Named after Duke University's popular Track and Cross Country coach, the Al Buehler trail is a 3.1 mile (5k) dirt single track that is popular with recreational runners and serves as the home course for Duke's cross country team.
Division I college facilities that are open to the public are an athletic-minded treat. A picture is worth a thousand words, so we took a couple shots for your edification. This is a top notch 400-meter track, what else would you expect from Duke University, right?
This is a state treasure trove of 5,577 untouched acres, 3 lakes, 22 miles of hiking trails, and 13 miles of mountain bike/horse riding paths. The park has two entrances, one off I-70 and another at the Harrison Ave. exit off I-40.
One paved access road runs down the center of the park and the trail heads and lake are visible from it. We didn't walk/jog any of the trails, so we cannot say for sure whether they're better for hiking or jogging.
215-acre Lake Crabtree is overshadowed by its much larger 5,000+ acre neighbor Umstead Park, but it still presents a fun venue for a short jog or hike for those within walking distance.
Group bike rides from the Cary location store on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Rent a bike there and tag along for the fun.