I think I could live there.
The stretch between when you re-cross Fayetteville at NCCU and when you arrive at the DBAP is a little sketch because some folks---some, just regular folks, others, vagrants, hecklers, addicts, etc.---like to hang out there, so just be aware of your surroundings.
And, for the love, they need to build that bridge over I-40 like they've been talking about for the last 10,000 years. I would love to run that side of the Tobacco Trail, but it is far too dangerous to run through the intersection of Fayetteville, 54, and 40, what with there not even being any sidewalks there. Sheesh. I would---hell, I DO---pay good tax dollars to see that project come to fruition. The trail could also do with some more trash cans, recycling bins, and doggie doodie bag clean-up stations.
Also, back behind Hillside High, Bull City Running put up a water cooler in a locked cage, so it would stay in place but you could still access the tap to refill your fuel belt while running. That was a godsend, but I'm pretty sure it was just for the Fitness World 5K because I've tried to fill up my belt since and that junk was empty and covered in spiderwebs. It was a mirage and I was stranded in the desert. I drink like a camel, but don't seem to actually retain any of the hydration, so water is very, very important to me.
Yeah, so, more water fountains and such would be awesome. Also, more lights, so we can still run at night. And what about some of those emergency call boxes like on college campuses? What, are we made of money? I guess not, but let's just call this my wish list.
Predictably, the trail gets packed with families and runners and walkers and roller bladers and bikers and folks doing those weird standing bicycle-scooter things that they swerve around on and threaten to knock you over with. If you're running in the summer, I highly recommend going really early in the morning, before work, before it gets busy, and before the sun rises to bake the black pavement and, consequently, YOU right along with it.
Solite Park is on your path, too, and you can stop there to use the facilities, shoot some hoops, or play on the swing set. The Tobacco Trail is full of great landmarks that you can use as distance goals if the mile markers just aren't doing it for you.
So, yes, I encourage all of you to get out there and take advantage of this wonderful place. It is a great way to escape the humdrum workaday life without actually going too far from home.Listed in: The Best of Downtown Durham
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Review from Jeremy P.
Morrisville, NC
5/15/2011
I've logged hundreds of miles on the trail over the past 2 years and every time I feel lucky that we have such a tremendous resource so readily available to us.
I typically ride the southern portion which starts just south of the Southpoint Mall and I go all the way to the end in Apex and back again. It ends up being about a 27 mile ride. On this section there are a mix of surfaces. About a quarter of it is paved with a smaller gravel track running alongside for runners. In this section you could ride any kind of bike because the surface is dead smooth so this is where you'll find a lot of families. About another quarter of it in the durham section is just graded dirt so it's a more natural surface and the most rugged of the trail. It's nothing that requires a mountain bike or anything but if you've got a full on road bike this section isn't for you. Any mountain, hybrid, commuter, BMX, or cyclocross bikes should be just fine. The remainder of the trail is hard pack gravel which for the most part is pretty smooth so anything short of a full road bike should be fine.
These are old unused railroad tracks and as such are graded to be fairly flat. This can be deceiving though because there some very long, slow, and steady grades that are nearly imperceptible to the eye but you can feel them when you're pumping at the pedals and when you're riding back down them hitting good speeds.
The trail does cross many roads which are well marked so make sure you slow down and look before you cross.
There is also no water on the trail so make sure you've brought plenty of your own liquids. There are restroom facilities in the parking areas at the end in Apex and at about the mid-point at the White Oak Church parking area. Benches for stopping and resting are placed regularly along the trail as well.
Also when you're out on the trail be sure to be courteous to everyone. If you're on a bike make sure give a shout when you're coming up on someone so they know you're coming. A bell is even better. Be careful to accommodate the slower riders and runners. A smile and a wave goes a long way....everyone is out there to have fun. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Durham, NC
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the Tobacco Trail!! I have walked from mile 6 to about mile 20 (not in the same day). I have a dog, and there are trash cans sporadically throughout the trail that I find to be more convenient than most trails. The mile markers are along the side of the path, as well as painted in the path at some points. Depending upon the area, there is a decent amount of traffic, but I've never felt it to be too crowded. At night it's not lit specifically, although some areas are close to parking lots, roads, etc.
Miles 10-15 (approx) are not paved, but still easily walkable. Between Scott King and New Hope Church Road, the area feels more remote, even though you are walking through neighborhoods in Cary. You feel like you're deep in the woods. The area north of Solite Park is a little sketchy, I would not walk it on your own. -
Review from Dawn L.
Prince William, VA
7/13/2010
Beautiful trail!
I was in town for a wedding and needed to do a marathon training run. My friend asked around and her runner-friends recommended the American Tobacco Trail. I was concerned about safety as I usually start my runs before 6AM to beat the heat. I needn't have been!
As I pulled into the shopping center where Bull City Running Co is located (Google Map it! Southpoint Crossing, 202 W NC Highway 54, Durham, NC 27713), there was a large group of runners getting ready to head out for a training run. I asked one of the group leaders where the trail head was, he pointed to a lamp post, and I headed out for my run. HUGE thanks to him!
There are several streets to cross, but if you're out early, there's not much traffic to stop for. However, BE CAREFUL! I had to stop several times on my way back.
All the runners and walkers I encountered were super polite and always gave a nod or a good morning. The bikers, however, were some of the worst/rudest I've encountered. Not a SINGLE ONE gave a warning before passing. VERY dangerous! I recommend running without music on this trail so that you have total awareness of your surroundings and can hear approaching bicyclists. I run the Washington and Old Dominion (WOD) all the time and am used to most cyclists shouting out a warning or giving a bell before passing. I was shocked at the lack of it on the ATT. However, I didn't let it ruin my run!
One pet peeve (and the loss of the 5th star!).... HATE HATE HATE the name! Surely there was some other industry they could have honored with the naming of this trail. It felt very odd to be doing something for my health on a trail named for a killer..... -
Review from Oliver C.
Durham, NC
2/21/2010
I'm a huge fan of the Tobacco Trail, however I've only ever run on the parts in Durham, which are paved. That section is all cyclists, joggers, walkers & the occasional in-line skating couple (holy 1990!).
Running on the trail is really nice because the city has so nicely denoted the distance you have traveled in quarter-mile increments and it's a good way to push yourself further because you can see how far you've gone.
Another interesting thing about the trail is that at some points you can see how the train tracks literally divided neighborhoods of haves and have-nots from each other, and the distinction still exists on either side of the trail.
I'm hoping to get out to the more wooded, unpaved parts of the trail this Spring. I hear you have to contend with some wily horseback riders. I don't want to spook your horse!! but i dont know what to do!! -
Review from Michael E.
Raleigh, NC
7/15/2010
This is a good place to get some grinding miles in if you're just trying to spin on your MTB. My buddy and I went out today to burn through a quick 10-11 miles. We started at the White Oak parking area and took the trail to Apex and back.
No major hills just nice long inclines/declines. It keeps your heart rate up and the legs churning. If you head towards Durham from White Oak you get to the split use/multi-use trail where one side is paved and the other is the packed sand/gravel. That is the only segment that I know of that has any paving. The rest is just packed double track action. -
Review from Andrew B.
Durham, NC
5/15/2011
This is your best bet for logging uninterrupted time on your feet or your bike without having to venture into a state park. The scenery is pretty nice and the street crossings are few and far between. I almost exclusively run the unpaved portion over and over for my interval workouts, but that's because I abhor hard surfaces (or rather my knees and feet abhor them).
Listed in: Where to gear up and workout
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Review from Matt K.
3/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
YOU GET FIVE STARS WHEN YOU BUILD THE BRIDGE OVER I-40.
Hugs & Kisses,
Koz -
Review from Christina G.
Durham, NC
6/7/2008 1 Check-in Here
Lo and behold. This was literally in my backyard for a year and I didn't even know it! The Tobacco Trail is part of a rails-to-trails project in North Carolina (very cool concept: they take old railroad corridors and transform them into paved bike and walking trails). This trail is not actually limited to the 27713 zip code -- it's pretty tremendous, and spans through Wake, Durham, and Orange counties with varied scenery. It's a great long stretch for a day of biking, or you can enjoy just walking the dog or a stroller through the sections that pass through residential neighborhoods.
