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Sandy Pines Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Running trail in Wendell, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sandy Pines Preserve'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.
Preserve with 6.5 mi. of forest and field trails for hiking and horseback riding.
What runners say about Sandy Pines Preserve
“Saw that some people didn’t clean up after their dogs, which I know seems counterintuitive since I’m not expecting people to pick up after their horses.”
“Awesome dog walking location with beautiful views and well maintained trails.”
“Nice trails, well maintained and easy to navigate.”
“A serene natural preserve — ideal for walking, running, horseback riding, or enjoying a peaceful picnic.”
Perfect trails for beginners. This one trail that has a pond view, wide trail, flat ground. Loads of parking
Hands down the best park I’ve ever been to and my new favorite place. Awesome trails which you’ll share with beautiful horses!! I really can’t say enough positives of how it’s truly a tranquil escape from life. ❤️
Lovely, long, wide trails for equestrian, hiking, and running. Shady pine forests and open meadows gives you a wide range of species for nature lovers and photographers.
Great place for a trail ride in Wake Co! Easy pull through trailer spots and a clean portajohn in the parking area.
Trail conditions & character
“Awesome dog walking location with beautiful views and well maintained trails.”
“Lots of interconnections between the trails, which makes it easy to get back to the parking lot whenever you need to.”
“Awesome dog walking location with beautiful views and well maintained trails.”
“A serene natural preserve — ideal for walking, running, horseback riding, or enjoying a peaceful picnic.”
Plan your run at Sandy Pines Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewakegov.com
- Phone+1 919-604-9326
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Wendell
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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