What Makes Durham Greenways Special
Durham's greenways tend to feel a little wilder than their Raleigh counterparts. You'll find more unpaved natural-surface sections, more tree canopy, and a real sense of being out in nature even when you're minutes from downtown. The trade-off is that not every section is stroller-friendly, so I'll note which ones are.
Top Family Greenways in Durham
American Tobacco Trail (Durham Sections)
The American Tobacco Trail (ATT) is a 22-mile rail-trail that runs from downtown Durham to the Chatham County line. The Durham sections are paved and wide, perfect for bikes, strollers, and scooters. My favorite family stretch runs from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park trailhead south to Southpoint Mall, about 5 miles one way. The trailhead near the ballpark has parking, restrooms, and you're steps from downtown restaurants when you finish.
Heads up: The ATT crosses several busy roads, including NC-54. There are crosswalks but you'll want to hold little hands at intersections.
Ellerbe Creek Greenway
The Ellerbe Creek Greenway runs about 3.5 miles from Northgate Park to near West Point on the Eno. It follows Ellerbe Creek through some lovely wooded sections. The Northgate Park end has a playground, restrooms, and free parking. This is a nice out-and-back for families who want a moderate walk. Mostly paved with a few natural-surface stretches.
Third Fork Creek Trail
This 5.5-mile greenway connects several south Durham parks. The section from Woodcroft Parkway to Cornwallis Road is flat, paved, and runs alongside a peaceful creek. It's stroller-friendly throughout and shaded enough to be comfortable on warm days. Parking at the Woodcroft trailhead is free.
Little River Regional Park Trail
Technically Durham County, Little River Regional Park is about 20 minutes north of downtown. The park has 3 miles of natural-surface trails that loop through forests and along the Little River. These aren't greenways in the paved sense, but they're well-maintained and great for families with kids ages 5 and up. There are restrooms at the trailhead, picnic shelters, and a nature play area.
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate. Some roots and minor elevation changes. Not stroller-friendly.
Pearsontown Greenway
A short (1.2-mile) connector through Pearsontown, this greenway is great for a quick neighborhood walk. It's flat, paved, and connects to the ATT. No restrooms on the trail itself, but it's a nice add-on if you're already on the ATT.
Planning Your Durham Greenway Trip
Age-by-Age Picks
| Age Group | Best Trail | |—————-|—————-| | Strollers | ATT from Durham Bulls, Third Fork Creek | | Toddlers (1-3) | Northgate Park section of Ellerbe Creek | | Preschool (3-5) | Third Fork Creek, short ATT sections | | Elementary (5-10) | Little River Regional Park, Ellerbe Creek | | Tweens & Teens | Full ATT by bike |
Safety and Accessibility
Durham's paved greenways (ATT and Third Fork Creek) are ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly throughout. The ATT in particular is wide enough for wheelchairs and adaptive bikes. Ellerbe Creek Greenway has a few uneven sections near the northern end, so scout those if accessibility is a concern.
Most Durham greenways have good cell service, but the wooded sections of Ellerbe Creek and Little River can be spotty. Let someone know your route and expected return time, especially on longer walks.
For families new to Durham, the ATT from the Durham Bulls trailhead is the best introduction. It's easy to find, well-maintained, and connects you to downtown restaurants and shops when you're done.
Combining Greenways with Other Activities
One of my favorite things about Durham's greenways is how well they connect to other family destinations. The ATT drops you right at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where you can catch a minor-league game after your walk. The Ellerbe Creek Greenway connects to Northgate Park, which has a fantastic playground and community pool (open seasonally). And if you follow the Third Fork Creek Trail far enough, you'll end up near several south Durham restaurants perfect for a post-hike lunch.
Planning a greenway-plus outing is a great way to keep the whole family motivated. Promise ice cream at the end and suddenly that extra mile doesn't seem so long.
Durham's greenways are a wonderful way to explore the Bull City with your family. Don't sleep on that ATT — it's one of the best trails in the entire state.
More Guides You'll Love
Mom Tip
Got a tip about this topic? We're building a community of Triangle moms who share their insider knowledge. Stay tuned.