Lace up your boots and escape into the green spaces scattered all around Raleigh, where scenic lakes, quiet forests, and peaceful rivers create the perfect backdrop for a walk or a full-day hike. Whether you crave easy paved loops or hidden dirt paths with hilltop views, there’s a trail nearby that fits your mood and schedule.
Let’s get to it.
Lake Lynn Park
Lake Lynn Park sits on 75 acres of suburban Raleigh with a 2.6-mile paved greenway that circles a man-made lake. Sections of raised wooden boardwalk carry the path over shallow marshes, while the surrounding Carolina hardwoods turn bright green in summer and orange-gold in fall. Birders often spot ducks, geese, and great blue herons, and turtles frequently sunbathe on logs near the shoreline.
The elevation gain is minimal—about 65 feet total—so the loop remains accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual cyclists. Mornings and evenings draw runners and walkers, and two parking lots plus street spaces help distribute weekend traffic. Near the main trailheads, there can be a crowd, but the greenway quickly thins once you move farther from the entrances.
Public restrooms in the nearby community center are clean and well maintained. Picnic shelters sit close to the path, making it easy to pause for lunch or a snack. Overall, Lake Lynn Park offers a smooth, predictable route through pleasant scenery without unexpected challenges.
William B. Umstead State Park
At William B. Umstead State Park, more than 5,500 acres of Piedmont forest offer a diverse network of trails for hikers, bikers, and casual strollers. The Company Mill Trail stretches nearly six miles, crossing streams, navigating exposed roots, and passing historic mill dam ruins while climbing about 600 feet. Restrooms are conveniently located near the main parking area, which helps on busier weekends.
Sycamore Trail covers just over seven miles of rugged terrain through dense hardwoods and rocky footing, making it a good choice for wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot deer or songbirds. For a gentler option, Loblolly Trail winds under a canopy of hardwoods alongside creek views, though it does not have restroom facilities nearby.
Multiuse paths like Cedar Ridge and Turkey Creek welcome equestrians and cyclists, and they tend to be quieter on weekdays. For families or those looking for a short outing, the stroller-friendly Inspiration Trail offers interpretive tree markers, benches, and a gentle half-mile loop. Leashed dogs are allowed throughout the park, and features like wildflowers or carved log art on Graylyn Trail add unexpected points of interest.
Green Hills County Park
Green Hills County Park transforms a 36-acre former landfill into a varied outdoor venue. Paved loops wind across the site for wheelchairs and strollers, while natural dirt and singletrack mountain bike routes suit beginners and intermediates. A moderate climb to 469 feet rewards visitors with views of the Raleigh skyline, and on clear days there may even be a glimpse of soaring hawks.
Picnic tables dot the grassy areas, and a large Sycamore shelter offers protection during group gatherings. A playground keeps children occupied, and restrooms and water fountains stand close by. Most trails stay open after rain, though a few sections close to protect the surface. Parking is usually ample except during community events. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and clear signage guides guests across the interconnected greenway network. Volunteers and park staff maintain the grounds, ensuring that overgrown areas are kept in check. For those seeking longer outings, the trail system links to Abbott’s Creek Greenway, providing an even broader loop. This park succeeds at offering diverse terrain in a compact setting.
Neuse River Trail
Stretching 27.5 miles from Raleigh’s outskirts to Falls Lake State Recreation Area, the Neuse River Trail serves walkers, cyclists, and families in strollers. The paved path remains flat for most of its length. Wheelchairs and scooters navigate it easily. Along the way, suspension bridges span creek crossings and benches appear at regular intervals for breaks.
Views alternate between river overlooks, peaceful wetlands, and wooded sections filled with songbirds. Historical markers explain early settlement and river commerce. Parking lots at several trailheads usually have available spaces. Restrooms and water fountains are clean and well maintained, and there is drinking water for dogs at select stops. On weekends and during warm afternoons, traffic increases, but even then the wide corridor prevents crowding. After heavy rain, some low-lying portions flood. Trail users find detours around wetter spots. Despite this, the trail remains popular for its ease and scenic variety. Whether someone wants a short mile-long loop or a full-day ride, this route delivers reliable surfaces and changing scenery along the Neuse River.
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Historic Yates Mill County Park offers more than a simple stroll. Visitors encounter an 18th-century grist mill perched beside a calm mill pond and more than three miles of trails winding through hardwood forests and wetlands. Park staff maintain clear paths and interpret both wildlife and history. Interpretive signs near the mill explain its workings and local heritage.
The Mill Pond Trail features boardwalks over water and panoramic views, a favorite spot for birders and nature lovers despite variable weather. Families with strollers can navigate most sections until they reach a set of stone steps that break the easy access. The High Ridge Trail provides a short, challenging climb for those seeking a solitary workout away from the crowds. Creekside Trail includes footbridges and benches at regular intervals. The Tree Trail offers numbered posts and brochures that identify local species. Trail conditions remain solid even after rain, and flooding is less common than expected. Note that dogs are not permitted in the park.
Durant Nature Preserve
Durant Nature Preserve combines forest, lake, and creek habitats in a 140-acre setting just outside Raleigh. The 2.5-mile Border Loop Trail offers moderate challenge with rocky sections and muddy patches by the creeks. It climbs gently and winds through mixed hardwoods, making it popular with hikers seeking a bit of effort.
For a flat, easy stroll, the Lakeside Trail circles the lower lake on a mostly level dirt path. It provides access to fishing docks and quiet benches beside the water. Secret Creek Trail is a short spur that leads to small waterfalls, boulder seating areas, and sandy patches ideal for a quick rest.
Families will find playgrounds, bird and butterfly gardens, and “discovery backpacks” available from the park office. Restrooms near the main parking lot are convenient, and clear signage guides visitors through each trail. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and Raleigh parks staff keep the area clean. Whether you want to fish from the dock or explore muddy creek crossings, Durant Nature Preserve delivers a straightforward outdoor experience.
Shelley Lake Park
Shelley Lake Park provides an easy escape with its smooth two-mile paved greenway around a 53-acre lake. The route includes timber boardwalks and a small crossing over Mine Creek, adding variety without steep hills. Each loop climbs just 91 feet, so the trail remains accessible for walkers, runners, cyclists, and those with strollers.
A large parking lot off W. Millbrook Road feeds directly into the path, and restrooms in the Sertoma Arts Center lie a short walk away. Benches and exercise stations are spaced along the route for rest or a quick workout. On weekends, groups of runners, families with strollers, and cyclists all share the trail, but its width helps maintain a comfortable flow.
Leashed dogs are allowed throughout the park. Public art installations peek out among trees, and open stretches of lake view provide a peaceful backdrop. While accessible parking levels off quickly, additional street parking reduces early congestion. Overall, Shelley Lake Park blends flat pavement, gentle water views, and ample amenities for a casual outdoor visit.
Lake Johnson Park
Lake Johnson Park spans 500 acres and combines a 3.2-mile paved East Loop with quieter West Loop trails. The East Loop is smooth and fairly flat, suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual cyclists. It peaks near the dam and boat launch, where benches and picnic tables offer rest spots amid scenic lake views.
The West Loop moves over soil and wood chips, weaving through mature woods with gentle hills that remain approachable for most visitors. A Poetry Trail along the shoreline displays short poems on metal posts, and a fitness loop equipped with QR codes helps track exercises. Wildlife sightings include turtles sunning on logs, songbirds in the trees, and the occasional deer near the water’s edge.
Boat rentals at the marina provide an on-water perspective, and several boardwalks extend into wetlands. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and restrooms appear at frequent intervals near parking areas. Picnic shelters and well-marked maps make exploration easy, while shaded stretches keep the trails cool on summer days. City maintenance ensures trails stay clear and safe year-round.
Anderson Point Park
Anderson Point Park sits on 89 acres along the Neuse River, offering paved greenway miles and natural loop trails. Wide paths accommodate cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users equally. The 7.4-mile Mingo Creek stretch runs gently along the riverbank. More challenging offshoots, such as the Crabtree Creek path, add hillier segments for a moderate workout. Boardwalks at pond overlooks and picnic meadows provide resting spots.
Restrooms stay open most days, and park staff keep the grounds in tidy condition. Multiple picnic shelters and playgrounds attract families, while benches placed throughout the trails invite brief breaks. Leashed dogs accompany their owners on all paths. Birdwatchers count migrating species in spring and fall, and the varied habitats encourage sightings from waterfowl to songbirds. Weekends and late afternoons bring heavier foot traffic, but the network’s layout minimizes crowding. Parking areas fill up by midday, particularly near popular trailheads. Trails drain quickly after rain, though users may need to detour around low-lying wet spots. Open year-round, the park remains popular for sunrise outings and evening strolls. Overall, Anderson Point balances accessible greenway riding with natural scenery in a well-maintained riverside setting.
Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve
The Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve offers 23 acres of well-organized woodland trails that never feel crowded. The main feature is a 1.6-mile loop with a short boardwalk section and plenty of dirt path. After rain, the trail can cling to your ankles, so wear sturdy shoes.
A segment called the Stairway to Heaven climbs a few dozen stone and gravel steps. It’s only a two-minute heart-raiser and leads to a bench placed where you can rest without feeling awkward. Sandstone bluffs rise nearly 100 feet above the creek, creating a dramatic contrast to nearby neighborhoods. You will pass ancient beech trees, clusters of hydrangea, and other flowering plants.
Birdwatchers and trail runners both appreciate this space. A simple trail map kiosk stands near the free parking lot, and there are no restrooms on site, so plan accordingly. Dogs are welcome on leash. After storms, expect mud and occasional fallen branches. The preserve does not permit strollers or wheelchairs, so prepare for a more traditional hiking experience.
Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest
Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest preserves 245 acres of loblolly pine and hardwood growth managed by NC State University. Dirt footpaths and well-kept service roads thread through the forest. The Frances L. Liles Trail offers a 1.2-mile loop and moderate traffic, while the longer Richland Creek Trail spans 3.7 miles with gentle hills. Both routes highlight fern-lined banks and mixed canopy.
Interpretive signs along the way explain forest management practices and local ecology. Bird-watchers track woodpeckers and warblers among the towering pines. At the trailhead, covered picnic tables and a porta-potty rest beside a small parking area. Dogs are not allowed in this preserve, so hikers should plan accordingly. Open daily from dawn until dusk, the forest reaches its peak appeal in spring and fall when wildflowers bloom and migrating species pass through. Maintenance teams keep trails clear of debris and erosion in check. While largely quiet, this patch of managed woodland provides an accessible nature escape without sacrificing educational value.
Lassiter Mill Park
At Lassiter Mill Park you’ll find a short paved loop that ties into Raleigh’s Crabtree Creek Greenway network. The trail spans about 0.2 miles from the modest parking area past open lawns and picnic tables to a small waterfall spilling over remnants of an old mill dam. Historic stonework still lines the creek edge, offering a tangible link to the past.
If you continue, the Crabtree Creek Greenway extends roughly 19 miles with a gentle grade ideal for cyclists, walkers, and runners. Along the way you’ll pass benches and a pedestrian bridge. The pavement remains smooth enough for strollers and wheelchairs until you reach informal rocky steps descending to the water.
Restrooms are not available, and parking is limited, though it rarely fills completely except on sunny weekends. Leashed dogs are permitted. City maintenance keeps the area tidy, so you should not encounter much mud unless recent rains have occurred.
