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Neuse River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 609 Google reviews · Running trail in Raleigh, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 27.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Neuse River Trail'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.
Popular with runners & cyclists, this 27.5-mile long riverside trail traverses woodlands & wetlands.
What runners say about Neuse River Trail
“Very clean, nice level easy walk, light bike traffic, some benches, spring greens & smells out, morning shade.”
“This easy trail connects other trails and parks along the way and has several great views and scenic bridges.”
“This is a great trail for biking, running, walking, and dogs on a leash.”
“Very clean, nice level easy walk, light bike traffic, some benches, spring greens & smells out, morning shade.”
“Mile Marker 13 3/4- to-11 1/2 (head north & return) step count = 9900 time = 80 minutes .”
Wonderful trail and views along the river !! Great trail for taking a stroll, bike ride, or getting your daily run/jogging in!! Took my friends here on their last vacation day before heading back to Germany.
Love this trail, its beautiful, quiet, and very long (27.5 Miles!) so you are not just walking in circles. It runs along the scenic Neuse River and connects to several auxiliary trails as well. Next time, I want to try kayaking!
34 miles of paved, well kept biking and hiking trail. It doesn't matter if you're riding or walking. Either way you're going to have a good time with some great views. Benches every so often to rest and river access as well.
This is a great trail for all. Cycling, running, walking everything is possible. Not difficult. Picnic places are available. Trail is pretty much shaded with trees on the both sides. Certainly recommend this trail.
Trail conditions & character
“This easy trail connects other trails and parks along the way and has several great views and scenic bridges.”
“The path is well-kept and paved, and the parking lot is accessible and shady.”
“Very clean, nice level easy walk, light bike traffic, some benches, spring greens & smells out, morning shade.”
“The path is well-kept and paved, and the parking lot is accessible and shady.”
“This is a great trail for biking, running, walking, and dogs on a leash.”
“Love this trail, its beautiful, quiet, and very long (27.5 Miles!”
“Not too crowded for a Saturday morning but more bikes than people.”
“Mile Marker 13 3/4- to-11 1/2 (head north & return) step count = 9900 time = 80 minutes .”
Plan your run at Neuse River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance27.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteraleighnc.gov
- Phone(919) 996-3285
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near Raleigh
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Poole Road Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 293 reviews
Trail-lined park featuring walking paths and views of the Neuse River.
Anderson Point Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,067 reviews
This park has wildlife habitat, a historic homestead, a stone amphitheater & canoe areas.
Knightdale Environmental Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
Nature preserve known for relaxing walks and shaded trails.