Family Guide to the American Tobacco Trail

The American Tobacco Trail (ATT) is one of the best family trails in North Carolina, and it runs right through the heart of the Triangle. This 22-mile rail-trail follows the route of a former railroad line from downtown Durham south through Chatham County. It's wide, mostly flat, and perfect for biking, walking, and scootering with kids.

Trail Overview

The ATT is divided into roughly two sections:

Durham Section (north): About 6.5 miles, fully paved, from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park trailhead to the I-40 crossing near Southpoint Mall.

Southern Section: About 15.5 miles, from the I-40 crossing south to the endpoint near the New Hope Church Road trailhead in Chatham County. This section is partly paved and partly crushed stone.

The trail passes through a variety of landscapes: urban downtown, suburban neighborhoods, farmland, and deep forest. The scenery changes enough to keep things interesting for kids.

Best Sections for Families

Downtown Durham to Scott King Road (3.5 miles)

This is the most urban section and a great introduction to the ATT. Start at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park trailhead (free parking, restrooms) and head south. The trail passes under bridges, through light forest, and alongside neighborhoods. The pavement is in excellent condition and the path is wide enough for kids to ride side-by-side.

Perfect for: Families with young kids on training wheels or in strollers. Flat, paved, and easy.

Scott King Road to Southpoint (3 miles)

Continuing south from Scott King Road, the trail enters more suburban territory. This section is still fully paved and flat. You can park at the Solite Trailhead off Fayetteville Road (free parking, restrooms) for easy access to this section.

Southpoint to Herndon Park (4 miles)

South of I-40, the trail transitions to crushed stone surface. It's still flat and easy but not ideal for road bikes or skinny stroller wheels. This section feels more rural and passes through pine forest. The Herndon Park trailhead has parking and a portable toilet.

Wimberly Road to New Hope Church Road (5 miles)

The southernmost section is the most remote and beautiful. It crosses several trestle bridges and passes through deep forest. Best for families with older kids who want a longer adventure. Limited facilities.

Trailheads and Parking

| Trailhead | Parking | Restrooms | Surface From Here | |—————-|————-|—————-|—————————| | Durham Bulls Athletic Park | Large lot, free | Yes | Paved | | Solite (off Fayetteville Rd) | Medium lot, free | Yes | Paved | | Herndon Park | Small lot, free | Portable | Crushed stone | | Wimberly Road | Small lot, free | No | Crushed stone | | New Hope Church Road | Small lot, free | No | Crushed stone |

Biking the ATT with Kids

The ATT is one of the best biking trails in the Triangle for families. Here's what to know:

The paved Durham section is the easiest for kids. Wide, flat, and smooth.

Bike rentals are available at several shops near the trailhead. Oak City Cycling in downtown Durham rents bikes and can recommend family-friendly routes.

Helmets are required by NC law for riders under 16.

Ride single file on busy sections. The trail gets crowded on nice weekends.

Call out "On your left!" when passing slower trail users. Teach kids to do this too.

Bring a tire repair kit or at minimum a pump. The ATT is long and bike shops aren't close to most sections.

Road Crossings

The ATT crosses several roads, some busy. Teach kids to stop, look both ways, and wait for your signal before crossing.

Major crossings:

NC-54 (Barbee Road): Has crosswalk signals. Busy road, be cautious.

I-40: The trail goes under I-40 via a tunnel, so no road crossing needed.

Several residential streets with stop signs.

What to Bring

Water (there are very few fountains on the trail)

Snacks

Sunscreen and bug spray

Flat repair kit for bikes

Phone charged for navigation (the Traillink app has good ATT maps)

Fun Facts for Kids

The railroad that used the ATT route carried tobacco, lumber, and passengers for over 100 years.

The trail is part of the larger East Coast Greenway, which stretches from Maine to Florida.

The trestle bridges on the southern section are original railroad structures, renovated for the trail.

Combining the ATT with Other Activities

Start at the Durham Bulls trailhead and grab breakfast at Cocoa Cinnamon or Rise Biscuits before your ride.

If you reach Southpoint, reward the kids with lunch or ice cream at the nearby restaurants.

Connect to the Third Fork Creek Trail near the I-40 crossing for a longer adventure.

The ATT is a Triangle treasure. Whether you walk a mile or ride the whole thing, your family will love it.

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