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Brookhaven Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 185 Google reviews · Running trail in Raleigh, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Brookhaven Nature Park'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.
26-acre preserve featuring a forest trail with a footbridge over a stream, plus picnic tables.
What runners say about Brookhaven Nature Park
“Nature forest trails, vast majority unpaved, with well maintained bridges (slippery when wet) and a little pond.”
“Easy to come back to once you find it and beautiful trails to explore.”
“There were also benches and shaded areas available, which added extra comfort for visitors spending time at the playground.”
“There's a parking lot at the trail access, and the trail itself is well marked and easy to follow.”
“The atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming, making it a great place for outdoor recreation and relaxation.”
Hidden Gem in a residential neighbohood. Lovely wooded trails complete with a babbling brook. Parking is available in the lot right near the trail head. Very serene and dog friendly.
Lovely, quiet and safe walking trail tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood. There's a parking lot at the trail access, and the trail itself is well marked and easy to follow. This place never seems crowded (usually pass 3-5 other walkers). The creek with several waterfalls is my favorite part.
Truly a hidden gem. There's maybe a mile to a mile and a half of trails altogether, and they're all really pretty. There's a creek that runs through the park with a small waterfall, and quite a variety of trees and plants.
Lovely little oasis just off of busy Glenwood Ave. Feels wonderful to walk the trails and crunch through the leaves.
Trail conditions & character
“The atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming, making it a great place for outdoor recreation and relaxation.”
“There's a creek that runs through the park with a small waterfall, and quite a variety of trees and plants.”
“There were also benches and shaded areas available, which added extra comfort for visitors spending time at the playground.”
“And go before you come--there are no bathrooms and the porto-potty was padlocked.”
“Visiting and staying at a nearby hotel, came here to walk my dog.”
“At the entrance, there is a handicapped accessible observation deck with picnic tables.”
“There's a parking lot at the trail access, and the trail itself is well marked and easy to follow.”
Plan your run at Brookhaven Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websiteraleighnc.gov
- Phone+1 919-831-6856
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Raleigh
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shelley Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,775 reviews
2 miles of wooded trails with work-out stations along a scenic lake, plus open fields & a playground
Lake Lynn Loop
4.8 ★★★★★ 110 reviews
Wooded park with a paved path circling the lake, plus a playground.
Lassiter Mill Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 439 reviews
Park with a path, waterfall, and picnic area, plus forest and river views.