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E. Carroll Joyner Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,977 Google reviews · Running trail in Wake Forest, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from E. Carroll Joyner 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.
A 117-acre expanse featuring paved trails, an amphitheater, a pecan grove & some old farm buildings.
What runners say about E. Carroll Joyner Park
“The walking trails are peaceful, the grounds are always clean and well-maintained, and there's plenty of open space to relax, exercise, or enjoy time with family.”
“As a local photographer, it’s also a beautiful place to take pictures.”
“The walking trails are peaceful, the grounds are always clean and well-maintained, and there's plenty of open space to relax, exercise, or enjoy time with family.”
“Phenomenal place to take the dog and also my children love the playground there's also a super cool Rec Center that we would be at weekly if we lived here”
Very nice clean park. Very easy walk, seniors friendly. Nice walkways. Some exercise stations. I love the swings. Great spots for photos. Has an open air wedding area with a stage that is surrounded by evergreen bushes., and is Very close to the historic stables.
We found this gem riding around. It was such a beautiful afternoon and very peaceful. The whole area was beautiful. We were able to walk around and enjoy the beauty of nature. It was a wonderful experience and I definitely want to go back with family and take some photos. The area has so many beautiful spots.
Great park with plenty of room to spread out. Great for picnics, walking trails, or kicking / throwing a ball around. They also have a great recreation center and have lots of activities throughout the year (like summer movie night in the park.) there are also 4 free chargers for electric vehicles.
Nice, well maintained park in Wake Forest area. It’s a really huge park which has amenities like play area for kids, walking trails, cycle tracks, barbecue area. Kids play area has couple of slides and swings along with some other activities to do.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking lot is spacious and there’s plenty of paved walkways.”
“As a local photographer, it’s also a beautiful place to take pictures.”
“Nice walking/biking trails, lots of open field space, good place to take photos for special occasions, plenty of parking, clean restrooms.”
“Phenomenal place to take the dog and also my children love the playground there's also a super cool Rec Center that we would be at weekly if we lived here”
“Nice walking/biking trails, lots of open field space, good place to take photos for special occasions, plenty of parking, clean restrooms.”
“The walking trails are peaceful, the grounds are always clean and well-maintained, and there's plenty of open space to relax, exercise, or enjoy time with family.”
“There are bathrooms and water bottle fillers on this side of the park.”
“It’s a great place to bring a stroller for a run or walk.”
Plan your run at E. Carroll Joyner Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- 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.
- Websitewakeforestnc.gov
- Phone+1 919-435-9560
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 1–5 pm |
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