Durham Mine Trails
Reclaimed history on Lookout Mountain
Few trail systems carry as much history as Durham Mine. Coal mining began here in the 1860s, and at its peak the town of Durham employed nearly 30,000 workers. After the mines closed in the mid-20th century, the land slowly returned to nature. In 2019, Lula Lake Land Trust purchased 486 acres of the historic community, where forests and wildlife now thrive.
Today, 15 miles of purpose-built singletrack balance challenge with accessibility. More than half the network was built to adaptive mountain bike standards, while the wide DC&C doubletrack follows the former mining railroad grade, connecting every trail. Riders looking for more challenge can branch onto Steam Shovel, Fuggett Branch, and 4 Tons for steeper climbs, technical rock features, and demanding descents.
Recommended Routes
DC&C Explorer
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 144 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Start/End: Durham Mine Rd Trailhead
A welcoming and confidence-building route that's ideal for families, first-time riders, and adaptive cyclists. John Henry's gentle rollers lead to DC&C's rail grade corridor. The optional detours on Dingy, Dinky and Chalkeye add playful terrain on purpose-built singletrack.
Durham XC Tour
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 498 ft
Difficulty: Intermediate
Start/End: Durham Mine Rd Trailhead
This is a full-value XC loop touching many of Durham's signature trails while giving intermediate riders a great sample of Lookout Mountain's terrain.
Full Durham Mine Trails
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,037 ft
Difficulty: Advanced
Start/End: Durham Mine Rd Trailhead
Durham's most technical terrain and deepest backcountry feel in one demanding loop. This loop strings together a rewarding mix of rock-strewn descents, creek crossings, punchy and steep climbs, XC flow, and the coal-tailings roller coaster of Steam Shovel. A rugged, full-mountain tour through living history.