Recreation >> Nature study
Throughout the Forest, there are multiple woodland roads and a limited number of foot trails. Please be sure to stay on the maintained roads and designated trails, as bush-whacking and off-trail uses can damage vegetation, soil stability, and potentially research and teaching areas. Roads and trails vary in length from under 1 mile to over 5 miles, with variable topography.
The Shepherd Nature Trail can be found off of Gate C (the location of the Bobby Ross, Jr. Memorial Shelter). This self-guided trail is 0.8 miles long and provides examples of a continuum of systems typical of the NC Piedmont, including wet bottomland forests, rocky hilltops and human-related disturbances. A large portion of the woodlands through which this trail traverses suffered severe hurricane damage in 1996. For more information about the Shepherd Nature Trail and Bobby Ross, Jr. Memorial shelter, click here >
Additional hiking and biking opportunities near campus can be found at the Al Buehler Cross Country Trail. This three-mile loop has a graded surface and winds through the woods around the Duke University Golf Course, off NC 751 across from campus. Maps of the course are available here >
Other foot paths can be found in the Eno, Korstian and Durham Divisions. These trails are posted with yellow "Designated Access Area" signs. There are no water sources or restroom facilities along the Forest's foot paths and roadways (with the exception of the Al Buehler Trail, which has water fountains).
Detailed maps showing all roads and foot trails on the Forest are available to the public. For more information about how to purchase these maps, please see our location / maps page.
