Basics
- Length:
- 27 miles (43 km)
- Time:
- 45 minutes
Description
This byway meanders in and out of the back country roads just north of the city of Durham. Travel this byway to glimpse Durham's beautiful countryside, waterways, and historic plantation farmlands.
The backroads of Durham County explore the history of the southern gentry as well as the history of the slave in places like Stagville and Fairntosh plantations.
Nature and wildlife are thriving in the Hill Demonstration Forest. An alternate route for the byway goes through this area where travelers will have a chance to see birds and lush vegetation.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Bennett Place (NC)
On April 26, 1865 the Civil War was nearly at an end as Confederate General Johnston surrendered to Union General Sherman at Bennett Place. These two powerful men met in James Bennett's farmhouse just outside of Durham to discuss the fate of the battling nation. The surrender was the largest of the war as it was a surrender for the states of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Today, Bennett Place holds informational exhibits on this significant surrender and its results. Programs are put on throughout the year to recreate this historic event and life on at Bennett Place.
Directions
In Durham
Duke Homestead (NC)
Washington Duke started up his tobacco industry in the midst of the Civil War. He realized that the tobacco that could be grown on his farmland was of a milder "bright leaf" variety that was in high demand at the time. With their highly proseperous business, the Dukes were later able to fund Trinity College, which became Duke University.
Today at the homestead, visitors will be able to tour the Museum of Tobacco and learn about life on the homestead.
Directions
In Durham off of NC 157.
Duke University (NC)
Duke University seeks to engage the mind, elevate the spirit,and stimulate the best effort of all who are associated with the University; to contribute in diverse ways to the local community,the state, the nation and the world; and to attain and maintain a place of real leadership in all that we do.
Established in the mid-1800s, Duke continues to follow its mandate of providing education and opportunity. Although just under12,000 students total are enrolled, the campus maintains a small and intimate atmosphere. Visitors to Durham will want to explore the campus, complete with Duke University Chapel, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, plenty of athletic events, and the Duke Museum of Art.
Directions
Located in Durham, Duke University features beautiful Gothic architecture nestled in the greenery of North Carolina.
Durham (NC)
In addition to nationally significant historic sites, Durham is a dynamic city-- putting culture, recreation, and information at the fingertips of travelers and residents alike. Durham is part of what is known as the Research Triangle Park. As a point on the triangle (the other two being Raleigh and Chapel Hill), Durham is on the cutting edge of discovery and information.
There's a perfect place for every kind of visitor in Durham.Visitors will want to explore the Gothic architecture of Duke University campus or see the place where the Civil War ended. Someof the city's most prominent sites include the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Museum of Life and Science, the Magic Wings Butterfly House, and Aventis Crop Science Insectarium.
Directions
Off of I-85 and US 501.
Falls Lake (NC)
Falls Lake Recreation Area is yet another woodland retreat for North Carolina residents and travelers to the area. Boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic tables are located all around this reservoir.
Directions
At the southeast corner of the byway off of SR 1615.
Hayti Heritage Center (NC)
Located in the 1891 St. Joseph AME Church, the Hayti Heritage Center houses African American archives and art galleries. The Church itself has been renovated into a beautiful performance hall. The historic hall had many significant visitors in its day. Booker T. Washington, Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stopped here to give speeches and presentations.
Directions
804 Old Fayetteville St. In Durham
Historic Stagville Plantation (NC)
This plantation coupled with the nearby Fairntosh Plantation made up one of the largest estates in the south. Run by a single family, the plantation was established at the end of the 18thCentury.
The Georgian-style house that was built for the family still stands there today as a testament to the prosperity of pre-Civil War times. The slave quarters stand as a monument to the long days of the slave. Today archaeologists and historians are also interested in the area because of the Native Americans that lived there before the land became a booming plantation.
Directions
Off of SR 1615.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens (NC)
Successfully fulfilling one of its missions to "provide settings for memorable and enriching experiences, quiet contemplation, relaxation, and renewal," the four connecting gardens which make up the Sarah P. Duke Garden offer ample opportunities to steal away from the crowd.
Slip through the dense foliage of the Duke University campus and into the Sarah P. Duke Garden. You'll forget the urban streets of Durham or the hustle and bustle of students trying to make it to class and find yourself in the serenity of the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum. Follow the paths past ducks and cardinals, irises and daffodils, and over a white footbridge.
The H. L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants highlights the flora of the southeastern United States, while the Terrace Gardens resembles the manicured lawns of England. With over five miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the Doris Duke Centerand surrounding gardens, be sure to plan enough time to get your fill of this beautiful environment.
West Point on the Eno (NC)
This park offers an equal amount of opportunities to enjoy recreational activities as well as to explore historic sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and places to fish. The site also features the West Point Mill and the McCown-Mangum House. Canoeing and rafting are popular activities, but be sure to explore the Hugh Mangum Museum of 19th Century photography as well.
Directions
5101 Roxboro Rd.
