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San-Lee Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 889 Google reviews · Running trail in Sanford, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from San-Lee 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.
Expansive waterfront park providing boat rentals, campgrounds, fishing, hiking & a nature center.
What runners say about San-Lee Park
“I absolutely love this park, it is beautiful, well kept, and the playground is very nice.”
“Beautiful island of Nature, and headwaters of Lick Creek, amid a rapidly developing area that's connected to remnant natural areas stretching to the Cape Fear River.”
“The trails are beautiful and clearly marked, which makes hiking here really enjoyable, even with kids.”
“My family began visiting this park in the early '70's, back when walking and peaceful hiking was the priority over mountain biking.”
San-Lee Park offers so many activities! There is a Nature Center and a Raptor Center with animals that can no longer survive in nature due to injuries. A display of arrowheads and different minerals and gems as well.
Great park! Best MTB trails in the region, both XC, tech trails, and a huge gravity park. Solid hiking trails and a recently built (soon to open) playground. Do you part and take care of the trails as you use them, and we will continue to have this awesome park in our community.
Really enjoyed hiking at San-Lee Park today. We went on the Thoreau Lake and Leopald Lake trails which took us around both lakes with a distance of about 2 miles. You can enjoy a view of the water on the majority of the walk.
Beautiful park and very peaceful. I just stopped on the way to somewhere else but I’m glad I did. Next time I’m going to bring my mountain bike and try out the awesome trail although it might be a little over my head to get very far
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful island of Nature, and headwaters of Lick Creek, amid a rapidly developing area that's connected to remnant natural areas stretching to the Cape Fear River.”
“My family began visiting this park in the early '70's, back when walking and peaceful hiking was the priority over mountain biking.”
“Picnic areas/tables in scenic places are a plus, and good parking at upper and lower parts of park and at the Nature Center.”
“To get to the bridge, there is a very steep decline.”
“These trails are appropriate for moderate hiking as there are many tree roots, and the trail is pretty narrow.”
Plan your run at San-Lee Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteleecountync.gov
- Phone+1 919-776-6221
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Sanford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Endor Furnace Trail Greenway
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