Plan your trip
to Durham, NC
About Durham
Check out the 2026 Durham Trail Town Guide!
We are so excited to head to Durham, North Carolina! From Discover Durham:
Durham is a historical haven, a sanctuary for the spectacular, and a rough-cut gem waiting to be unearthed. Durham’s been a destination on the move for more than 150 years. Perhaps it’s time you discovered it too. Whatever you're into, Durham's got it. Outdoor thrills, world-class arts, award-winning food, quirky discoveries — your passion has a home here. Durham has a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation in your own way. Lakes. Rivers. Public parks. Rails to trails for biking and hiking. Durham’s outdoor spaces are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Summit Site:
Durham Convention Center
301 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701
Durham Convention Center is premier event and meeting space located in the heart of downtown Durham. Attendees can enjoy the walk-ability of featured downtown restaurants, unique hotels, local shops, and culturally rich art.
Driving and need to park? Stay tuned for more information.
Host Hotels
A small block of rooms at a discounted rate have been reserved at the following hotels for ITS attendees.
Rooms are first come, first served. There are lots of other lodging options in Durham as well.
Marriott Durham City Center
Address: 201 Foster Street, Durham, NC
A premier, centrally located downtown hotel connected to the Durham Convention Center, The Marriott Durham City Center it is just a short walk from top attractions like the Carolina Theatre, DPAC, and the American Tobacco. Enjoy their 24 hour fitness center, a terrace, and 24/7 M Club Lounge access for eligible guests. Learn more at the hotel’s website.
Room Rates: $229 per guest room, per night, single occupancy, plus applicable taxes (currently 13.5% sales and occupancy) for king or double. Group room rate will be honored two days pre and post based on actual availability. Email summit@americantrails.org. A small block of rooms will also be available at the prevailing government per diem rate (must show Federal ID to receive rate).
Cut-Off Date: Please note the discounted room block rate is good through March 19, 2027. Any reservations made after the cut-off date will pay the prevailing rate if rooms are available.
Room Reservations: Call Marriott reservations at 888-236-2427 (use Group Code: International Trails Summit) or use the online reservation link.
Residence Inn by Marriott Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area
Address: 1108 W Main St., Durham, NC 27701
The Residence Inn by Marriott Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area is an all-suite hotel located at 1108 W Main St, Durham, NC. Fully renovated, it offers complimentary hot breakfast, a 24-hour gym, a lobby bar, and free area shuttles. It sits just steps away from Duke University and the historic Brightleaf Square. ITS attendees receive no penalty cancelation up to 48 hours prior to arrival, breakfast included, and complimentary parking. Learn more at the hotel’s website.
Room Rates: $121 per guest room, per night, plus applicable taxes (currently 13.5% sales and occupancy) for studio king. Group room rate will be honored two days pre and post based on actual availability. The group rate being offered is the same as the current per diem rate.
Cut-Off Date: Please note the discounted room block rate is good through February 28, 2027. Any reservations made after the cut-off date will pay the prevailing rate if rooms are available.
Room Reservations: Call Marriott Reservations at 888-236-2427 (use Group Code: International Trails Summit) or use the online reservation link.
Durham-Area Trails
Hiking, Biking and Running Trails - Whether you want to explore urban pathways lined with nature preserves, trails through protected forests, or an educational jaunt, Durham has the perfect setting for an active day outdoors.
American Tobacco Trail - 22.6-mile trail, 12 of which are in Durham, that runs along an abandoned railroad bed originally built for the American Tobacco Company in the 1970s.
Duke Forest - holds plenty of opportunities for hiking, running, and biking on their gravel and dirt trails.
The North/South Greenway - covers over 5 miles of paved pathways for visitors to travel and explore at their own speed.
The Outdoor Adventure Guide to Durham - Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are around every corner in Durham. Leave the planning to us and follow our outdoor adventure itinerary, giving you more time to enjoy the sights and smells.
Local Bike Rentals
Getting to Durham
By plane
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (airport code RDU) is 14 miles minutes from downtown Durham and offers 69 nonstop destinations.
Airport transportation services include taxis, hotel shuttles, rental cars, GoTriangle buses, and rideshare services. Taxi zones are marked at each terminal, and more information on public and private services is available at rdu.com/ground-transportation.
By Car:
From Raleigh: 25 miles, 30 minutes
From Greensboro: 55 miles, 1 hour
From Winston-Salem: 80 miles, 1¼ hours
From Charlotte: 145 miles, 2½ hours
From Richmond: 165 miles, 2¾ hours
From Asheville: 250 miles, 4 hours
From Washington, DC: 270 miles, 4½ hours
From Knoxville: 300 miles, 5 hours
From Atlanta: 385 miles, 6 hours
