Duke Forest at 800 White Pine Drive, Durham, North Carolina.

Duke Forest is an often overlooked local treasure. Basically a 7000 acre forest preserve open to the public. There are multiple trails, picnic areas, horseback trails, and parking access scattered throughout. None are very clearly marked so purchase a map from Duke if you plan to do extensive hiking. This is a 'working' forest so occasionally you will run into an area where there is a science experiment or forestry activity going on.