Durham blossoms with natural beauty all year round. From state parks and recreation areas to formal gardens and butterfly houses, Durham has some gorgeous places to see. Here are 10 naturally beautiful Durham places. Whether at our lowest average temperature of 27 degrees Fahrenheit in January or our highest average temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit in July, the outdoors can be enjoyed year round here in Durham, North Carolina.
American Tobacco Trail
The American Tobacco Trail is a 23+ mile rails-to-trails project located
in the Triangle Region of North Carolina. The route crosses through the
City of Durham; Durham, Chatham, and Wake counties; the planning
jurisdictions of the Towns of Cary and Apex; and passes through the Lake
Jordan project land of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Duke Forest
7,060-acre teaching and research forest of Duke University with a
variety of ecosystems represented. Preserved for research and recreation
since the 1930s. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnics
permitted.
Eno River State Park
The Eno River flows through Durham for 33 miles before eventually ending
up in Falls Lake on the eastern edge of the county. This park, only 10
miles from downtown Durham, offers terrific access for those who wish to
experience the natural beauty the region has to offer. The river winds
through hills and bluffs with shrubs and pines that are ready to be
hiked and enjoyed through one of five access points. Day trips can also include canoeing or fishing in the Eno itself. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the natural
forests.
Horton Grove Nature Preserve
Once part of the original 30,000-acre Stagville Plantation, this
708-acre preserve now spans both sides of Jock Road and is part of the
mosaic landscape in northern Durham County linking Lake Michie, Little
River Reservoir, Falls Lake, the Flat River, and the Little River
watersheds. The property is adjacent to the 35,000-acre US Army Corps of
Engineers Falls Lake Reservoir. The site has a rich agricultural and
forestry history, as demonstrated by the neighboring Division of
Cultural History’s Historic Stagville. Structures from the plantation’s
time are still on the property, as are stone piles and other signs of
its agricultural past. There are 2.7 miles of trails that wind through
native prairie grasses and flowers, beside a creek and up a 500-foot
elevation with good views.
Lake Michie Recreation Area
Bird watching, boating/sailing, boat launches, boat rentals, camping, fishing, hiking, marina, picnic shelter, rock hounding. Open daily sunrise to sunset from March 1 through June 30. Park access is free; fee charged for boating and fishing.
Leigh Farm Park
This 82.8-acre property is anchored by a seven-acre historic core listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic area includes
the Leigh House (circa 1835), an early 19th century dairy, a mid-19th
century slave cabin with notable stick-built chimney, smokehouse, corn
crib and a late 19th century well house and carriage house. The property
also features a second mid-19th century slave cabin with a 1930 Rustic
Revival log addition, an early 20th century tobacco barn and pack house,
several mid-20th century residences, and wooded acreage that was
historically open agricultural land.
Little River Regional Park and Natural Area
391-acre park and natural area developed from tobacco farmland. Relics like barns, houses, and sheds have been restored and now serve as picnic shelters, information centers, and landmarks accompanying the more than 15 miles of walking, hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback riding trails. Playground, wildlife, bird-watching, picnicing, and rock hounding.
this is the largest museum butterfly house east of the Mississippi. The
three-story tropical conservatory features rare and enchanting species
of butterflies from Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. The
conservatory includes beds of exotic flowers, a flowering meadow,
tropical fruit trees in a rain forest area and a stream garden. The
Insectarium features more than 25 live exotic and native species of
insects and insect predators and an extensive collection of mounted
specimens from around the world.
Plenty of fun things to do like bird-watching, boating/sailing, boat launches, recreational activities, swimming, beaches, water skiing, and windsurfing.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
55-acre gardens known as one of the premier public gardens in the U.S.,
with 200+ colorful plant varieties viewable from more than five miles of
walkways and paths. Seasonal plantings ensure that each visit is a new
experience. Walking and trolley tours available.
Stay at Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast of Durham while you visit these 10 naturally beautiful places in Durham. You will savor a fresh gourmet breakfast each morning. We enjoy extending our warm Southern hospitality to our visitors from all over the world.