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Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 350 Google reviews · Running trail in Wake Forest, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area'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.
Park featuring picnic tables and a public restroom, plus a trail for walking and exploring nature.
What runners say about Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area
“Such a great spot to walk, drive, let kids play, escape and enjoy beautiful colors and peaceful scenery.”
“Such a great spot to walk, drive, let kids play, escape and enjoy beautiful colors and peaceful scenery.”
Nice area to take a walk or jog along the dam. But not my favorite place if you're looking for calm, serene outdoor relaxation. It was a bit too crowded, and not necessarily safe to walk on the dam because of the traffic and narrow space for cars and pedestrians to be shared. Also no shade.
I've been to the dam a few times to hike, fish and just to explore. At the north end of the dam are some cool trails that lead to a rocky point which looks pretty popular for swimming. Water was great but use caution on the rocky banks. I found a semi flat place to lay down in the sun after and dry off.
This place is amazing!! Great trails and very quiet. Happy that is only 7 minutes away from Wake Forest! A must for anyone who lives in the area and loves outdoors!
Beautiful area, trails are well maintained, several picnic tables, restroom facilities, and cool dock. The smell of dead fish and perhaps something else was overwhelming on a hot summer day, though.
Trail conditions & character
“Such a great spot to walk, drive, let kids play, escape and enjoy beautiful colors and peaceful scenery.”
“Such a great spot to walk, drive, let kids play, escape and enjoy beautiful colors and peaceful scenery.”
“At the north end of the dam are some cool trails that lead to a rocky point which looks pretty popular for swimming.”
“Beautiful area, trails are well maintained, several picnic tables, restroom facilities, and cool dock.”
Plan your run at Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- Websitesaw.usace.army.mil
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Wake Forest
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Falls Lake Dam
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Falls Lake Trail
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