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Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers looking for a great escape. The city offers a variety of scenic trails, activities, and must-visit attractions. From mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and paddle boarding, there are plenty of options to choose from. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore. The Neuse River Trail is a great option for a leisurely stroll, while the Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers activities for the whole family. For those seeking an exciting experience, the Umstead State Park is the ideal spot. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone in and near Raleigh, North Carolina.

Top Spots in and near Raleigh

  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    Old Field Bluff Trail

    3.08 mi / 223 ft gain
    Old Field Bluff Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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  • Graham, North Carolina

    Saxapahaw Island Park

    1.3 mi / 30 ft gain
    Saxapahaw Island Park is an urban park along the Haw River. The Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail is a well-maintained 1.3-mile loop.  The trail parallels a section of the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Many park visitors run laps around the loop while others fish along the river's edge, chil...
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  • Graham, North Carolina

    Kayak Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access

    This 5.5-mile stretch of the Haw River, often called "Sweps to Sax", is perfect for beginners or a relaxing paddle. This section of the river sits between two dams and creates waters calm enough for an out-and-back paddle if you want to double the mileage.  When you put in at Swepsonville River ...
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  • Snow Camp, North Carolina

    Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop

    2.32 mi / 351 ft gain
    The Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...
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  • Burlington, North Carolina

    Rock Creek Trail

    1.75 mi / 167 ft gain
    Cedarock Park is a 500-acre park named for the abundance of cedar trees and rock outcroppings. The park features a network of hiking and equestrian trails, disc golf and footgolf courses, primitive camping, a fishing pond, canoe and kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters...
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  • Burlington, North Carolina

    Fish the Haw River in Great Bend Park

    2.0
    0.4 mi
    After parking at Great Bend Park, follow the trail about 100 yards to a bridge which provides you access to a 5-acre island that overlooks the dam's waterfall. While the Haw River is easy to wade, the island offers a number of bank fishing spots for those who would prefer to keep their feet on so...
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