Durant Nature Preserve - Hike and Mountain Bike near Raleigh, North Carolina
Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614, USA,Raleigh,North Carolina
35.8948523, -78.5790375
8.6 miles NE of Raleigh, North Carolina
Address: Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614, USA
GPS: 35°53'41.5"N 78°34'44.5"W
Maps | Directions
State: North Carolina
Trails/Routes: 0.1-1.1 mi

Restrooms Picnic Tables Lakes Streams Trails Wildflowers Ponds Fall Colors Pet Friendly Bicycles Fishing Paintball Permitted Motorized Use National Park State Park

Hike and Mountain Bike

Visiting Durant Nature Preserve is an opportunity for people in the bustling cities of Raleigh and Wake Forest to connect with nature. This nature preserve stretches over 237 acres. There are eight trails throughout the preserve that are accessible to hikers, three of which allow mountain biking.

The trails available to mountain bikers are Border Trail, on the perimeter of the preserve, White House Road and Beaver Pond Trail. The Border Trail is accessible from Campbell Lodge at the South Entrance of the preserve. White House Road is accessible from the North Entrance on Camp Durant Road. Beaver Pond Trail is accessible from the Border and White House Trails.

Secret Creek Trail is a well kept secret of the park. This trail begins to the left of the playground hidden in trees. The trail is approximately one mile out and back. It's a scenic beginner hike that is great for children. The creek that neighbors the trail provides an opportunity to see some wildlife, enjoy the calming flow of water, and splash around when it gets hot outside.

Durant Nature Preserve contains several parks, including a bird park and butterfly park, as well as a playground for children. There are several covered and uncovered picnic areas for visitors to use, some can be reserved while others are first come first served. A sand volleyball court is also available for use. The two Camp Durant lakes allow fishing year round. North Carolina fishing regulations apply.

Durant Nature Preserve has achieved a great accomplishment in providing a place for outdoor enthusiasts to escape to nature. Residents of Raleigh and Wake Forest have been given the opportunity to experience adventures or find peace in nature in this sanctuary. 

4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Raleigh, North Carolina

  1. Head north on S Wilmington St toward New Bern Pl (0.1 mi)
  2. Turn left onto E Edenton St (0.2 mi)
  3. Turn right onto N McDowell St (0.3 mi)
  4. N McDowell St turns slightly right and becomes Capital Blvd (5.5 mi)
  5. Keep left to continue on US-1 N/Capital Blvd (4.3 mi)
  6. Turn left onto Durant Rd (1.1 mi)
  7. Turn left onto Camp Durant Rd (0.4 mi)
  8. Turn right to stay on Camp Durant Rd (43 ft)
  9. Turn left to stay on Camp Durant Rd (75 ft)
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Guest Review/Comments

/5
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tasiawhicker

1/22/19 9:20 am 10/23/14
As a long time resident of North Raleigh I have spent many a weekend in this Durant Nature preserve. It is a place I have never wanted to leave. Going bass fishing never lost its intrigue, because even on the days I couldn't catch a fish I could stare at the sky in the lake. Secret Creek Trail is one of my favorite places to visit. I enjoy the quiet of this well kept secret. I always take a break from my hike and enjoy wading and splashing in the shallow creek with my family and friends. Durant Nature Preserve has been a place for me to reconnect with the people and beauty I miss in my every day life.
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End of Summer Lake View by Sarah Whicker End of Summer Lake View by Sarah Whicker
A Break at Secret Creek Trail by Sarah Whicker A Break at Secret Creek Trail by Sarah Whicker Fishing at the Lake by Sarah Whicker Fishing at the Lake by Sarah Whicker
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

Trails

Distance ?

0.4 miles

Elevation Gain ?

39 feet

Real Ascent ?

54 feet

Real Descent ?

15 feet

Avg Grade (1°)

2%

Grade (-3° to 4°)

-6% to 7%

Distance ?

0.7 miles

Elevation Gain ?

0 feet

Real Ascent ?

72 feet

Real Descent ?

72 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-3° to 6°)

-6% to 10%

Distance ?

0.3 miles

Elevation Gain ?

5 feet

Real Ascent ?

8 feet

Real Descent ?

3 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (0° to 1°)

0% to 1%

Distance ?

1.1 miles

Elevation Gain ?

19 feet

Real Ascent ?

108 feet

Real Descent ?

89 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-5° to 6°)

-8% to 11%

Distance ?

0.5 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-29 feet

Real Ascent ?

11 feet

Real Descent ?

40 feet

Avg Grade (-1°)

-1%

Grade (-2° to 2°)

-4% to 3%

Distance ?

1.0 miles

Real Ascent ?

43 feet

Real Descent ?

43 feet

Grade (-1° to 4°)

-2% to 7%

Distance ?

693 feet

Elevation Gain ?

-38 feet

Real Ascent ?

0 feet

Real Descent ?

38 feet

Avg Grade (-3°)

-5%

Grade (-5° to -2°)

-8% to -4%

Distance ?

0.6 miles

Elevation Gain ?

23 feet

Real Ascent ?

65 feet

Real Descent ?

42 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Grade (-2° to 3°)

-4% to 6%

Distance ?

662 feet

Elevation Gain ?

-10 feet

Real Ascent ?

16 feet

Real Descent ?

26 feet

Avg Grade (-1°)

-2%

Grade (-5° to 3°)

-9% to 4%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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