5 Triangle Trail Areas to put on Your Run List
1. Umstead State Park – located just south of RDU airport, this park offers over 30 miles of trails between single track and multi-use gravel trails that wind through forests and around lakes. You can link lots of trails within the park, but when in doubt Company Mill and Sycamore Trail are both a great choice. The central location and variety of trails make Umstead the go-to meeting spot for trail runners throughout the Triangle.
2. Mountains to Sea Trail at Falls Lake – located in Durham and Wake County, this trail spans 40 miles along the southern shore of Falls Lake and is a great option for runners looking for a long and scenic route. The Falls Dam parking area is the default parking spot for most runners (any may others), but there are plenty of spots to park along the trail. If you are doing a long run with others and don’t like an out and back (no loops on this trail), consider leaving a shuttle car at your final destination!
3. Eno River State Park – with trails that wind through lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and even historic mills, this park in Durham is perfect for runners who love nature and want to explore off the beaten path. The main entrance to the park off Cole Mill Rd will give you access to plenty of trails including Buckquarter and Cox Mountain, but there are multiple other sections of trails that can be found at different access points. Running on a hot day, I love to loop a run from Pleasant Green or the Quarry trailhead, and take a dip in the Quarry mid run!
4. Duke Forest trails – scattered around Durham, these trails are a great option for runners who want to get in some miles on less traveled (and less maintained) trails. Beware that the trails are closed during the week in the fall, but still open year round on the weekends. There are a mix of foot trails and gravel roads throughout, a good starting point to access the Korstian section of trails is the Hollow Rock Preserve lot off Erwin Rd.
5. Carolina North Forest trails – owned by UNC- Chapel Hill, this beautiful forest offers trails that weave through trees and over creeks, tucked in between several Chapel Hill and Carrborro neighborhoods. These trails twist, turn, and interweave 750 acres, so you might want to bring a trail map or app, or better yet find friend who frequents the trails. Also beware these are definitely mixed use trails and expect to see mountain bikers, hikers, and dogs sharing the trails.