Local Spotlight | The American Tobacco Trail
Tucked into the heart of the Triangle, the American Tobacco Trail is one of the region’s most beloved outdoor escapes—a place where history, community, and nature all meet. Whether you're logging miles for a marathon or just strolling with a cup of coffee in hand, this 22+ mile trail offers a scenic, peaceful journey through Durham, Chatham, and Orange counties.
From Railroad to Rail-Trail
Long before it became a recreational haven, the American Tobacco Trail was a vital corridor for commerce and travel. Originally built in the early 1900s, the railroad line served the American Tobacco Company, transporting tobacco leaves and finished products through the region. As rail use declined in the late 20th century, this corridor was no longer active—and that's when the vision for something new began to take shape.
Thanks to the national rails-to-trails movement, which aims to convert old railroad beds into multi-use public trails, this once-industrial line was transformed into a greenway for walkers, cyclists, and runners alike. The graded bed of the old railroad offers a relatively flat, shaded, and soft-surface path, ideal for everything from family bike rides to serious endurance training.
A Trail That Connects Communities
One of the most unique aspects of the American Tobacco Trail is how it links three vibrant counties: Durham, Orange, and Chatham. Starting in downtown Durham—near the historic American Tobacco Campus—the trail winds southward through suburban neighborhoods, quiet woods, and rural farmland, creating a ribbon of recreation that connects people and places that might otherwise feel worlds apart.
It’s not just a connection between counties—it’s also a path that links neighborhoods across a wide spectrum of the Triangle. From Forest Hills to Woodcroft, and from $200,000 homes to $3.5 million estates, the American Tobacco Trail ties together a beautifully diverse stretch of the region. Living near the trail can truly enhance your lifestyle—offering convenient access to nature, promoting wellness, and even boosting home value. It's more than a trail; it’s a living, breathing thread of community that brings the Triangle closer together.
My Go-To Spot for Long Runs
Personally, you can often find me out on the ATT, especially for long runs. The soft terrain is kind to my legs, the tree-lined stretches offer shade on hot days, and the rhythm of footfalls on gravel is the kind of peace you can’t quite find on city streets. There’s something grounding about running a route where trains once roared past—and now it’s the breath of runners, the bell of cyclists, and the quiet hum of life in motion.
Whether you're training for your next big race, walking the dog, or simply getting a breath of fresh air, the American Tobacco Trail is a place that welcomes you. And while it carries echoes of its industrial past, today it’s all about health, nature, and connection.
My Story On The Trail
I’ve been running on the American Tobacco Trail since 2010. It’s been part of my rhythm through so many seasons of life. I first started using it during my high school days, while running for Jordan High School—those early morning miles and tempo runs etched deep into memory. During college, every time I was home on break, I’d find myself back on the trail, reconnecting with both the path and the people who shaped my running journey. And after graduation, the ATT became my go-to for training—especially for the six marathons I’ve run since. It’s more than just a place to log miles; it’s where I’ve had long talks with training partners, cleared my head on hard days, and dreamed up new goals. A lot of life has happened on this trail.
Plan Your Visit
Trailheads to Explore: The northernmost access is near Morehead Avenue in downtown Durham, while southern access points include areas around New Hill and Apex.
Trail Length: 22+ miles (point to point)
Trail Surface: Mix of paved and crushed stone/natural surface
Activities: Running, walking, biking, horseback riding (south of Durham), and more
So the next time you’re looking for a place to move, to think, or to simply breathe deeply—head to the American Tobacco Trail. There's history under your feet and something healing in every mile.
