Parks & Preserves

***WEATHER NOTICE: Our region is experiencing very high temperatures. Outdoor physical activity during hot weather increases the risk of heat-related illness, which can be life-threatening. When visiting a County nature preserve during this time, we strongly encourage you to bring water, visit early or late in the day, avoid hiking alone, and stop physical activity before you feel dehydrated, overly fatigued, or otherwise unwell. ***

*** 6/30/2026 - TRAIL ALERT: One of the bridges on the New Hope Creek Bottomlands Trail is damaged. You will need to turn around when you get to this bridge. Do not attempt to use the bridge. ***

What We Do

Open space lands provide excellent opportunities for environmental education and low-impact recreation. The Open Space Program manages four public parks and nature preserves. These include Hollow Rock Nature Park, a partnership with Orange County; Little River Regional Park, also a partnership with Orange County; New Hope Creek Preserve in southwestern Durham; and Little River Preserve in northern Durham.

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Hollow Rock Nature Park

The 82-acre Hollow Rock Nature Park sits at the northern end of the New Hope Creek Preserve and offers a 1.5 miles of hiking trails, an open play field, and trail connections to Duke Forest.

Little River Preserve

Home to dramatic bluffs, lush floodplains, and serene upland forest, Durham County's Little River Preserve offers a quiet, rugged hiking experience in northern Durham.

Little River Regional Park

The Little River Regional Park brings visitors up close with the best of the Piedmont’s environment and natural resources.

New Hope Creek Preserve