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Great Bend Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 395 Google reviews · Running trail in Burlington, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Great Bend 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.
Relaxing park featuring walking and hiking trails along the Haw River and a dam.
What runners say about Great Bend Park
“Very scenic and peaceful trail to walk.”
“Parts of the trail run along the roads without sidewalks but it’s well marked and easy to follow.”
“Great place for a quiet walk and me time by the water and trees.”
“This is a nice easy hike along the river.”
This park is phenomenal! Very scenic and just pure relaxation! My dog loves it here! Definitely recommended for those who are looking for a good trail around the Burlington area!
Very nice park. The river, dam and waterfalls make it an interesting trail. The paths were wide and cleared. We liked that most of them were sandy and not gravel. A great place to bring your dog. There were benches, picnic tables and bridges along the paths.
Small gravel parking area with pit privy that provides access to the Haw River Trail/MST. It’s about 6 miles to Highway 70 along the trail from here. Parts of the trail run along the roads without sidewalks but it’s well marked and easy to follow.
Very pretty area, but a short hike. Seems like possibly a good place to fish if that is your thing. I mostly leave reviews so I can remember where we have already hiked.
Trail conditions & character
“The river, dam and waterfalls make it an interesting trail.”
“There are maps available to pick up at the parking lot to help you with the trails, and there are public restrooms also.”
“Great place for a quiet walk and me time by the water and trees.”
“There are maps available to pick up at the parking lot to help you with the trails, and there are public restrooms also.”
“Small gravel parking area with pit privy that provides access to the Haw River Trail/MST.”
Plan your run at Great Bend Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo 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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitethehaw.org
- Phone+1 336-229-2410
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Burlington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shallow Ford Natural Area
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Burlington Arboretum
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City Park Walking Track
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Bill Cooke Park
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