THE 10 BEST Durham Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Durham
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Nature & Parks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
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What travelers are saying
- lycleeChicago, IL115 contributionsThis is way more expansive than expected, prepare to walk for a few hours if you want to cover most of it. There are often a few gardens within each area so meander in your favorite section(s) and breeze through others if you are short on time. We've been to a few gardens in other states and this is definitely one with a great variety of plants with an impressive grounds design to match. It is must-visit if you are visiting Duke or the surrounding area. If the gardens parking lot is full or want to avoid paid parking try the Alumni & Visitor lot on Duke University Rd.Written September 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jonathan ChoBarbados59 contributionsReally great place to have a day outdoors. There are loads of trails and lots to see. Walking along the river is great all by itself!Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- malaykahHouston, TX104 contributionsWhat a unique and fun tour! My best friend and I took this tour. It exceeded our scope tarpons. We copious not stop smiling while watching the lemurs eat. Highly recommend although at two points in the tour we were in the same place staring at sleeping lemurs for a good 15 minutes too long. Either way, don’t miss this tour!Written November 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TarHeelDurham, NC1,153 contributionsThis is just a very family-family Durham place. Lots of picnic areas, hiking trails, and places to get your feet wet. You see a cross section of Durham, here with people of all types. You can take several trails of different distances that offer you different views. There is also a historical mill and home on site, but I think they are only open on certain days. They're also known for their annual music festival around the 4th of July but we've never been since it's a little pricey for bands we don't know much about. Still a great place to picnic and hike, though.Written April 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StephenCrossDublin, Ireland31,618 contributionsNice park that’s a few acres in space. Stuff for all ages and nicely kept. Believe they do live music in summer.Written February 29, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CLC07Washington DC, DC84 contributionsThis is a great, three-mile, shaded loop. It’s not flat and is steep in certain spots but it’s a wonderful trail.Written August 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- weekendbeacherNCWashington, NC201 contributionsWe have always enjoyed staying at Falls Lake; however, I feel the bath house in Loop B is unsafe. There is no way I would allow a teen of mine to shower here alone. The dressing area of the showers have no door or shower curtain. Once you step out of the shower to dry off and dress you are exposed in all your glory for everyone walking by. This day and age of transgender and everything else there is no way I want my child exposed to walking by 3 showers of naked people getting dressed to get to vacant shower number 4.
Another issue is the dumpsters. From Monday to Friday the dumpsters had not been dumped and were completely full. When the wind shifted that was all you smelled.
Sites are shady and large. There is a beach area, lots of picnic areas, two fishing piers and several picnic shelters. If you like hiking there are hiking trails. This is a great place to kayak also.
Other than this, great stay and friendly staff.Written July 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TntpaigeReading, PA127 contributionsWe visited for a weekend of D1 College Baseball. The staff was great with attendance and making sure people were wearing masks when appropriate. They could use a few more trash cans placed around the stadium.Written May 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AhsiaSandsChapel Hill, NC38 contributionsI really appreciated the kids events at the park. My kids are now grown but I am still able to enjoy the park ... tennis courts especially.Written December 21, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jack dervinDurham, NC3 contributionsOur second time going was a little different. All four of us were able to come and explore and have fun!
The first time it was pretty muddy so i wouldn't recommend it after a lot of rain.
It has a small playground with just a slide and some swings bu several other open field and some cool old structures that are worth exploringWritten February 20, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - cheryl hDurham, NC57,930 contributionsThere are lots of large and small rocks in many of the areas of the trails as well as tree roots which could cause tripping hazards. This is why I don't think this trail would be good for everyone. Also, some areas of the trail are very narrow and if you meet someone coming the other way you will have to step off the trail and possibly into poison ivy (I've even seen snakes right off to the side). It's a 2.9 mile loop that I would call moderate and it does have some feeder trails off of it. These are not well marked and we took one of them at a split and became lost. Luckily there was another couple walking and they directed us back to the main loop. The trail runs along the New Hope Creek and there are some good places to stop to enjoy the view.Written March 10, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Richard SScottsdale, AZ5,957 contributionsThis outdoor area has several separated and connected land and water bodies. Creeks and lakes, forest and game lands are available for hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting. Fishing and hunting is regulated by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Habitats for fox, dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, deer, turkey, waterfowl and warm water fish exist. Access is quite easy at various locations and the area is quite close to population centers.Written May 26, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John MRaleigh, NC1,733 contributionsA short hike brings you to a well-maintained observation deck over Lake Jordan where you can see Bald Eagles and their nest. You need to stay a while and enjoy the spot while you wait for the eagles to show up. Off to the left along the lake are two other places with benches as you watch for other birds like cormorants. It's a peaceful place with great views of the lake, too.Written January 19, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CaptainCardHighland, NY91 contributions..through forested areas, and around wetlands and lakes - a pleasant way to spend a morning!
Mid-February is not high-season for birding in North Carolina, but this venue has the reputation for attracting a large number of avian species in more temperate times. We did spot a few leatherback turtles, a sizable blue heron, and one lonely box turtle just of the forest path.
We'll plan to return in the Spring!Written February 25, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
