Highlight • Trail
Pumpkin Loop Trail
Hiking
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Carolina North Forest
Tips
July 20, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Pumpkin Loop Trail
5.0
(1)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
6.41km
01:41
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
The Pumpkin Loop Trail offers a delightful and accessible forest experience within the Carolina North Forest, near Chapel Hill. You'll wind through peaceful woods, primarily on wide dirt and gravel paths, with occasional singletrack sections and crossings of the paved Carolina North Greenway. The beauty of the pines and the gentle, rolling terrain make this a serene escape.
This easy 4.3-mile (6.9 km) loop, with a modest 204 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete. It's a popular choice for families, dog walkers, and new hikers. You can easily access the trailhead from a gravel lot off Municipal Drive or connect from the Orange County Southern Municipal Services Center.
Known for its versatility, the Pumpkin Loop Trail is a main access point to more intricate singletrack trails within the forest. It's also a reliable year-round option, often usable sooner after heavy rains than other local trails, though spring and fall offer the most vibrant scenery.
Details
Informations
Elevation 150 m
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Friday 12 June
38°C
24°C
30 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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