The spring-like weather of the near-spring day was just too perfect to stay indoors.

So Thursday I headed west — deep into west Cary, to where I’ve been finding myself more and more these days when I need some fresh air and a bit of sunshine: The American Tobacco Trail.

Twenty-two-plus blissful miles of “rails-to-trails” pathway, the ATT winds its way through Durham, Chatham and Wake counties.

I usually access the trail — which mostly ambles through thick pine forest — from the White Oak Church Road access point, which can be found by taking High House Road west over N.C. 55 into the Green Level community and then turning right at White Oak Church Road.

Designed for cyclists, walkers, runners and even those on horseback, it’s the perfect spot to find a little exercise and a chance to experience nature up close and personal.

And this time of year, as the weather breaks free from the freezing temperatures of winter but is still not in the firm, humid grip of summer, is the perfect time to go.

It seems that on Thursday I wasn’t the only one thinking that.

“It gives an atmosphere of being in the country,” said Judy Abrahams, who had just finished a 13-mile bike ride with pal Mary Charlton on the trail.

The duo were relaxing in the White Oak access parking lot, which at about 3:30 p.m. on a weekday was nearly empty.

“Weekends usually get crowded,” Abrahams said, one of the only drawbacks she saw of the trail — well, that and the horse poop.

Trail operators organize regular clean ups, and horse riders Maurice and Joyce Hagar find the trail to be fairly clean.

“It’s close and convenient,” Joyce said after she and husband Maurice had finished a ride with three of their horses — Tennessee walkers Mack and Stormy, and Missouri foxtrotter Ginger (who was walked on the trail).

The Fuquay-Varina couple had used the Olive Chapel Road access to get on the trail.

The access point, in the New Hill community just south of Apex, is actually the trail’s southern head.

Starting out on the trail from this point, I got some walking in myself. While strolling along on the gravely path between the many still-bare trees, I came across Helen Tenhouse, who was walking west with the sinking sun.

“I come here to exercise,” said Tenhouse, barely slowing down her brisk walk. The 68-year-old swears by exercise, saying that her regular walks have kept her in good shape.

Of course if Tenhouse wanted to walk the trail’s entire 22-plus miles she wouldn’t be able to — yet.

One of the drawbacks of the trail is that it’s not fully linked up yet. Gaps still exists, so if you’re looking to travel from the trail’s start in downtown Durham to the end in New Hill, some car travel is going to be required.

I usually walk or bike the connected segment from the White Oak access to the Olive Chapel access.

I prefer biking, and the mostly level trail with its gradual and moderate inclines is perfect for beginners.

I should know because I am one!

In a pre-New Year’s push to become more active I purchased my standard hybrid bike (a bike that works on trails or pavement) just a couple of months ago.

The ATT has provided the perfect platform to get back into biking. What I really like about it is that it provides something for everyone.

It’s fit for more experienced cyclists and runners, but also for those of us just starting and just wanting to enjoy a slow, lazy day out with family and friends.

But don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

Visit triangletrails.org /ATT.HTM for more information.