Home › North Carolina › Wake Forest › Smith Creek Park
Smith Creek Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 168 Google reviews · Running trail in Wake Forest, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Smith Creek 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.
Popular park featuring multiple soccer fields as well as a playground and picnic benches.
What runners say about Smith Creek Park
“There are porta potties available for use that have always been clean when I used them.”
Nice open space to play soccer but loooong walk to fields 4-5. It would be helpful if there was a parking lot closer to that end of the field. Nice that there is a playground for the younger ones while siblings practice/play games.
Well maintained paved trails running along both Smith and Dunn creek. Plenty of wildlife and excellent spot for birding and walking the dog. Also has several fields for local sports leagues.
Very peaceful park, except when they are playing soccer on Saturday mornings. We hike and bike along the greenway which runs right thru the park.
Flat path next to fields offers access for limited mobility. Portapotties were fairly clean. Grass was great condition.
Trail conditions & character
“Note that there is parking at Hope Lutheran and a trail that will take you right to the back soccer fields.”
“There are porta potties available for use that have always been clean when I used them.”
“Flat path next to fields offers access for limited mobility.”
“Well maintained paved trails running along both Smith and Dunn creek.”
“Plenty of wildlife and excellent spot for birding and walking the dog.”
Plan your run at Smith Creek Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- 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.
- Websitewakeforestnc.gov
- Phone(919) 435-9560
- 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 | Open 24 hours |
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.
Dunn Creek Trail-Deacons Ridge
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Smith Creek Trail
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails
4.6 ★★★★★ 233 reviews
Relaxed area featuring hiking and biking trails as well as a reservoir and lake.
Wake Forest Greenway - Sanford Creek
4.8 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Tyler Run Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 80 reviews
Basketball and baseball courts, slides and swings are the main highlights at this neighborhood spot.