Cross-Triangle Ride
Route
Durham to Raleigh, North Carolina
Miles
45
Start Location
Durham
Spend a fun-filled day biking, rolling or running across North Carolina’s Research Triangle from Durham to Cary to Raleigh — on the most complete section of the East Coast Greenway in a metro area.
Enjoy 45 miles almost entirely on deciduous tree shaded, paved and soft surface trail from Durham to Raleigh. If you’d like to do this as a one way rather than an out and back, you can ride the train from Durham to Raleigh and begin in Raleigh. Alternatively, leave downtown Durham at the trailhead of the American Tobacco Trail, across from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and enjoy a traffic-free greenway to downtown Raleigh. This East Coast Greenway gem features city parks, the grounds of the state’s art museum, two universities and scenic boardwalks through woods and marshes. Extend your trip east to Clayton on the Neuse River Trail for a 70-mile route, nearly all on spectacular greenway.
The Route
The Triangle is the East Coast Greenway’s most complete metro area. Bike from downtown Durham to Raleigh on 95% Greenway, passing residential neighborhoods, a state park and plenty of dining options along the way. At about 45 miles one way, the Greenway’s Cross-Triangle route is the perfect length for a leisurely day trip.
Route Reversal
While this itinerary is written for a Durham to Raleigh route, the trip can easily be reversed. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see our favorite breakfast spots in Raleigh and our favorite dinner restaurants and breweries in Durham. No matter which route you choose, consider taking Amtrak back to your starting point at the end of the day. Visit ncbytrain.org for additional information.
Cross-Triangle Ride Segments
From Durham to Cary to Raleigh, the Cross-Triangle route is comprised of a number of popular trail segments for locals and visitors alike. Read on for trail descriptions and our local favorites.
Downtown Durham
Fuel up before your ride at a downtown Durham restaurant. We recommend Rise for its biscuits and donuts or Press for sweet and savory crepes and espresso. Bike down Blackwell Street, passing the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on your left and the refurbished American Tobacco Campus on your right.
American Tobacco Trail
After passing the American Tobacco Campus, you will reach the beginning of the American Tobacco Trail. The American Tobacco Trail is part of the Greenway’s route for 17.5 miles, making it the largest continuous trail in the Triangle’s portion of the Greenway. Enjoy following the paved trail through both neighborhoods and wooded areas on relatively flat terrain. Hungry already? Stop about 6 miles into your ride for a bite to eat at Dulce Café. Located below our former headquarters, Dulcé is a Greenway staff favorite. Get a pastry or a scoop of gelato — or a panini if you’re ready for another meal.
At the New Hope Church Road Trailhead Park in Cary, look out for the Puma Elite Running Team training on the Greenway. This professional running squad placed three athletes in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and its group of international athletes regularly post top performances in the world’s top events on the track and in the marathon.
White Oak Creek Greenway
At mile 18 of the American Tobacco Trail, take a sharp left onto the White Oak Creek Greenway. The White Oak Creek Greenway tracks east through wooded areas of Cary and Apex for 6.6 miles.
Black Creek Greenway
After passing through Bond Park, the White Oak Greenway connects to the Black Creek Greenway, which winds through residential neighborhoods of Cary for 6.8 miles. Consider stopping for a bite to eat at the Maynard Crossing retail complex, as it is the last retail area you will pass until you reach the outskirts of Raleigh. Brigs at the Crossing serves breakfast all day.
Umstead State Park Trail
The Black Creek Greenway terminates at Lake Crabtree. From there, cross over I-40 before entering Umstead State Park. The Greenway meanders through Umstead’s protected forests for 5.3 miles on an unpaved path. This stretch of the trail is crushed gravel, rolling and wider tires are recommended for this stretch. As local running club, Sir Walter Running, says “Umstead makes champions!” Watch and listen for planes passing overhead – the park abuts Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Reedy Creek Greenway
Reedy Creek Greenway connects Umstead State Park to downtown Raleigh. This 4.7-mile greenway passes by the North Carolina Museum of Art and agricultural land managed by North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture before reaching a bike and pedestrian bridge that spans I-440, also known as the Raleigh Beltline.
House Creek Trail
Past the Beltline, Reedy Creek Greenway takes a sharp right turn and changes names to become House Creek Greenway Trail. House Creek Greenway Trail curves around the campus of Meredith College for 1.3 miles before reaching the recently opened Gorman Street Connector Cycle Track.
Rocky Branch Trail
After you turn back onto the protected greenway, Rocky Branch Trail will carry you through the campus of N.C. State University. Look to your left to see the University’s baseball stadium, tennis courts and track facility. The Greenway passes over Pullen Road then runs parallel to Western Boulevard.
Downtown Raleigh
The Greenway goes on-road at Cabarrus Street. Turn left onto Boylan Avenue and then right onto Hargett Street. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the heart of Raleigh! Ready to celebrate? We have a few recommendations.
Check out Transfer Co. Food Hall on East Street. With a dozen vendors offering everything from oysters to empanadas, you are sure to find something that pleases everyone in your group. Additionally, Transfer Co. has plenty of casual seating (both inside and outside), making it an ideal destination for sweaty bikers.
A few blocks further north on Neil Street, Raleigh Beer Garden offers a whopping 350 beers on tap, as well as a full food menu — and a mini golf course. The Beer Garden’s owner is also an avid cyclist and supporter of the Greenway.
Continuing on the cycling theme, Crank Arm Brewing on Davie Street is dedicated to creating community around its founders’ two passions: bikes and beer. Come for the craft beers (all with bike-themed names), stay for the crowd of cycling enthusiasts.
Raleigh to Durham Recommendations
If you are beginning your route in downtown Raleigh, consider starting the day with Big Ed’s biscuits and gravy. Or make a stop at Boulted Bread for amazing baked goods and coffee on the outskirts of downtown Raleigh.
When you are ready for dinner in Durham, visit the American Tobacco Campus, which offers several dining options, including Boricua Soul’s Puerto Rican fare and QueenBurger’s famous smash burgers. Nearby, Pizzeria Toro offers delicious wood-fired pizza.
After you have eaten, stop by one of Durham’s popular local breweries. Ponysaurus Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers and extensive seating both in its taproom and on an outdoor patio. You can also find Crank Arm Brewing’s newest cycling-themed location in downtown Durham.
Future Connections
The Cross-Triangle route is poised for northern expansion with the planned Durham Rail Trail and Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail.
More Itineraries
With a 3,000-mile route spanning Maine to Florida, the possibilities are endless for day trips, multi-day excursions and long-distance rides along the East Coast Greenway.
