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Stevens Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 122 Google reviews · Running trail in Cary, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Stevens Nature Center'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.
Visitor center at Hemlock Bluffs Preserve with hands-on exhibits & environmental education programs.
What runners say about Stevens Nature Center
“Although the trails are very well maintained, there may be sections that can be strenuous depending on your health particularly near the Swift Creek loop.”
“Trails are beautiful and feature unique vegetation/foliage for the area, along with elevation changes for those looking for a moderate challenge.”
“Beautiful, pristine and peaceful place to visit.”
Great place for kids. The interior had small exhibits and helpful staff, and the exterior had a kind of small play area. There was a classroom building for special events too. Plenty of stone paver areas for eating and relaxing, and proximity to nearby trails (see map) was definitely a plus. Beautiful in the fall.
Very beautiful and peaceful. Bring bug repellent or else you'll get carried away by the bugs. Right trail has steps. Left side has more rolling slopes. Both good for walking. Left side better for a job. Front has small kids area. Pet friendly.
The nature center building at Hemlock Bluffs is small, with only a few interactive indoor exhibits. However, outside you will find a water garden, a reuse garden, a children's garden, a natural play space, a courtyard showcasing native plants, and of course several miles of well maintained trails through the nature…
Hemlock Bluffs is a nice nature preserve that's pretty detached from all the development in the area. Although the trails are very well maintained, there may be sections that can be strenuous depending on your health particularly near the Swift Creek loop. They offer many activities geared for all ages also.
Trail conditions & character
“Trails are beautiful and feature unique vegetation/foliage for the area, along with elevation changes for those looking for a moderate challenge.”
“Although the trails are very well maintained, there may be sections that can be strenuous depending on your health particularly near the Swift Creek loop.”
“Trails are beautiful and feature unique vegetation/foliage for the area, along with elevation changes for those looking for a moderate challenge.”
“Beautiful, pristine and peaceful place to visit.”
Plan your run at Stevens Nature Center
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetownofcary.org
- Phone+1 919-387-5980
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 1–5 pm |
Running trails near Cary
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,444 reviews
140-acre preserve with a 3-mi. trail system & scenic overlooks, plus a visitor center & programs.
Harold D. Ritter Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 573 reviews
Charming town park featuring a baseball field, basketball court, climbing wall & playground.
Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 246 reviews
A 23-acre natural area along a ridge & creek with a beech forest, floodplains & a mile-long trail.
Marla Dorrel Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 991 reviews
Charming suburban park boasting an innovative children's play space, basketball court & picnic area.
MacDonald Woods Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 398 reviews
City park with a variety of kids' play equipment, plus a sand pit, athletic field & picnic tables.
Apex Community Park (Lake Trail Entrance)
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,196 reviews
Vast park with sports fields, play areas & a 50-acre lake for canoes, kayaks, sailboards & fishing.