Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Durham, NC

There are 5 dog-friendly hiking trails in Durham, and 25 more nearby. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Durham.

Pet Friendly Eno River State Park
Eno River State Park With nearly 28 miles of trails, Eno River State Park in Durham, NC, provides hours of fun and adventure for you and Fido! Choose from pet-friendly trails that follow the Eno River or paths that take you deep into the forest. Dogs are allowed on all routes but must remain on a leash no longer than 6'. See Details
Pet Friendly American Tobacco Trail (Durham County)
American Tobacco Trail (Durham County) The American Tobacco Trail (Durham County) is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Durham! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the American Tobacco Trail (Durham County). Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Eagle Spur Rail-Trail The Eagle Spur Rail-Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Durham! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the Eagles Spur Rail-Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Sarah P. Duke Gardens Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a dog-friendly botanical garden at Duke University in Durham, NC. Your leashed pup is allowed to explore the paved pathways and lawns before 10 AM and after 5 PM. Please note that during your visit, Fido isn't permitted in the Discovery Garden, Blomquist Garden, buildings or special events. A small fee is required for parking. See Details
Buckquarter Creek Trail Buckquarter Creek Trail is a moderately difficult 1.5-mile loop in Eno River State Park in Durham, NC. This pet-friendly path will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido and will follow the red circle trail markers. This is a great trail to walk with Fido as it is hiking only, and bikers or horseback riders won't cause any disturbance. See Details
North Carolina Museum of Art North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC, is pet friendly! There are 2.2 miles of trails that weave around the hilly park. Along the way, you and your leashed pup will come across a number of interesting sculptures. In addition, there are several doggie waste stations and water fountains along the trails. See Details
Falls Lake Trail (Mountains-to-Sea Trail) The Falls Lake Trail is a pet-friendly part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Wake Forest, NC. This hiking path in the Falls Lake State Recreation Area can be easily accessed at the Falls Lake Dam information center, Blue Jay Point County Park, Shinleaf access, the Falls Lake Park office and Rolling View access. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex, NC, offers 14 miles of dog-friendly trails, over 1,000 campsites, fishing, and boat launches at every access point. Fido must be kept on a leash no longer than 6' and is not permitted on swim beaches or inside buildings. Please visit their website for updated fees on vehicles. See Details
Granville Athletic Park - Jonesland Environmental Preserve Dog-friendly Granville Athletic Park in Oxford, NC, is a fun place to get fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. There are three miles of paved walking trails, the longest loop being 1.2 miles. There is also a large picnic shelter, restrooms, a playground and ample parking. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and you must pick up after your pet. They do not supply bags, but there are many trashcans to dispose of your dog's waste. See Details
Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve is pet friendly. Hop on these awesome trails that weave through the woods in Raleigh, NC, which are great for dogs. There are water and beach spots to get into the creek and uphill natural stairs for hiking. Canine companions will enjoy the section that pops out into the Lochmere golf course. See Details
Occoneechee Mountain Trail Occoneechee Mountain Trail is a moderately easy, pet-friendly two-mile hike that will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido. This small natural area in Hillsborough, NC, is within easy distance of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
William B. Umstead State Park William B. Umstead State Park, a dog-friendly recreation area near Raleigh, NC, offers a serene escape from urban life with extensive hiking trails, three fishing lakes, and picnic shelters near both entrances. Camping is also available along Crabtree Creek. Pets are welcome on leashes throughout the park but are not allowed inside buildings or cabins. See Details
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve Bring your pup to explore the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary, NC. This pet-friendly recreation area is home to approximately three miles of nature trails, scenic overlooks and wildlife-watching opportunities. Ensure Fido remains leashed during the entire duration of his visit. See Details
Apex Community Park Dogs will find plenty to sniff and explore at the extensive Apex Community Park. Fido can join his humans at this recreation area with sports fields, courts, picnic areas, a fishing dock, a lake, and over three miles of developed nature and fitness trails. This Apex, NC, 50+ acre park asks that Fido remain leashed during his visit. See Details
Sal's Branch Trail Sal's Branch Trail is an easy, 2.75 mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. Located within Umstead Park, this dog-friendly trail is a nice retreat for city dwellers. Bikes are not allowed on this trail, so you will have plenty of room to stay by your pup. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Fred G. Bond Metro Park Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a beautiful 310-acre dog-friendly recreation area in Cary, NC. This park is an oasis amid the city that includes trails, a lake and a boathouse. Pets are very welcome and even have their own drinking fountain to keep cool while exploring. See Details
Lake Lynn Community Center Lake Lynn Community Center is a community center where the greenway trails are dog-friendly. Dogs are not allowed inside of the community center, fitness center, or courts. This community center provides the community with 2.8 miles of trails around Lake Lynn, for your leashed dogs to hike, walk, jog, and run with you. See Details
Woodland Nature Trail Woodland Nature Trail is an easy, seasonal, dog-friendly 0.75-mile hike in Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Wake Forest, NC. Make sure to pack some food to enjoy before or after your walk at Picnic Area 1, located right by the trailhead. This bike-free trail offers beautiful colors, with blooming flowers in the spring and changing leaves in the fall. Please note that dogs must be no longer than 6 feet on a leash. See Details
Company Mill Trail Company Mill Loop is a moderately difficult 5.8-mile pet-friendly hike in William B. Umstead State Park in Cary, NC. With Fido, this hike will take about three hours to complete. This loop path begins at the same trailhead as the Inspiration Trail. Enjoy the serenity of this horse and bike-free course as you wind through woods and cross over creeks with your leashed dog. See Details
Inspiration Trail Inspiration Trail is an easy 0.4-mile hike in the William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh, NC. This pet-friendly path will take about 20 minutes to complete with Fido. This lovely little trail is excellent if you are in a hurry or if your pup doesn't do well on longer hikes. You won't have to worry about bicycles or horses since this trail is limited to foot traffic. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Durham, NC, US