Dog Walkers in Southwest Central Durham

Southwest Central Durham is a residential and commercial area centered around the intersection of Shannon Road and Martin Luther King Junior Parkway. These two main thoroughfares have several businesses, shops, restaurants, and other services that area residents can access on foot. There is a Durham County Library located here and several churches and schools in the neighborhood that make ideal walking destinations. 

On foot travel in the area is subject to the humid subtropical climate of Durham, North Carolina. Hot, humid summers can make walking at the height of the day stressful. You may choose to walk your dog during cooler periods and plan shady spots to rest. Durham can be rainy with thunderstorms in the spring and summer, so be aware of storm forecasts and avoid inclement weather. Winter can yield snow, so a warm jacket and good footwear for chilly, snowy, winter days will be required to enjoy your daily walk with your pooch all year round.

There are some gentle inclines and hills in the Southwest Central Durham area. Although these hills are not difficult to walk and there are no steep sections, remember that if you stroll down a long incline, you will have to walk back up which may not be quite as pleasant. The area has sidewalks and grass berms to protect pedestrians and their furry friends from roadways with traffic. Grassy strips are also easier on your pup's paws than hot cement. 

The area has apartment and townhouse complexes, a college, schools, and churches, all with landscaped properties. There are some large, single-family, two-story character homes in the area as well. Residential properties are lushly landscaped with lawns, shrubs, and large trees. The area around the residential properties is heavily treed, undeveloped natural area and these areas have a very 'country' feel with developed commercial areas nearby. Here, you can get the best of both worlds!

Just northwest of the Southwest Central Durham area, Sandy Creek Park is a beautiful natural area with a trail system that is ideal for walking with your energetic pup. The Green Trail is accessible for those with mobility issues as it is a paved 10 foot-wide trail. The Blue Trail is .5 miles long and runs from the bridge to a church on Garrett Road. The park is known for its wetland habitat, wildflowers, turtles, natural plants and trees, and a butterfly garden. There is an observation deck for watching the local wildlife. Keep your dog leashed so your furry friend does not run away or scare local critters. 

To the southwest, the New Hope Bottomlands Trail provides a 2-mile trail loop around a river and natural area. Your canine buddy must be kept on a leash to access these trails. In addition, the New Hope Bottomlands Trailhead can be accessed at Githens Middle School.