The American Tobacco Trail in the Triangle of NC is 22+ miles of adventure for Outdoor junkies. Runners, cyclists, walkers and even horseback riders enjoy this rail to trail system year round. The park system converted what was once the Old New Hope Valley Railroad into a wide trail system. The trail starts in the City of Durham, goes through Durham County into Wake Co. (Cary and Apex) then through the Lake Jordan project land. I like to bike from the Olive Chapel Rd. entrance to The Tobacco Rd. Complex in Durham. It's a great place to grab lunch, shop and enjoy the day. From that Apex entrance to Durham is about a 1.5 hour trip for the average cyclist.
Durham, Apex and Cary are working on local "Greenway Trail" connections to the American Tobacco Trail. The New Hope corridor of Orange & Durham counties, Chapel Hill to Harris Lake Co. Park, and NC Mountains to Sea bicycle route are all working on connections. Once all is complete, there will be a 70 mile chain of trails.
The American Tobacco Trail is host to the popular American Tobacco Trail Marathon and Half Marathon. This marathon is a qualifier for the Boston marathon. It was my first half marathon - and is lots of fun! It's held in the spring, usually perfect running weather in Raleigh. Most of trail is shaded by trees and there are several water/sports drink stops. There's even a free beer stop along the way - but not my suggestion if you want to finish your race. At the end of the race, they have live bands, a free beer tent, food and a great party.
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