Take a break from distance learning by getting outside. Explore the trails and walking paths of Chatham County with this list.
American Tobacco Trail
Apex and Cary
The American Tobacco Trail encompasses 22.6 miles in a few counties in North Carolina’s Triangle Region. Chatham County is home to 4.5 miles of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy project.
Briar Chapel Trails
Chapel Hill
Over 20 miles of trails can be found in the Briar Chapel community.
“I really like how the trails are well manicured enough to where you know where the trail is going but there is still a lot of good scenery,” says senior Reese Cantrell, who lives in the community. “I also really like how the trails have different levels of difficulty so there are many different choices that can fit a diverse group of people.”
Central Carolina Community College Track
Pittsboro
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) has a one mile paved trail. The trail goes around campus and features work out stations.
Jordan Lake Educational State Forest
Chapel Hill
Jordan Lake Educational State Forest is one of seven North Carolina Educational State Forests. The area hosts around four miles of trails that include exhibits and tree identification signs. The four trails at the site are the “Talking Tree” Trail, Forest Demonstration Trail, Wetlands Trail and Wildlife Trail.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Apex
There are lots of different trails at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Olivia McMurray is a sophomore at Northwood High School and lives on site. Her father, Steve McMurray, is a park ranger at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
“New Hope Overlook… is the park’s longest trail at 5.4 miles long. It’s a figure eight trail where you can do half at 2.7 miles or continue for the full hike,” McMurrary says. “I also like the pond trail at Seaforth and the Ebenezer Church Trail at Ebenezer. These trails are shorter– just over a mile– but are great for wildlife viewing or just an easy hike!”
Lower Haw River State Natural Area and Bynum Mill
Pittsboro
Lots of unofficial footpaths can be found along the Haw River. NC State Parks owns 1,025 acres along both sides of the river.
“It’s like the heart of Chatham County,” says junior Caroline Shi.
Mary Hayes Barber Holmes Park
Pittsboro
Mary Hayes Barber Holmes Park has a third of a mile paved loop. The park also has a playground, multi-use play field and picnic shelter area.
Northeast District Park
Chapel Hill
Northeast District Park has a quarter mile paved loop. The park also has a playground, multi-use play field, tennis court, pond, picnic shelter, and softball fields.
Robeson Creek Greenway
Pittsboro
The Robeson Creek Greenway is a half mile trail. It is a wide, shaded, gravel trail that runs along Robeson Creek.
Rock Ridge Park
Pittsboro
A half mile paved trail can be found at Rock Ridge Park. The park also hosts an 80 foot zipline, disk-golf course, play fort, picnic shelter and mini-amphitheater.
Town Lake Park
Pittsboro
Town Lake Park has two miles of trails that surround Town Lake, which used to be Pittsboro’s water supply. The park also offers a fishing piece, soccer field, swing and picnic shelter.
White Pines Nature Preserve
Sanford
The Triangle Land Conservancy owns and manages White Pines Nature Preserve. There are six miles of trail at the site. Temperatures at White Pines Nature Preserve can be as much as ten degrees cooler than downtown Pittsboro which is eight miles away due to the cooler microclimate. The microclimate is caused by north-facing bluffs and the cooling presence of the Rocky and Deep Rivers which both promote the growth of white pines, a tree traditionally found in higher, cooler climates. The area also hosts the largest known population of Cape Fear shiner fish.
