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Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails
4.6 ★★★★★ 233 Google reviews · Running trail in Wake Forest, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails' 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.
Relaxed area featuring hiking and biking trails as well as a reservoir and lake.
What runners say about Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails
“The day we went was absolutely beautiful as far as the temperature and the leaves changing color.”
“Once started, it is easy difficulty and the trail is clearly marked so you don’t get lost by the alternate routes.”
“Beautiful, easy hike around the reservoir.”
Nice area to kayak, paddle board, boat, fish and hike. Parking is a gravel lot. There's a boat ramp for easy access to put small boats into the reservoir. There is a nice hiking trail in the west side of the reservoir, 1.
This is a pretty circuit trail. There are some spots at the southeastern corner that are a little dicey and you need to walk a couple-hundred feet on a road to complete the loop. Most of this hike has excellent water views. ~4mi loop.
If you're looking for an easy paved trail with no height variation this is not the adventure for you. However, if you're looking for an easy to moderate challenge with plenty of good views you're going to want to give this a hike if you're in the area.
Beautiful peaceful hike with mist rising from the reservoir in early morning. Full canopy along nearly the entire trail. Bring a hiking stick for stability if needed, lots of roots along trail.
Trail conditions & character
“However, if you're looking for an easy to moderate challenge with plenty of good views you're going to want to give this a hike if you're in the area.”
“The parking here is gravel or dirt and there are no restrooms.”
“Mind your step, there are plenty of roots to trip over and it's a little over 4 miles if you complete the unofficial loop.”
“There are some spots at the southeastern corner that are a little dicey and you need to walk a couple-hundred feet on a road to complete the loop.”
“The parking here is gravel or dirt and there are no restrooms.”
“I’m only giving 4 stars because it would be so helpful to have a restroom facility - even if it were simply a well maintained porta-potty.”
“Took my dog here and walked down the entire thing and back, we had fun and some exercise.”
“The trail is well defined yet not some engineered green way, if you need paved and painted bike "trails" this is not for you.”
“It is not well marked but it is obvious it is the trail.”
“The trail is not difficult except for the many tree roots, so don't bring a stroller.”
Plan your run at Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- 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) 435-9400
- 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 |
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