Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail

Duke Forest is a peaceful place for a short walk in nature. The trail is about a 30-minute loop, making it perfect for a quick hike or a relaxing stroll. One downside is that there isn’t a clearly designated parking area, which can make arrival a bit confusing and we had to park on roadside. Also, access is limited strictly to marked trails—you can’t walk into the forest itself since much of the land is reserved for research purposes.

This is a fun and somewhat easy trail. I have walked it several different times with different people, and they all seemed to enjoy it. The only down side is that it is sometimes hard to find the trails that lead back to your car. There r several entries onto the trail, all leading to different parking. And non of it is marked.

Its an easy trail, quite to where I used to stay while at Duke. Have walked and cycled here. Just be careful not to disturb sensitive ecological studies that are at times being undertaken here and notices are put up. There are multiple entries and exits. So quite flexible.

Relatively easy trail with informative signs along the way, and some interesting trees and wildflowers. Also a couple picnic areas. Probably going back to this trail again for more hiking and a little cookout. ***** Unseasonably warm March weather brought us back there to the same trail. Still very nice!

This trail crosses over Rt. 751. On one side is the Shepherd Nature Trail on the other is Gate 6. These trails are easy to miss if no one else is parked there. Shepherd Nature Trail is a 1/2 hour loop along and crossing over a creek. It has some gradual hills , but nothing difficult. It is great for kids and dogs. There are signs along the trail that help to educate you. We took the trail that is on the opposite site of the Shepherd Nature trail. It is Gate 6 and was a wide gravel/pine needled path that had some gradual hills. If you follow it all the way it takes you out to the road again. There is a bridge over a running stream. It would be good for dogs, running, biking or just hiking.