
Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Raleigh, United States
1. Neuse River Trail
A 28-mile paved trail that follows the Neuse River, perfect for biking and walking, offering scenic views and wildlife sightings.
- Length: Extensive length of 28 miles allows for a variety of distances to explore.
- Natural Scenery: Trail offers beautiful views of the Neuse River and its wildlife.
- Connectivity: Connected to other trails in Raleigh, making it easy to extend your journey.
2. Carpenter Village Greenway
A 4.3-mile greenway that connects the heart of Raleigh to North Raleigh, ideal for walking and biking.
- Connectivity: Easily connects residents from different parts of Raleigh.
- Urban and Suburban Views: Offers a mix of urban and suburban scenery, showcasing diverse architectural styles.
- Adjacent Parks and Attractions: Adjoins several parks and attractions along the route for additional activities.
3. Greenway Beltline
A system of greenways surrounding Raleigh's downtown area, ideal for leisurely biking and walking.
- Downtown Accessibility: Provides easy access to Raleigh's downtown attractions.
- Variety of Trails: Offers a network of trails catering to different levels and preferences.
- Safety Features: Includes well-maintained paths, lighting, and signage for safety.
4. American Tobacco Trail
A 22.8-mile rail trail running from downtown Durham to Apex, great for biking and walking.
- Length: Long trail of 22.8 miles allows for a variety of distances to explore.
- Historical Significance: Former tobacco processing facilities can be seen along the trail.
- Connectivity with Raleigh: Easy connection to Raleigh's greenway system and other trails in the area.
5. Cape Fear Trail
A 2.6-mile paved trail along Crabtree Creek, perfect for biking and walking in North Raleigh.
- Urban Scenery: Offers a mix of urban scenery with beautiful views of Crabtree Creek.
- Connectivity: Easily connects to other trails in North Raleigh and nearby towns.
- Adjacent Parks and Attractions: Located near several parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.
6. Lake Johnson Loop Trail
A 3.2-mile loop trail around Lake Johnson offering scenic views and wildlife sightings.
- Scenic Views: Beautiful lake views and diverse plant life along the trail.
- Wildlife Sightings: Opportunity to spot various bird species, turtles, and other wildlife.
- Rest Areas: Well-placed rest areas and picnic spots along the trail.
7. Kingsbury Station Greenway
A 1.8-mile greenway connecting North Raleigh to Research Triangle Park, ideal for biking and walking.
- Connectivity: Easily connects residents of North Raleigh with Research Triangle Park.
- Urban and Natural Scenery: Offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, including wooded areas and wetlands.
- Connectivity with RTP Companies: Proximity to Research Triangle Park's many companies for potential job opportunities.
8. Falls Lake State Recreation Area
A beautiful park offering various trails for biking and walking, with a 26-mile multi-use trail along Shabby Shore.
- Length of Trails: Multiple trails catering to different preferences and distances.
- Scenic Views: Breathtaking lake views, waterfalls, and wooded areas.
- Camping and Picnic Opportunities: Offers camping sites and picnic areas for extended visits.
9. Umstead State Park
A 5,600-acre park with numerous biking and walking trails, offering a variety of scenic views.
- Size and Scenery: Large park with diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rock outcroppings.
- Connectivity with Other Trails: Connected to other trails within the park for extended exploration.
- Historical Significance: Site of Camp Holt, a World War II-era training facility.
10. Oakview Road Greenway
A 2.3-mile greenway connecting North Raleigh to Wake Forest, ideal for biking and walking.
- Connectivity: Easily connects residents of North Raleigh with Wake Forest.
- Urban and Natural Scenery: Offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, including wooded areas and open fields.
- Rest Areas: Well-placed rest areas and picnic spots along the trail.
11. Seven Hills Greenway
A 4.6-mile greenway connecting North Raleigh to Knightdale, great for biking and walking.
- Connectivity: Easily connects residents of North Raleigh with Knightdale.
- Urban and Natural Scenery: Offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, including wooded areas and farmland.
- Rest Areas: Well-placed rest areas and picnic spots along the trail.
12. Cedar Creek Trail
A 7.5-mile paved trail running between Raleigh and Apex, perfect for biking and walking.
- Length: Long trail of 7.5 miles allows for a variety of distances to explore.
- Connectivity with Apex: Easy connection to Apex's downtown area and other trails.
- Natural Scenery: Offers beautiful views of Cedar Creek and its surrounding wetlands.
13. Greenway at White Oak Creek
A 3.8-mile greenway connecting North Raleigh to Morrisville, ideal for biking and walking.
- Connectivity: Easily connects residents of North Raleigh with Morrisville.
- Urban Scenery: Offers a mix of urban scenery, including views of White Oak Creek and nearby neighborhoods.
- Rest Areas: Well-placed rest areas and picnic spots along the trail.
14. Leesville Road Greenway
A 3.7-mile greenway connecting North Raleigh to Cary, ideal for biking and walking.
- Connectivity: Easily connects residents of North Raleigh with Cary.
- Urban Scenery: Offers a mix of urban scenery, including views of Leesville Road and nearby neighborhoods.
- Rest Areas: Well-placed rest areas and picnic spots along the trail.
15. Saunders Creek Trail
A 6.7-mile paved trail connecting Cary to Apex, perfect for biking and walking.
- Length: Long trail of 6.7 miles allows for a variety of distances to explore.
- Connectivity with Cary and Apex: Easy connection to both Cary's and Apex's downtown areas and other trails.
- Natural Scenery: Offers beautiful views of Saunders Creek and its surrounding wetlands.