American Tobacco Trail at Solite Park

The American Tobacco Trail runs paved 16 miles along an abandoned rail line that was built by the American Tobacco Company (founded by J. B. Duke) in the 1970s. It's amazing to be able to bike or run for this long! There are many road crossings. The trail is forested and shady for much of the time, and there are many entrances along the way, including this one at Solite Park in Durham. Since there is no stream or geographical features and the trail is mostly ruler straight, it can be pretty boring, but there is some nice forest and sometimes almost tropical vegetation of vines. 

The trail starts to be paved in Cary and then ends at Durham Bulls athletic park. It is wide, often 10 feet, which is good because it gets so much use from both cyclists and runners.
The Durham portion of the greenway can be accessed at Solite Park, and the Cary portion at 2575 New Hope Church Rd, Cary, NC.
Solite Park is a cute park for little kids. There is a small play structure, whale and elephant bouncies, a rock climbing tunnel, a painted building, and hopscotch. It's a little isolated and lonely so bring a friend. There is also a basketball court.
After, have a coffee at Joe Van Gogh in the Woodcroft Shopping Center (8 minute drive west).
You can also access the Durham portion of the trail from Renaissance Parkway. Park your car at the vacant store next to Michael's Crafts, and then walk the sidewalk to the trail.

Directions

Solite Park is located at 4704 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713. There is plenty of parking.
The Cary portion of the American Tobacoo Trail can be accessed at 2575 New Hope Church Rd, Cary NC 27519, near the Amberly neighborhood.
Another access point for the Durham portion of the trail is the parking lot for Michael's Crafts: 8200 Renaissance Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713.

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