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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Chapel Hill, North CarolinaCrow Branch Overlook Loop
3.42 mi / 394 ft gainCrow Branch Overlook Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Bahama, North CarolinaHorton Grove
5.07.04 mi / 722 ft gainThe Horton Grove Nature Preserve spans 708 acres and features about eight miles of interconnected trails, including a family-friendly interpretive path (“That Makes Sense”) and longer loop options that approach 7 miles. The full loop traverses diverse habitats—upland oak-hickory and mixed h...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Old Field Bluff Trail
3.08 mi / 223 ft gainThe Old Field Bluff Trail is one of the marquee routes at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve — a 296-acre nature preserve owned and managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) along the banks of New Hope Creek between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, NC. The full trail network at Johnston Mill totals ...Read more -
Hillsborough, North CarolinaWood Duck Way
5.01.23 mi / 92 ft gainWood Duck Way is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hillsborough, North Carolina.Read more -
Hillsborough, North CarolinaAllen's Loop
5.01.71 mi / 256.81 ft gainAllen's Loop: Historic Farm Trail in Orange County Allen's Loop is one of four well-maintained hiking trails winding through Blackwood Farm Park's 152 acres of Piedmont hardwood forest and open fields. Named after the Blackwood family who farmed this land for generations, this easy trail connect...Read more -
Rougemont, North CarolinaNorth River Loop, Ridge Trail and South River Loop Trail
4.0North River Loop, Ridge Trail and South River Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Hillsborough, North Carolina.Read more -
Rougemont, North CarolinaRidge Trail to North River Trail
5.03.55 mi / 331 ft gainRidge Trail to North River Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Rougemont, North Carolina.Read more -
Graham, North Carolina
Saxapahaw Island Park
1.3 mi / 30 ft gainSaxapahaw 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...Read more -
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 ...Read more -
Snow Camp, North Carolina
Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop
2.32 mi / 351 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Burlington, North Carolina
Rock Creek Trail
1.75 mi / 167 ft gainCedarock 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...Read more -
Burlington, North Carolina
Fish the Haw River in Great Bend Park
2.00.4 miAfter 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...Read more
