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Forest Ridge Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 895 Google reviews · Running trail in Wake Forest, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest Ridge 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.
Park featuring a playground for kids as well as hiking and biking trails.
What runners say about Forest Ridge Park
“Plenty of walking trails, some with lake views, benches along the way, trails are well maintained and easy.”
“I haven't gotten a chance to try the mountain bike trails, but there's a fun little gravel road with beautiful views at the end.”
“They have shelters for shade and parties.”
“I love coming here because it is so peaceful and serene.”
“It's definitely on the small side, but there's some really good-quality equipment for kids of all ages, including a sand table and the biggest zipline I've seen at a playground.”
I love Forest Ridge! The trails are so beautiful! There’s a great view of the water. It’s also very dog friendly. I love coming here because it is so peaceful and serene.
This is a great park and has a little bit of something for everyone. The hiking and biking trails are great and you can get some good views of falls lake once you get to the end. The playground is great for all ages of kids due to the variety of structures they have.
Great park with trails through trees and along the water making for a wonderful hike through nature. My pup enjoys it there too. There are short hikes (.6 mi) and longer ones (3.6 mi) for the slightly more ambitious. Great for a little afternoon getaway from the rush of city life.
Absolutely beautiful park!! Beautiful trails, nice playground for The kids, and you really can't beat that lakeview! The bathrooms are also very very clean which is awesome. The staff is also very friendly!
Trail conditions & character
“I haven't gotten a chance to try the mountain bike trails, but there's a fun little gravel road with beautiful views at the end.”
“The bathrooms were clean when we were there and the large picnic areas make it great for birthday parties.”
“Plenty of nice dog friendly trails and open space.”
“I love coming here because it is so peaceful and serene.”
“They have shelters for shade and parties.”
“The parking lot is big with a visitor center and bathrooms.”
“Good bathrooms close to the playground- water bottle filling station included outside.”
“Trails are rocky and rooty in places; I’d call it soft hiking because it’s relatively flat.”
“The bathrooms are easily accessible and clean.”
Plan your run at Forest Ridge 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
- Websiteraleighnc.gov
- Phone(919) 996-5800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
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 Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 350 reviews
Park featuring picnic tables and a public restroom, plus a trail for walking and exploring nature.
Falls Lake Dam
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
Pretty lake area featuring a dam, fishing spots and walking trails.
Falls of Neuse Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
Paved trail along the Neuse River featuring fishing, hiking and biking.
Falls Lake Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
Popular lakeside destination for walking and hiking, plus boating and kayaking.
Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 476 reviews
Natural 157.6-acre park on a lake, with meadows, fields, play areas, trails & office with exhibits.