Filed Under: Running
The American Tobacco Trail (ATT) is a rails-to-trails project. This means that it's mostly level and straight, but it's interesting too. There are a few sections of the ATT, and they're not all connected yet. This particular section runs from the southwest corner of Durham all the way downtown. The scenery ranges from dense woods to busy streets, kudzu-covered valleys to urban backyards.
It's 6.5 miles from one end of the trail (at the Durham Bulls ballpark) to the other (near Southpoint Mall). There are concrete markers every mile. There's also the Riddle Road spur that's 1.2 miles long, at the 3-mile marker, so you can make a 15.4-mile out-and-back run out of it. I like this trail for long runs because it's asphalt, with a gravel shoulder you can run on.
The hills on the trail are mostly subtle; the largest is a steady uphill grade from miles 2 to 3. There's a small city park between miles 4 and 5, with bathrooms and running water. There's also a gas station between miles 5 and 6, and a large shopping center at the Southpoint end of the trail.
See these websites for more information: National Recreation Trails Program: The American Tobacco Trail and Triangle Trails: The American Tobacco Trail to the Durham Bulls ballpark end of the trail (mile 0):
Follow these directions to the ballpark or enter 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701-3972 into Mapquest. Park in the "Mini Plan" gravel lot under the overpass across the street from the ballpark (see the map on the website). Walk one block down Blackwell street away from the ballpark to the trailhead.
To the Southpoint end of the trail (mile 6.5): From I-40: Take the Fayettville St exit and turn away from Southpoint mall, toward Downtown Durham. Go straight at the Highway 54 intersection. Turn left at SouthPointe Crossings shopping center, then immediately turn right into the lot at the trailhead.
Posted by: ann_marie_99 and last modified on Feb 15, 2007 by sean
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