Directions: Take I-40 to exit #270, Chapel Hill/Durham
15-501. Two ways to access the trail which is located off Erwin Rd.
From Durham: Turn onto 15-501 heading into Durham and make a left turn onto
Mt.Moriah Rd and take this to Erwin Rd. Make a left turn onto Erwin Rd and a
right turn onto Mt.Hope Church Rd (traffic light). Follow the road straight up
to the trail on the right with plenty of space for parking.
From Chapel Hill: Exit #270 off I-40, head into Chapel Hill on 15-501. Right
turn onto Sage Rd. Follow Sage to left turn onto Erwin Rd. Take Erwin Rd to
Mt.hope Church Rd, left turn at the traffic light and trail will be up the road
on the right.
Trail Information: There are many entrances into the Duke
Forrest trail, all of them off Erwin Road. The trail itself can be accessed by
walking a gravel road to the trail head. There are signs which direct to
different trails. Duke Forrest trails is a combination of dirt, rock, tree
roots, with plenty of uphill and downhills and some easy climbs if you wish. The
trail runs along a river which can be crossed at various points when the water
level is low enough to access trails on the other side. The trail runs a long
way, but can choose to do a loop which is about 2-3 miles in length and makes
for a great run. Trail conditions can get harsh during winter and wet weather
but makes it all the more fun. There are no water stops along the trail
unless you choose to purify the river water. A typical hard run through the
trail could last 25-30 minutes and you can choose to go back in the other way to
do it twice through.
Miscellaneous Information: There are many restaurants out on 15-501 in
Chapel Hill or Durham.
Mr.Uxo