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Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 244 Google reviews · Running trail in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental 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.
Natural 28-acre park with a 2-mile trail, bridges, picnic shelters & an amphitheater.
What runners say about Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park
“Well maintained mostly gravel trails overlapping a creek with several bridges and overlooks.”
“It is a beautiful park, but it looks like some of the trails are under construction however it is a great place to hike.”
“The trails were well maintained and easy to navigate.”
“Clean, quiet, little park in FV.”
“Very easy trails but great way to get away from the noise of town.”
Nice set of trails with informational signs about trees and the ecology of a Piedmont forest. As another reviewer noted, it is very helpful to take a picture of the map at the start. There are many loops and possible routes, although most are short and it is pretty easy to stay oriented.
The trails were well maintained and easy to navigate. I would almost go as far as consider the place relatively accessible to people who have limited mobility but can still walk around a bit, since there were lots of benches and the bridges had wooden handrails attached to them.
Took the dogs out for a stroll today. Found this little gem thanks to google maps and the term hiking trail. This trail was really close to my house. It is a lot less crowded than raven rock. Very easy trails but great way to get away from the noise of town.
Really fun trail. Very shaded and not too difficult to traverse. I'm glad a friend suggested these trails to me
Trail conditions & character
“Very dog friendly area and moderately kid friendly as long as your children aren't expecting playground equipment.”
“It is a beautiful park, but it looks like some of the trails are under construction however it is a great place to hike.”
“Really lovely, next time I'll be more prepared and wear my hiking boots, the roots and gravel can be tricky.”
“Up hill and down hill grades aren't to steep and the majority of the trails are shaded by tree cover making it nice on hot sunny days.”
“Really lovely, next time I'll be more prepared and wear my hiking boots, the roots and gravel can be tricky.”
Plan your run at Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — 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.
- Websitefuquay-varina.org
- Phone+1 919-552-1430
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Fuquay-Varina
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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