American Tobacco Trail

The American Tobacco Trail is a rail-converted path stretching about 22.6 miles across Durham, Wake, and Chatham Counties. The trail features asphalt surfaces in some areas and stone dust in others, accommodating both cyclists and equestrians.

The trail follows a former Norfolk Southern Railway line that once transported tobacco company materials through the region in the early 1900s. The abandoned rail corridor was later transformed into a public recreational path.

The Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy established in 1989 transformed this industrial railway corridor into a recreational path connecting multiple communities.

The trail is open from sunrise to sunset with parking access at several locations along the route. The different surface types mean you should wear appropriate footwear or bring a suitable bike for your planned activity.

The trail welcomes both cyclists and horse riders, making it unusual for accommodating multiple types of recreation in one place. This dual-use purpose is why different surface materials are maintained throughout its length.

Location: Chatham County

Location: Wake County

Location: Durham

GPS coordinates: 35.99048,-78.90632

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47