Discover the 5 Best Parks in Durham for a Perfect Picnic

Summer is the perfect time to relax and explore everything that Durham has to offer outside. We want to highlight some of the best parks in Durham, NC and the surrounding areas for a picnic to give you a quick taste of the abundance of options. From rushing rivers to beautiful gardens you are in for a treat when you picnic in the Triangle. Don’t forget to ask for our Backpack Picnic Package at our Durham bed and breakfast before you go.

Picnic Areas in Durham With Beautiful Views 

1. Little River Regional Park and Natural Area

A quick 5-minute drive from the Arrowhead Inn is the beautiful and expansive Little River, Regional Park. With 7 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of mountain biking trails and a beautiful riverside picnic area, there is something for everyone. Enjoy a delicious picnic, beautiful scenery and wildlife.

2. West Point at the Eno

Enjoy a quiet meal by a small rushing river as water splashes against rocks. Located just 5 minutes from the Arrowhead Inn, West Point at the Eno is an ideal spot for a quiet picnic on a summer evening. The 404-acre park is free to guests and includes scenic trails and historic buildings. After your picnic enjoy hiking, fishing or boating along the river.

3. Rolling View at Falls Lake Recreation Area

As you leave Durham on Highway 98 towards Wake Forest, beautiful Falls Lake comes into view. Sandy beaches, playgrounds, hiking and activities for the whole family round out this breathtaking afternoon picnic area. Take a break from everyday life and enjoy a relaxing afternoon picnicking at Falls Lake.

4. American Tobacco Campus

Love the idea of an outdoor picnic but do not want to leave downtown Durham? Look no further than the American Tobacco Campus. Enjoy a city picnic underneath the historic Lucky Strike water tower and chimney stack. You can still benefit from the relaxing sound of rushing waterfalls, shady trees, beautifully manicured gardens and the view of historic brick buildings without leaving the city. Pick from a wide array of delicious local eateries and head down to the Tobacco Campus for your next meal.

5. North Carolina Botanical Garden

A quick drive down 15/501 takes you to Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the center of this beautiful campus is the North Carolina Botanical Garden and Coker Arboretum. Open from dawn to dusk year-round, the Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, historic sites and beautiful surroundings. Spend your afternoon exploring Chapel Hill and your evening listening to live music.

Where are you going to picnic next? As you explore the triangle, make sure to include the Backpack Picnic Package from the Arrowhead Inn. A personally packed picnic in a backpack you get to keep, filled with delicious goodies! You’ll have all the flexibility without a bulky basket, but twice the flavor with our gourmet spreads. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a nice summer day.