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
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Apex, North Carolina
Camp at Jordan Lake State Park
4.0We passed by Jordan Lake on the way home from a soccer match, and the kids asked if we could camp there before summer's end. We lucked out and found a spot available online to reserve Labor Day weekend, so we packed up and headed out for a couple of relaxing days by the lake.The camping offerings...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Museum of Life and Science Trail Loop
4.00.69 mi / 98 ft gainMuseum of Life and Science Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Penny's Bend
5.0Penny's Bend is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaWoodland and Mason Farm Trail Loop
5.01.76 mi / 265.26 ft gainThe Woodland Trail and Mason Farm Trail together create a roughly 1.8-mile (approximately 2.9 km) loop through portions of Parker Preserve and the Mason Farm Biological Reserve, offering visitors a peaceful journey through upland forests and bottomland meadows. The Woodland Trail (~0.8 mi) win...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
North Carolina Botanical Garden
1.46 mi / 157 ft gainNorth Carolina Botanical Garden is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North CarolinaHeadwaters Loop Trail
5.01.06 mi / 102 ft gainHeadwaters Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Hollow Rock Trail to Headwaters Loop
5.0The Hollow Rock Trail to Headwaters Loop offers a quiet, scenic retreat just minutes from downtown Durham and Chapel Hill. Winding through the Duke Forest Corridor and the New Hope Creek watershed, this moderately easy loop is perfect for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers seeking a tranqu...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaLower Booker Creek Trail
1.66 mi / 147.64 ft gainOne of the many Greenway trails in Chapel Hill. Dog friendly but no stations with bags or trash cans; so, come prepared with your own if you bring the dogs along! Its mostly shaded with the initial stretch from Eastgate Crossing shopping area being out in the open. The full trail is concrete ke...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Battle Branch Trail
4.02.94 mi / 230 ft gainBattle Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Rhododendron Bluff Circuit
2.93 mi / 331 ft gainRhododendron Bluff Circuit is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North CarolinaPiney Mountain Trail
5.0Piney Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaConcrete and Wooden Bridge Fire Road Loop Trail
4.04.02 mi / 295 ft gainConcrete and Wooden Bridge Fire Road Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Pump Station Trail Loop
5.01.29 mi / 157 ft gainPump Station Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North CarolinaBig Bend Loop
3.03.74 mi / 266 ft gainThe Big Bend Loop is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Korstian Division of Duke Forest, a 2,600-acre research forest owned and managed by Duke University between Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Durham, NC. The 3.74-mile loop follows the sweeping bend in New Hope Creek that gives the trail it...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Cabe Lands Trail and Eno Quarry Loop
4.82.25 mi / 364 ft gainEscape the NC heat at the quarry at Eno River State Park. Access the Eno Quarry via Cabe Lands Access Point (parking lot off Howe Street). Follow the Cabe Lands Trail (red blazes) from the parking lot. About 80 yards down the path you'll see a trail split off to the left or right. Keep going on ...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Pea Creek Trail
3.01.27 mi / 141 ft gainPea Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more
