Scenic Drives

North Durham Country Byway - Piedmont Scenic Drives

While Durham is famous as the home of Research Triangle Park, Duke and North Carolina Central Universities, Durham is also known for its beautiful countryside, waterways and historic plantation farmlands.

Explore North Durham’s scenic byway and glimpse into Durham’s history and its forests, lakes and rivers. One way to access the route is off I-85 (exit 182) and travel north on Red Mill Road (S.R. 1632) for 4.5 miles. To continue on Red Mill Road you must briefly follow Teknika Parkway by turning right and then at the first stop sign turn left back onto Red Mill Road. You will soon intersect with Old Hwy. 75 (SR 1004) – turn right and the byway begins here near the historic plantations of Fairntosh and Stagville. Today, a variety of preservation and African-American history studies are conducted at Stagville (the N.C. State Historic Site pictured here), once among the largest plantation holdings in the south.

You travel along Old Hwy. 75 for 1.5 miles before turning left onto Stagville Road (S.R. 1615). After passing the planned Horton Grove Commercial Center and traveling almost four miles, you arrive in the town of Bahama. The byway turns right at this point to follow Bahama Road, but turn left to investigate the village, the old-time hardware store or country store. Bahama’s name originates from the first two letters of three prominent families – Ball, Harris and Mangum.

Bahama road will lead you by the tranquil waters of Lake Michie (pronounced mick-e) and its recreational facilities including boating, hiking and picnicking. On the right hand side, after 3.2 miles, is Mount Tabor United Methodist Church – the final resting place of Governor William B. Umstead. After 2.6 more miles, turn left onto Red Mountain Road (S.R. 1471).

You may choose to take an alternate route, which leads you through Hill Demonstration Forest. The forest was developed from lands donated to N.C. State University by George Watts Hill. Begun in 1929, the 2,400-acre forest straddles the Flat River and includes a one-lane bridge with views of the river. You may see a wide range of birds and rare plant species. More then 200 species of birds live here, including egrets, herons, ibis and osprey. After going 3.7 miles on Bahama Rd. turn left onto Hampton Road (S.R. 1603) and then after 1.6 miles turn left onto the second Wilkins Road (S.R. 1613). A quick right, soon thereafter, will put you onto State Forest Road (S.R. 1614) and into Hill Forest. Be careful of water on the road and the one lane bridge (weight limit 17 tons) a few miles ahead. State Forest Road leads to Moores Mill Road and back onto the byway.

Red Mountain Road is a left turn off Bahama Road and a 4.6-mile segment of rural life. You’ll pass the Flat River, offering kayaking, fishing and hiking. Turn left onto Moores Mill Road and follow the rolling hills to U.S.501. After turning left onto U.S. 501 you catch a glimpse of Quail Roost, which was organized as a hunt club in 1875 by influential Durhamites. It became one of the nation’s leadings tables and dairy farms. It is now a training stable and home for Duke’s equestrian team and the Rougemont Red Mountain Hounds Hunt Club. After 1.4 miles, turn right onto South Lowell Road. The five-mile drive weaves in and out of this rolling terrain with frequent views of farms. The byway ends at the intersection of Guess Road and South Lowell.

To experience the last portion of the scenic byway, turn left onto Guess Road (S.R. 1003) and drive 1.3 miles. The Great Indian Trading Path ran through this area along what is present day Snow Hill, St. Mary’s and Mason’s roads. It was a famous piedmont fur and deerskin trading route that began in 1670, used by European explorers, hunters and settlers. Turn left onto Mason Road, follow this road to U.S. 501, turn left and after only 0.3 of a mile turn right onto Orange Factory Road (S.R. 1628). The byway resumes here and continues three miles past Little River Lake and the entrance to Treyburn (country club and living community) before ending at the intersection with Stagville Road.

Length: 27 miles
Driving Time: 45 minutes
Counties: Durham

courtesy of NC Department of Transportation

added: September 15, 2009

updated: September 25, 2009