About TRTC
Founded in 1989, the Triangle Rails to Trails Conservancy (TRTC) a state chartered, non-profit organization that accomplishes much of it’s work through volunteer efforts. Its purpose is to work with local and state government officials to preserve local abandoned railroad corridors for future transportation and other interim uses such as recreational trails. Since 1998, TRTC volunteers have put in over 8,800 hours in cleaning up, resurfacing and maintaining the American Tobacco Trail (ATT) in Durham, Chatham and Wake Counties.
Our current focus is supporting safety and signage improvements for the American Tobacco Trail, arranging volunteer projects and providing feedback to local trail managers on problems or proposed changes.
ATT Trail Maps
American Tobacco Trail
(Durham & Greenways PDF)
American Tobacco Trail
(Chatham & Wake Sections PDF)
Latest News
Tobacco Road Marathon Needs Volunteers
The second Tobacco Road Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on the ATT on Sunday March 20th. Again this year, TRTC will be a benificiary of race proceeds. This is a large event and volunteers are needed on race day and on the 18th and 19th. Several of us from TRTC...
ATT Featured on UNC-TV
The American Tobacco Trail and rail-trails across NC are featured in Rick Sullivan's story on "North Carolina Weekend". TRTC's Dave Connelly and Board members from NC Rail-Trails were interviewed for this show on the trail. The show debuted on UNC-TV Thursday, Nov....
TRTC Receives Generous Donation from Carolina Tarwheels
Late in November 2010 we were pleased to receive a generous gift of $5000 from the Carolina Tarwheels Bicycle Club. We will be using this gift to help fund the construction of a path that will connect the ATT to existing restrooms and parking spaces in Herndon Park...
Porta John Installed at Fayetteville Road Trailhead
TRTC is pleased to announce that we have arranged for the one year rental of a fully-serviced Porta John for the Fayetteville Road Trailhead. Since we completed the parking area and kiosk in early 2006 we have completed several drainage improvements, installed brick...
Durham Recognized Nationally as Bicycle Friendly Community
The League of American Bicyclists announced last week that it has honored the City of Durham with its prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community Award at the Bronze level. “Durham has many great places for cycling, from the American Tobacco Trail and North-South Greenway...
Durham Urged to Use Earmark Funds for Rail Corridor Soon
In late July 2010, Durham received a letter from Congressman David Price urging them to take prompt action to obligate $2 million appropriated in 2005 for preservation of a rail corridor. At that time Durham was negotiating with Norfolk-Southern (NSC) for a short...
Update on Repaving of ATT and Other Durham Trails
Repaving efforts began in May and are continuing. The contractor plans to repair and pave trails in the following order: The American Tobacco Trail between Cook Rd and Riddle Road The Riddle Road Spur Trail The American Tobacco Trail between Riddle Road and Morehead...
Survey on High Speed Rail Corridor
As part of the Environmental Impact Statement process, NC DOT is seeking public input through a series of hearings and a short on-line survey. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. This new corridor will include a designated portion on which a trail can...
General Assembly Retains Funding for Adopt-A-Trail Grants
Great news! The General Assembly just passed a budget that retains full funding of $108,000 for Adopt-a-Trail, despite the extremely tough financial situation faced by state government this year. Thanks for your help in telling legislators about the value of the...
Trail Users Hear of ATT History, Key Players at Dedication of Chatham Section
About 100 people came out to the June 5th dedication. Information on the trail and related topics was available at several booths. Attendees heard remarks from Chatham, Durham, the town of Cary, NCDOT, NC Rail-Trails, TRTC and from Speaker of the NC House, Joe...
Parking at ATT Crossings in Chatham County
Over the past few months NC DOT and Chatham County have been examining traffic patterns and parking at both the O'Kelly Chapel and New Hope Church crossings. Significant and fairly high speed traffic is typical at both locations. In light of this high volume vehicle...
Durham Trails Closing Temporarily for Repairs
Using nearly $300,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Durham will be doing much needed re-surfacing of portions of the ATT and several other greenways over the next 90 days.