Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail

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.

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!

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.

Love coming here because it's a loop and there's usually not a lot of people here. My dogs love playing on the bridge that goes over the water.

A great place for a weekend hike. You could take your dog, as long as they are leashed. It's a lush forest with excellently maintained paths. It can get a little busy on the weekends. I usually try to go on weekdays for this reason. Plenty of parking as well.