The Duke Forest is private land owned and managed by Duke University as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory. Dr. Clarence Korstian, the first director of the Duke Forest, recognized the importance of allowing the community to remain in touch with a natural land base, but limited public recreation has always only been an ancillary benefit of the Forest’s existence. Our office works to ensure that use by recreational visitors does not conflict with the Forest’s foremost priorities of teaching, research, and resource stewardship.
Please review information about Recreating Responsibly
Multiple Wooded Hiking Trails (maps can be requested from
2 entrances:
- US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (across from intersection with West Hill Ave N)
- 0.6 mi (not loop) - 1.2 miles round-trip
- Gate 32 Trail Loop
- 2408 US-70, Efland, NC 27243
- 3 Trails (0.7mi, 0.5 mi, & 0.7 mi) that intersect to make a ~1.4 mi loop
Parking is often only available in roadside right-of-ways, which are not maintained by or under the authority of the Office of the Duke Forest.
Roads and Fire Trails are designated for use by walkers, runners, and hikers, as well as cyclists and horseback riders (gravel trails only). No motorized vehicle use of any kind (including E-Bikes) is allowed except by Duke Forest staff and approved teaching and research users.
