Regulations & Safety Considerations

The primary mission of the Duke Forest is to serve as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for teaching and research. While public recreation is permitted, these activities must not conflict with teaching and research projects or with the natural and historical values of the Forest. In order to protect the rich legacy of research and the unique educational opportunities afforded by the resources within the Duke Forest, the following recreation regulations are strictly enforced:

Regulations

  1. All activities are restricted to forest roads, trails posted Designated Access Area, and picnic areas. No off-trail activity or entering the Forest anywhere other than an access gate is strictly prohibited.
  2. Do not disturb any scientific equipment, stakes, or flagging.
  3. DOGS MUST BE LEASHED at all times, in accordance with county leash laws. Voice command and electric leashes are NOT recognized as adequate restraint.
  4. No fires of any kind are permitted in the Forest at any time except in the grills at the two improved picnic sites on NC 751, which are available to rent.
  5. Cars, motorcycles, and motorized trail bikes (including E-bikes, see below) are not allowed within the Forest except for pre-approved uses.
  6. Gates must not be blocked at any time.
  7. No vegetation (including trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, brush, or grasses) may be cut, picked, scarred, or damaged in any way.
  8. No hunting or weapons allowed.
  9. No camping is permitted.
  10. Access to the Duke Forest is not permitted after sunset except at the picnic shelters.
  11. Horses and mountain bikes must stay on graded and mowed roads.
  12. Rock and tree climbing is not permitted.
  13. Commercial use and Pay-to-Participate Activities are not permitted (see below)
  14. Commercial photography/videography, and portrait photography are not permitted except in some circumstances (see below)
  15. Geocaching, terracaches, and letterboxes are prohibited (see below)
  16. Metal detecting is prohibited (see below)
  17. Hobbyist drone flights are not permitted (see below)

Additional prohibited activities are outlined in Duke University’s Use of University Lands and Facilities Policy.

Regulations for evolving technologies and novel use

Commercial use and pay-to-participate activities (e.g. paid exercise classes, running/biking programs, gym outings, unsanctioned events, etc.) are not allowed and will not be approved for Group Use. Duke University is a nonprofit institution, and all use must be related to nonprofit purposes.

“Commercial enterprises will not be afforded use of university facilities for profit-making or advertising purposes. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations. Any commercial activity on the grounds of the campus must be approved in advance and in writing by the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations.”

– Duke University’s Use of University Lands and Facilities Policy, 2016

The Duke Forest is a teaching and research laboratory and is not a venue for non-news photography or videography projects. All photography or video projects must seek prior approval from both our office and also University Communications. Please read more about filming on campus.

In-the-moment photography which we define as spontaneous and informal photographs/video of plants, animals, people, and other subjects are allowed and encouraged. Photography of this kind is a wonderful way to connect with nature and to remember time spent with others in the Duke Forest. Remember that off-road and off-trail access is not permitted to the general public. Keep in mind that the Duke Forest is a teaching and research laboratory and not a park.

Formal portrait photography (posed portraiture of individuals) is not permitted in the Duke Forest. No gear (lights, chairs, reflectors, etc.) may be set up. A member of the community may rent one of our two picnic shelters and invite a photographer. Formal portraits would be allowed in this situation only within the area immediately surrounding the shelters and not on connecting roads and trails or off-trail. No photographer (nor vendors of any kind) may rent a shelter for commercial use. This is not an approved use of our shelters.

All classes of electronic bikes (E-Bikes) are prohibited in the Duke Forest Teaching and Research Laboratory.

The primary mission of the Duke Forest is to serve as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for teaching and research. While public recreation is permitted, these activities must not conflict with teaching and research projects or with the natural and historical values of the Forest.

Due to safety and research integrity concerns (including protection of research and natural areas; preservation of cultural and archaeological sites; maintenance of trails and the creation of unauthorized trails; safety of visitors and liability; and the overall adherence to Forest Regulations and Safety Guidelines) placing and/or searching for geocaches, terracaches, letterboxes, or any other form is strictly prohibited in all divisions of the Duke Forest. Similarly, flying drones and/or metal detecting is not allowed.

Hobbyist drone use is not permitted within or above the Duke Forest without expressed, written, and exceptional permission. Please refer to Duke University’s Drone Policy.

Any caches found will be considered abandoned property and will be removed and discarded. Any persons found flying drones or metal detecting will be reported to local law enforcement.

5k and 10k races, fun runs, charity walks, or other similar events are not permitted in the Duke Forest Teaching and Research Laboratory. A shelter rental does not include permission to host any such event on the land base.

Follow all posted Duke Forest regulations and signage. Failure to abide by these rules could result in a written citation and your loss of use of the Forest.

Safety Considerations

  1. Conditions along roads and trails cannot be guaranteed. Use of the Duke Forest is at your own risk.
  2. The Forest, like the Duke Campus, is not immune to criminal activity. The respective, local county sheriff offices can respond to issues, but it should be noted that portions of the Forest are remote and thereby warrant the need for visitors to travel together. If this is not possible, be sure to alert someone of your whereabouts and your expected time of return.
  3. Take a cell phone with you. In the event of an emergency, call 911. If you observe possible unauthorized activity within the Forest, please contact the Office of the Duke Forest (919-613-8013).
  4. Lock your vehicle and be sure there is nothing visible within the car that might entice someone to break into the vehicle.
  5. Be aware of your surroundings and possible exposure to hazards such as insects, tick and snake bites, allergic reactions, low hanging limbs, and tripping hazards. Please become familiar with the area’s poisonous plants and animals.
  6. Be aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately. During times of high temperature and humidity, it is recommended that you carry drinking water.
  7. For the safety of your pets and other visitors to the Forest, dogs must be kept on leash at all times.  Under county leash laws, voice command is NOT recognized as adequate restraint. Read more about dogs in the Duke Forest.
  8. Keep a safe distance from any machinery or vehicles operating in the Forest.

Follow all posted Duke Forest regulations and signage. Failure to abide by these rules could result in a written citation and your loss of use of the Forest.

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