Best Places to Hike Near Raleigh, NC
The American Tobacco Trail
The American Tobacco Trail has a bit of a misleading name. There's no tobacco anywhere to be seen on the trail, and I can't even find a historical reference to tobacco! The American Tobacco Trail is actually being constructed over a former railroad passage built for the New Hope Railroad in the early part of the 20th century, which has been abandoned since the 1970s.
Since the late 1980's, the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TRTC), a volunteer non-profit organization, has been working to preserve this rail corridor as a beautiful walkway.
We came to check out the trail, right before spring came bursting out.
Access is easy. From Apex, take Hwy 64 towards Jordan Lake. In just a few short miles, you'll see New Hill - Olive Chapel Road. Take a left, then follow the signs to the park entrance.
Here's a map of the whole trail.
The trail is wide and easily traveled by foot or bike. There are well-maintained benches and picnic tables scattered about.
Bring your own food and water, but there is a restroom available at this trail entrance.
The American Tobacco Trail has only been open in portions since 2000.
The Durham City Council, the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TRTC), and Chatham and Wake Counties continue to work to extend the trail to it's full 22 mile length, which stretches from the Southpoint Mall area down past Apex to this trail entrance near the eastern side of Jordan Lake.
Some sections will be paved, others hard packed. All are well-maintained.
This is a view of Beaver Creek from the bridge 1.2 miles from the entrance. I can't wait to go back now that everything is green and full!
This trail is a delight any time of year.
If you like to hike, bike, or walk, take some time to explore the American Tobacco Trail. No matter where you live in the Triangle, it's not far - and there are access points in several locations.
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Good morning Penny - I have driven by the trail (my parents live close to it) and never realized what the trail was, thanks for the information.
Penny,
It looks like a beautiful place to spend a day....I love hiking and this trail looks extremely well-maintained.
Jo
We love to take the horses there - not far from the farm! Thanks for highlighting this!
We just discovered the trail ourselves. Definitely worth a day trip, or even just an hour's ramble.
Jo - It is a terrific trail. Very rare to find something as wide and neatly maintained, but still beautifully overgrown and quiet. Lots of great parks in the Raleigh area!
Eleanor - You're right, I did see some "horse evidence"! My son told me he was going to "follow the footprints", so we had a little lesson on where horses go to the bathroom. He did spend much of the time looking ahead and behind us to see if any more horses were coming.