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Apex Community Park (Lake Trail Entrance)
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,196 Google reviews · Running trail in Cary, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Apex Community Park (Lake Trail Entrance)'s own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Vast park with sports fields, play areas & a 50-acre lake for canoes, kayaks, sailboards & fishing.
What runners say about Apex Community Park (Lake Trail Entrance)
“The walking trails are well maintained and offer lovely views of the lake, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or a casual hike.”
“A nice, 2-mile paved path with plenty of benches, woodsy alternate routes that meet back up with the main path, and plenty of beautiful views and nature vibes.”
“The trail is a 2 mile loop around a lake with plenty of tree shade and just enough small hills to give your legs and ankles a little challenge.”
“The path is well-paved and easy to follow, with nice views of the water along the way.”
“The park boasts a 50-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful and scenic environment.”
Beautiful 2 miles trail. Liked the wildlife this park offers, we spotted few turtles, waterfowl, birds etc. Lovely views of Apex lake. It has paved and unpaved trails, a fishing pier, kids playground. There are two entries to access the trails of this park. It has many benches along the lake trail.
Great park for small kids, older kids, teens and adults. Has a great trail around Lake Pine with several benches to stop and view, as well as a dock to fish or just sit at. 3 playgrounds and one is geared more towards agility/ninja for kids fitness.
Love it here. Great place year round. Plenty of green in the summer and lots of color in the fall. 3+ miles worth of trails (2 paved, 1+ natural). Never too busy and more than ample parking. Always well maintained so you can walk it, run it, or bike it.
We had a great experience visiting Apex Community Park. They have a nice playground and obstacle course for kids. A two mile trail with beautiful scenery of the lake that loops around. They also have a lot of spaces for outdoor sports of every kind. Volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts. Baseball and soccer fields.
Trail conditions & character
“A nice, 2-mile paved path with plenty of benches, woodsy alternate routes that meet back up with the main path, and plenty of beautiful views and nature vibes.”
“The surface is paved all the way around and if you want to be closer to nature and off the pavement, there is a wooded trail that cuts in closer to the lake and back up at the end.”
“The surface is paved all the way around and if you want to be closer to nature and off the pavement, there is a wooded trail that cuts in closer to the lake and back up at the end.”
“The trail is apart of a bigger park which has restrooms at both entrances (Lake Pine Dr entrance and Laura Duncan Rd entrance).”
“Parking can be tough at peak hours, but there are two parking lots.”
“Plus, it’s dog-friendly—my FurBaby loved it just as much as I did!”
“The trail is a 2 mile loop around a lake with plenty of tree shade and just enough small hills to give your legs and ankles a little challenge.”
“The park boasts a 50-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful and scenic environment.”
“There's markers every 1/4 mile to let you know your distance/progress.”
Plan your run at Apex Community Park (Lake Trail Entrance)
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteapexnc.org
- Phone+1 919-249-3402
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
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