Home › North Carolina › Raleigh › Walnut Creek Trail
Walnut Creek Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Raleigh, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Walnut Creek Trail'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.
What runners say about Walnut Creek Trail
“A 4-star adventure ride today, will be 5-stars when the city does a few things to clean up a couple of muddy underpasses and adds more signs.”
“In the fall, it’s extra gorgeous with all the colorful leaves, and in the spring, everything is vibrant green and alive.”
“I love to explore trails with so much beauty, shade, different types of trees, and flowers Rivers and lakes.”
“The trail goes through the woods and around the lake, and it’s so peaceful.”
Super gorgeous trail!! I have been to Lake Johnson so many times but I have never been to the Walnut Trail area! I have been missing out!!
Fun place to ride a bike. Nice and cool under the trees around the lake. Loved it here. Don't think it was over 6 miles tho, signage was bad , directions not very clear, on the walnut creek trail, halfway through we got to a junction that pointed to the trail one way , then get to the cross point and it does not say…
I am so glad we stumbled upon this trail. We were pleasantly surprised by the scenery. It's a beautiful trail for walking and picnics. I'd say it's a tad bit busy for biking but to each their own. I'm excited to explore the rest of the trail.
Overall nice trail with some unique scenery. Spent around 40 minutes but you can walk along the stream as well as the lake. Be prepared for hot sunny days, as there isn’t much shade on the main pathway.
Trail conditions & character
“In the fall, it’s extra gorgeous with all the colorful leaves, and in the spring, everything is vibrant green and alive.”
“I love to explore trails with so much beauty, shade, different types of trees, and flowers Rivers and lakes.”
“It is paved and largely accessible creating a loop that goes over the dam and bridge over the lake.”
“The trail goes through the woods and around the lake, and it’s so peaceful.”
“It is paved and largely accessible creating a loop that goes over the dam and bridge over the lake.”
“Free parking, restrooms, and drinking water are available at the fishing peer.”
“A 4-star adventure ride today, will be 5-stars when the city does a few things to clean up a couple of muddy underpasses and adds more signs.”
Plan your run at Walnut Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteraleighnc.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Raleigh
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Johnson Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,021 reviews
Recreation area with 5.4 miles of trails around a lake, plus boat rentals, picnic areas & fishing.
Tryon Road Greenway
4.9 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
Greenway featuring a paved path for walking and biking, as well as a lake.
Greenway Trail Head
4.3 ★★★★☆ 38 reviews
Historic Yates Mill County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 654 reviews
Wildlife refuge & agricultural-history site centered around an 18th-century water-powered gristmill.
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.