Al Buehler Cross Country Trail

This trail is perfect for running and walking, competitive training and a family outing! The gravel is great and doesn’t give shin splints but is also hard enough so you can push a stroller on it! Some of the hills are pretty intense but very doable! It’s the perfect length! One down side is that some of the hills can be slick after a rain storm so just avoid the clay!

Great circle trail with lots of users. Soft but level enough for running and walking. Hilly, shaded and nice views. Great location. Only downsides are sometimes parking is tight at trailheads and traffic noise is right there.

One of my favorite places to run when I’m at school. Beautiful trail that is pretty well-​maintained. I love going in the fall (when all the leaves are colorful) and the spring. Not too crowded either, so you have plenty of space. The entire trail is about 3 miles around. Hills are rough — don’t go super crazy on them because you might injure yourself (like I did).

If you’re looking for hills, shade (mostly) and plenty of water fountains along a quiet and natural (unpaved) trail then Al Buehler is where it’s at. The three mile (technically 2.9) trail encloses the Duke golf course and faculty club close to Duke campus. There are several a handful of lots to park in as well as space along the road in a couple areas. I suggest coming up Erwin and turing left onto Cameron where you’ll find a small lot but plenty of «side road» parking to the right. This is also where the mile markers start. Speaking of mile markers, they line the trail every .25 miles and each kilometer. I enjoy this trail because it doesn’t feel monotonous; with the lovely trees, the golf course, an observation area with a bridge and you can’t forget all the hills! There are also water fountains throughout the course with «dog fountains» as well – I usually see a couple dogs being walked while I’m running, if you’re frightened of dogs, be warned! There are also «emergency» phones along the trail, which is comforting. There are a few spots where the sun can definitely beat down on you, a sharp contrast to the lovely shaded parts, so the water definitely comes in handy!
The downsides of the trail are that there are no bathrooms and there’s a pretty bad sewage smell along parts of the trail. You do see some lovely «pipe» systems that change up the scenery, but the smell is not appealing. However, personally, that’s won’t keep me away. AND if you’re really in a bind for a bathroom, the Duke Faculty Club is along the trail and I’m sure you could stop off there. I’m always looking for some good hill trailing to change it up after all the ATT running, and I haven’t run Duke Forest enough to understand it’s «depth». This is a great short-​distance stretch.

A very beautiful (and very busy) trail. I was renting a place nearby and used the trail nearly every day for 2 weeks. I saw people of all ages and types — from seniors to children and from serious runners to those with baby strollers. It’s well constructed so after the inclines, there are benches for those who are winded and flat areas to recoup if needed.
There are water fountains for people and dishes for pets; however, the one time I tried a people fountain, it did not work. There are emergency phones every half mile and occasional route maps. I was running solo and felt completely safe.
Two caveats: Parts of the trail get very muddy and have standing water after it rains. Also, on weekends, the lot off of Cameron fills quickly and you’ll see numerous cars parked off the road on both sides. Unless you’re in something like a Mini Cooper, it can be cumbersome to turn around in the lot to go back out if there’s no parking, so if you see the cars on the sides, I would suggest just parking there rather than trying the lot.

About 3 miles in length, this trail is frequently used, mostly by Duke students since it’s located so close to the main campus. Some parts of the trail are steep, but many people run it. For the beginners or people who are out of shape though, you’ll definitely feel it in your legs the next day! Gravel parking lot is very limited. Many people bring their dogs. Absolutely gorgeous to traverse this trail when the leaves are changing colors, especially around the lake! Postcard-​worthy. And it’s free to check out!

I’ve been incorrectly calling this the «Duke golf course trail» — but, hey, that’s essentially what it is. This is one of the few places that I can practice running hills, and it feels nice (and safe!) to pass by so many other runners and walkers while jogging the loop. If you’re feeling ambitious, there’s an extra little fitness trail loop you can tack on for distance. You can access the trail from several points, but I prefer the non-​Duke lot on Cameron, near the Erwin intersection.

Awesome! Great workout love the terrain after a good rain makes it more of a challenge

I love this trail. Both my dog and I have gained weight — oh Durham, you foodie town — and this three-​mile hilly trail is a lovely way to take it off. Clockwise has you going downhill through the worst of the hills, but you come upon a fork that is hard to navigate with the nearby map. Stay to the right to keep on the main trail.
I like that it’s a busy trail with gorgeous scenery — while on one of the bridges today I saw a blue heron and many turtles — it’s also a nice place to walk a dog without fear of running into off leash dogs. There are serious runners on this trail — off leash dogs would not work out, and anyone foolish enough to try would probably be shamed into never doing it again. Since my dog has been attacked by off leash dogs, this works for me.
Only negative today — the young copperhead I saw slithering across the trail. My attention was drawn to it when a jogger saw it at the last minute, executing a perfect ballet jeté over the snake — quite impressive. I probably wouldn’t want to be one of the first people on the trail, and I’d like to think that most venomous snakes stay off the trail when a lot of people are on it. It won’t keep me away and shouldn’t keep you away — but be alert and don’t let your dog wander off the trail.

I am visiting Duke for 10 days and feel incredibly lucky to have access to this trail. Lots of tree cover and hills. A refreshing departure from the lakefront path in Chicago. On Strava, the loop is 3 miles and if you add the additional workout path, it’s 3.7 miles all in. Well taken care of trail and a great way to blow off some steam.

Very curious about the four star reviews, but with stellar remarks. This place rates five stars all the way. This trail is heaven on earth for fitness enthusiasts. You can walk, run, jog in a bucolic environment that is safe and also protected from the searing southern heat by beautiful trees. I got caught in a storm there and was protected from the rain by the lush trees. The thunder and threat of lightening eventually sent me running for the cover of my car.
The hills can serve as a challenge to any Cross Fit devotee or marathoner. This trail can kick your butt if you run all the hills, but there are enough flat places for the person who prefers to walk to get a good workout or stroll to chat with a friend. The trail is usually populated and feels safe. It is open to the public and during off-​times can feel a little scary when you don’t run into anyone for only one person for several minutes. However, this is also a time to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, as you cross several wooden bridges over streams and navigate into areas that feel like deep forest, as you experience areas that abut the golf course at the Washington Duke and highway 15 – 501.
The trail is well maintained. I see no need for improvement of the fitness stations. They are what they are and are not eyesores. This is about nature and this trail is nature at it’s very best for those of us who want to enjoy it without putting our safety at risk. Annoyances are few. Been going to the trail for more than a decade, and I never saw a copperhead. YIKES!
When the trail is heavily used, parents with children running wild (parents please teach your kids to stay on their side of the road and not run into people, please!), cyclists who are actually not allowed but break the rules, people with dogs, and an occasional lone walker on a cellphone are about it. Yes, I once encountered a few members of the Duke track team or a high school team thundering down the hill, but I know that are enjoying the thrill of «Running the Trail.»
The most annoying thing to me was encountering so many people with dogs whose tongues were hanging out and one whose eyes were bugging from the heat. Dogs will kill themselves for people. People: know the signs of heat stroke in dogs and take water with you when you walk your dog on the trail. Make them drink.
All in all, if you can get to this trail do it! Good as it gets. A reason to visit Durham.

I’m about to run in my first 5K on Saturday (3 days from now) and my girlfriend (who runs much more than me) suggested with go to the Al Buehler trail as it is perfectly a 5K. She kept raving about it and how pretty it was. It wasn’t until we are about to leave the car that she mentioned that there are many hills on this trail and can be quite difficult at times. My eyes bulged out of my head. There are many areas were it is incredibly flat and you run beside a portion of 15 – 501 but overall I really enjoyed the walk. You essentially are circling a golf course (of which you can’t walk onto the green for obvious reasons). The trail is perfectly 3 Miles with an option to take the «fitness loop» and adds another 1 mile to your trek. There are 2 different gravel parking lots that you can park on. Thoroughly enjoyed this run, even though my face said otherwise — it was hot but the trees covered us for a cool breeze many times!

One of my most favorite trails ever. Great terrain, busy enough to feel safe, perfect length, and love that it is a loop trail, vs an out and back trail.

My fave running trail in Durham. Watch out for the copperheads, they freeze up like twigs when they hear you stomping through. Gorgeous.

I’ve become obsessed with this trail! I can’t say that I’ve ever enjoyed running, it was always something I had to force myself to do (and afterward reward myself with ice cream to alleviate the misery… so much for trying to get in shape). Yet somehow I find myself craving the beautiful woods here, especially in this cooler weather. As others have described, it’s about 3 miles (or 5 kilometers), with signs indicating each quarter mile as well as each kilometer in the counterclockwise direction. At about the 2 mile point counterclockwise, as you can turn left to cross a bridge over the swamp to stay on the main trail, or you can instead go straight into the Sally Meyerhoff fitness loop, which is about 0.6 of a mile, before returning to the main trail, to increase the distance. There are various offshoots, but if you don’t want to get lost, stay on the widest path. I prefer the counterclockwise direction which is a bit more strenuous (more frequent, steeper hills) and also more back loaded (the 1.5 to 2.5 mile stretch is killer), but the clockwise direction also has its fair share of hills and is a good workout too (and front loaded… you get most of your hills early). If you run this trail regularly, it’s good to switch between the different directions so your body doesn’t become too accustomed to a single path.
There are some annoyances, including the occasional waft of sewage, or the inconsiderate groups (or in some cases, just widely spread couples, gah) who manage to block the entire path as they leisurely stroll. If any of them are reading, please leave a person-​size opening in the path, so I can pass you. if you are not a pet, a small child, or an elderly person, I will seriously consider bodyslamming you if you don’t move when you see/​hear me.
The main parking lot at the intersection of Erwin Rd and Cameron Blvd is often crowded, so you can also explore additional lots at the Washington Duke Inn (if you’re a member), or at other points along Cameron Blvd. It can get pretty crowded on weekends and 4 – 6 pm on weekdays. See you there!

Once upon a time, I came here while dating Phil and we ran two laps in the right direction, and it was invigorating. Fast-​forward five years: I’m running one lap in the opposite direction (arguably, less strenuous hills) at a pace that is attempting to be a jog, but really resembles more of a plod.
Dear Duke students who passed me by: This is you in your 30s.
I like a trail that loops because you have a very clear beginning and end point. Toss into that some bridges, wildlife rustling, plenty of other pedestrians, and some mean hills, and you have yourself a course with plenty to keep you entertained for ~3mi. The fine gravel is perfect for running (or plodding). As others have noted, there’s an unfortunate sewage scent that wafts through occasionally; but if nothing else, it’s encouragement to be more brisk!

How to review a trail? Hmmm…
ABXCT is a very pleasant 5K (3 mile) loop trail. I’ve only been on it a couple of times, and both of those on sunny afternoons… so perhaps my review will change over time. In the meanwhile, it is an enjoyable jogging trail (or walking trail, until my knee improves), and it has been pleasantly populated each time there.
As yet I haven’t experienced the parking difficulties others have mentioned, although there have been days I’ve driven by where folks were parked in the ‘just ticket me’ spots out on the road.
The trails are wide enough to accommodate five abreast, but please be considerate of running and occasional bike traffic passing you in either direction.
The mosquitoes aren’t out just yet, although I imagine it won’t be long before they’re out in full force. The trees are back far enough that you shouldn’t have to worry about any ticks, but after a good rain the shoulders tend to ‘pond.’ (Not to puddle, mind you, but pond.)
I’ve noticed a number of «Don’t hike alone!» signs, and the (basically) unfettered access from the shoulder of the 15 – 501 North bypass. I’d imagine that in the hours between dusk and dawn, personal safety could become a real issue here. Fortunately, there are emergency call boxes all along the route.
The trail loops around a golf course, so there are usually people nearby. The only real disappointment is the (somewhat) breathtaking aroma along parts of the trail. What IS that? Ummm, eau de poop? Yeah. Kind of disconcerting to run into a miasmic cloud of that when your lungs are gulping for air. Just sayin.’

The Al Buehler is a nice walking/​running trail located near Duke Campus. The trail offers a very picturesque view of the Washington Duke Inn and golf course along the way and not too short and not too long, but just right to make a loop around! (I think it is around 5K).
The trail is not paved so if there has been a lot of rain keep that in mind. Also on a beautiful day this trail will be very popular and finding parking can be a challenge. Lots of folks walking their doggies so it’s great for that too.
As noted in some other reviews, there is a sewage drain that runs close to certain areas on this trail so there may be a few «who did that?’ moments. Overall a great place for some exercise in the middle of Duke Forest though.

«Great wooded albeit hilly trail by Duke’s campus!»
I don’t have much to add to the existing reviews– this is indeed a very hilly, almost 5K, trail. I like it because there’s an entrance right next to the Faculty Club, so easy to stop by after a run and do some weights & shower.
Detailed map is now uploaded. The bonus exercise trail loop also lists various activities you can stop and do (e.g., pushups off a log), though I’ve never done these. If you run the main trail loop clockwise, you’ll encounter fewer crazy-​steep hills going up (albeit more constant slower-​rises). There are milepost signs, too, but they’re facing such that they’re mainly visible by people running counter-​clockwise. The two crazy-​steepest hills are between mileposts 2.25 and 2.50 and very close to 1.25. The worst sewage smell place Susan Z mentioned is near 0.25.
One triviality I find amusing is the shift in sex-​ratio among the early-​morning (between 6 and 7am) runners on the trail by season– in mid-​winter, it’s 75% or more male, whereas it’s probably the opposite in April. Probably has something to do with dark and concern for safety, though I’ve never heard of any problems here.

This is the only trail I’ve run, I have run on sidewalks before. Lemme say, the Al Buehler Trail shames any sidewalk I’ve met.
PROS
— various gradients
— flexible distances (main 2.9m loop + 0.11 connector = 5K, also another 0.6mi loop attached to other end of the connector).
— scenic
— other people (makes me feel safer)
CONS
— smells of sewage at one or two places, just run faster
— no bathrooms
— no lights (it gets so dark so fast)
— other people (difficult to find parking)
This trail is great for both beginners like me and hardcore runners who do marathons. I actually enjoy running b/​c of this trail!