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Quiet, Uncrowded Trails in North Carolina

North Carolina has 272 trails with quiet, uncrowded running in this directory, across 100 cities and towns — Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Cary and 96 more. Room to run intervals without weaving through walkers and bikes.

Labels come from each trail's own listing, its website and runners' reviews. Conditions change with the weather and the season, and gates and lights follow the park's own hours, so check a recent review before you drive out.

The 250 most-reviewed in North Carolina

Ranked by local reputation — rating weighted by review count. Use the filters to narrow them, or open a city below for the full local list.

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The North Carolina Arboretum

4.8 ★★★★★ 8,179 reviews

Asheville, NC

LitScenicDog-friendly

Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.

Pilot Mountain State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 7,768 reviews

Pinnacle, NC

2 miNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,021 reviews

Raleigh, NC

4.5 miLoopMixedScenic

Recreation area with 5.4 miles of trails around a lake, plus boat rentals, picnic areas & fishing.

Tanglewood Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,511 reviews

Clemmons, NC

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

County park with gardens, golf course, fishing lake, riding stables, BMX race course, trails & more.

City of Greensboro - Country Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,225 reviews

Greensboro, NC

LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

An ample, wooded park with playgrounds, nature trails, fishing lakes, a dog area & picnic shelters.

Lake Norman State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,112 reviews

Troutman, NC

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

State park next to NC's largest man-made lake, with fishing, boating, camping, hiking & more.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,504 reviews

Cary, NC

LoopMixedShadedDog-friendly

Sprawling lakeside park with an amphitheater, trails, athletic fields, a rope course & playground.

Long Leaf Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,499 reviews

Wilmington, NC

1.5 miPavedShadedLit

Wooded park with lighted baseball fields & tennis courts, ample picnic shelters & a 1.5 mile trail.

McDowell Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,048 reviews

Charlotte, NC

PavedShadedScenic

This mostly undeveloped preserve with a lake has a nature center, campground, trails & play areas.

Eno River State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,650 reviews

Durham, NC

LoopNatural surfaceLitScenic

Vast acres of woodlands for hiking & camping, with canoeing & fishing areas on the Eno River.

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,540 reviews

Morrisville, NC

PavedScenic

Waterside site featuring 16 miles of hiking & biking trails, playgrounds, boating & fishing.

Jump Off Rock

4.9 ★★★★★ 2,390 reviews

Laurel Park, NC

Scenic

Scenic overlook offering 1 easy & 2 moderate hiking trails along with mountain views & benches.

Rankin Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,425 reviews

Gastonia, NC

1.5 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring a reservoir, picnic shelters, horseshoes, paved trails, fishing, boating & more.

Ramsey Creek Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,583 reviews

Cornelius, NC

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

Lakefront park for boating, fishing & picnicking, plus sand volleyball, horseshoes & a playground.

Croatan National Forest

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,438 reviews

Havelock, NC

2.2 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Coastal pine forest featuring saltwater estuaries & bogs, campsites, trails & hunting areas.

McAlpine Creek Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,270 reviews

Charlotte, NC

PavedScenicDog-friendly

114-acre county park with a lake & fishing pier, soccer fields, hiking & bike trails, & a dog park.

Jetton Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,169 reviews

Cornelius, NC

1.5 miLoopPavedShaded

Tree-covered 104-acre park on Lake Norman with a small beach, tennis courts, a trail & picnic area.

Julian Price Memorial Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,094 reviews

Blowing Rock, NC

5 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Massive mountainside park features lake activities, trails, numerous picnic sites & an amphitheater.

Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,977 reviews

Greensboro, NC

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Tranquil 7.5-acre city garden with seasonal plants, statues, a landscaped stream & a wedding gazebo.

E. Carroll Joyner Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,977 reviews

Wake Forest, NC

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

A 117-acre expanse featuring paved trails, an amphitheater, a pecan grove & some old farm buildings.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,830 reviews

Henderson, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Shelley Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,775 reviews

Raleigh, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

2 miles of wooded trails with work-out stations along a scenic lake, plus open fields & a playground

Martha Rivers Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,711 reviews

Gastonia, NC

PavedLit

48-acre park with a youth sports complex & castle-themed playground, plus trails & picnic shelters.

Cedarock Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,503 reviews

Burlington, NC

6.3 miNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Disc golf, nature trails & a restored 19th-century farmstead with animals, plus private tours.

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,471 reviews

Charlotte, NC

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Creekside walks & fishing spots in woodland with picnic shelters & ruins of pioneer-era cabins.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,444 reviews

Cary, NC

BoardwalkShadedScenicDog-friendly

140-acre preserve with a 3-mi. trail system & scenic overlooks, plus a visitor center & programs.

Triad Park Field of Honor

4.9 ★★★★★ 1,361 reviews

Kernersville, NC

PavedShadedScenic

Playground equipped memorial park featuring a disc golf course, sand volleyball courts and walking paths.

McGalliard Falls Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,412 reviews

Valdese, NC

2 miScenicDog-friendly

Modest park with a waterfall, swimming area and sand volleyball court.

Latta Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,351 reviews

Huntersville, NC

1 miPavedScenic

Latta Plantation Preserve's interpretive center, with native animals, a habitat garden & gift shop.

Durant Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,338 reviews

Raleigh, NC

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

237-acre preserve with woodlands, lakes & wildlife, plus hiking & mountain biking trails & fishing.

Lake Rim Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,362 reviews

Fayetteville, NC

LitScenicDog-friendly

Ball fields, sand volleyball & horseshoes, plus picnic areas, a playground & a 1-mile nature trail.

Jones Lake State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,254 reviews

Elizabethtown, NC

BoardwalkShadedLitScenic

Featuring an expansive relict lake, this wooded park offers camping, fishing, hiking & swimming.

Bur-Mil Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,281 reviews

Greensboro, NC

60 miMixedShadedScenic

Outdoor destination features golf, a pool, tennis, trails for hiking & biking in 250 leafy acres.

Apex Community Park (Lake Trail Entrance)

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,196 reviews

Cary, NC

2 miLoopPavedShaded

Vast park with sports fields, play areas & a 50-acre lake for canoes, kayaks, sailboards & fishing.

Smith Creek Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,109 reviews

Wilmington, NC

1 miLoopPavedLit

Lake boating & fishing draw visitors to this preserve with a walking path, playground & picnic area.

Reservoir Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,098 reviews

Southern Pines, NC

Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded park featuring a lake for boating & fishing, trails & picnic areas, plus a disc golf course.

T.H. Broyhill Walking Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,086 reviews

Lenoir, NC

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Peaceful destination featuring a botanical garden, a wildlife sanctuary & tranquil, lakefront paths.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,014 reviews

Hillsborough, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

This park has over 190 acres of land, mountain hiking trails & the highest land point in the county.

Mazarick Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 993 reviews

Fayetteville, NC

1 miNatural surfaceLitScenic

Park spanning nearly 80 acres, with lake fishing, picnic shelter & sports/game areas.

Tuckaseege Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 916 reviews

Mt Holly, NC

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Forest Ridge Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 895 reviews

Wake Forest, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Park featuring a playground for kids as well as hiking and biking trails.

Riverside Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 950 reviews

Mt Airy, NC

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

Aberdeen Lake Park/Parks & Recreation Department

4.5 ★★★★★ 929 reviews

Aberdeen, NC

LoopBoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Playground-fitted park, plus a lake with a fountain, boardwalk and a bridge crossing it.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 939 reviews

Statesville, NC

Shaded

Park featuring a pond with ducks, picnic areas, a playground, walking trails, and a meadow.

Blue Ridge Parkway

4.9 ★★★★★ 837 reviews

Asheville, NC

Scenic

Scenic mountain drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring many overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor center.

San-Lee Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 889 reviews

Sanford, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

Expansive waterfront park providing boat rentals, campgrounds, fishing, hiking & a nature center.

Lake Wilson

4.7 ★★★★★ 832 reviews

Elm City, NC

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Scenic outdoor area with playgrounds and a disc golf course, plus several miles of trails and a wooden bridge.

Joe C. Davidson Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 848 reviews

Burlington, NC

Dog-friendly

Soccer & baseball fields, walking tracks, tennis courts, play equipment & a picnic shelter.

Luther Britt Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 846 reviews

Lumberton, NC

Scenic

142-acre park with trails around 2 lakes, plus playground equipment & picnic facilities.

North Mecklenburg Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 801 reviews

Huntersville, NC

ShadedLit

98-acre natural spot with baseball & soccer fields, basketball courts, playgrounds & trails.

Idlewild Road Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 757 reviews

Matthews, NC

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

1.5 miles of groomed trails lure locals to this roomy park known for its play equipment & shelters.

Richard Ray Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 719 reviews

Jacksonville, NC

PavedShadedDog-friendly

Green space housing a playground, trails, benches & restrooms, plus a pond, picnic shelter & gazebo.

Salem Lake Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 684 reviews

Winston-Salem, NC

7 miLoopScenicDog-friendly

Popular, kid-friendly park alongside Salem Lake, offering picnic tables and a playground.

Neuseway Nature Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 679 reviews

Kinston, NC

Laid-back riverfront park featuring a playground, picnic tables and a museum.

Salisbury City Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 708 reviews

Salisbury, NC

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly park, with playgrounds and trails for hiking, tennis courts and fishing.

Carvers Creek State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 676 reviews

Spring Lake, NC

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Massive, 4,000-acre park with open fields, hiking trails through pine forests & ranger-led programs.

Historic Yates Mill County Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 654 reviews

Raleigh, NC

2 miLoopBoardwalkShaded

Wildlife refuge & agricultural-history site centered around an 18th-century water-powered gristmill.

Broad River Greenway

4.6 ★★★★★ 641 reviews

Shelby, NC

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Scenic multi-use park with picnic tables and trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Miller Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 648 reviews

Winston-Salem, NC

PavedShadedDog-friendly

Serene park with trails through wooded areas with streams, plus sports fields & picnic shelters.

Neuse River Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 609 reviews

Raleigh, NC

27.5 miMixedShadedScenic

Popular with runners & cyclists, this 27.5-mile long riverside trail traverses woodlands & wetlands.

Veterans Memorial Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 605 reviews

Mt Airy, NC

Paved

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 518 reviews

Charlotte, NC

115.7 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

19 miles of paved hiking & biking paths along Little Sugar Creek, with views & connections to parks.

Big Rock Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 539 reviews

Charlotte, NC

Paved

This unassuming wooded area & wildlife habitat features 22 acres & large granite formations.

Dogwood Park at Wesley Chapel

4.6 ★★★★★ 526 reviews

Waxhaw, NC

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Kid-friendly community park featuring a playground, dog park and amphitheater for events.

Kernersville Lake Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 512 reviews

Kernersville, NC

Scenic

Lake, park, clean and peaceful recreation area for fishing along with boating and paddleboats.

C G Hill Memorial Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 488 reviews

Pfafftown, NC

LoopPavedShadedScenic

Paved walking trails at a large park with duck-filled ponds and a playground.

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 476 reviews

Raleigh, NC

MixedScenic

Natural 157.6-acre park on a lake, with meadows, fields, play areas, trails & office with exhibits.

North Carolina Veterans Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 471 reviews

Fayetteville, NC

Scenic

Park devoted to military veterans featuring an interactive story garden & commemorative sculptures.

The Quarry at Grant Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 471 reviews

Winston-Salem, NC

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring a playground and a lake, plus views of the city skyline, along with trails.

Union Cross Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 484 reviews

Winston-Salem, NC

Shaded

Public park with a wide range of amenities, including lighted fields, courts & horseshoe pits.

Armstrong Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 484 reviews

High Point, NC

PavedShadedLitScenic

Shady park with creeks & trail access offering a playground, picnic areas & athletic fields/courts.

Evergreen Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 444 reviews

Charlotte, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Unspoilt 77-acre urban hardwood forest preserve with a stream & trails & haven for migratory birds.

Lake Michael Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 451 reviews

Mebane, NC

3 miScenicDog-friendly

Lakeside park for picnics and fishing and exploring via hiking and cycling trails.

Mac Anderson Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 449 reviews

Statesville, NC

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Walking trails & exercise equipment in a quiet park with grassy areas & tall trees.

Sloan Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 448 reviews

Salisbury, NC

3 miPavedScenic

Relaxed outdoor space featuring a playground, picnic shelters and a disc golf course.

Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 443 reviews

Charlotte, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Scenic park featuring a large beech tree grove, trails & several species of birds & butterflies.

Hobby Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 439 reviews

Winston-Salem, NC

LoopNatural surfaceShadedDog-friendly

Park offering a wooded mountain biking trail & an open area with strips for R/C aircraft.

City Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 416 reviews

Albemarle, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Sprawling park featuring a lake and an amphitheater along with many other amenities.

Lassiter Mill Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 439 reviews

Raleigh, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Park with a path, waterfall, and picnic area, plus forest and river views.

Robertson Millpond Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 396 reviews

Wendell, NC

LoopScenic

Fisher Farm

4.8 ★★★★★ 392 reviews

Davidson, NC

Crushed gravelShadedDog-friendly

Undeveloped 200-acre wooded park featuring extensive trails for hiking & mountain biking.

Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 385 reviews

Cary, NC

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with trails along a lake, including one leading into Umstead Park, and a restroom.

MacDonald Woods Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 398 reviews

Cary, NC

Shaded

City park with a variety of kids' play equipment, plus a sand pit, athletic field & picnic tables.

Junaluska Dam Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 397 reviews

Lake Junaluska, NC

3.8 miScenic

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 388 reviews

Wake Forest, NC

LoopMixedLitScenic

Park, trail, and nature preserve boasting open spaces, paved paths and picnic tables.

Stallings Road Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 396 reviews

Harrisburg, NC

PavedShadedLitScenic

12.72-acre park with a playground, picnic shelter & walking trail, plus ball fields & tennis courts.

Great Bend Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 395 reviews

Burlington, NC

Crushed gravelShadedScenicDog-friendly

Relaxing park featuring walking and hiking trails along the Haw River and a dam.

Lumber River State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 386 reviews

Orrum, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Large 11,064-acre green space with diverse plant & animal life, plus a scenic river for boating.

Riverwalk Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 380 reviews

Jacksonville, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Grassy gathering place for community events, with walking paths, seating areas & a stage.

Carolina Field of Honor

4.8 ★★★★★ 362 reviews

Kernersville, NC

Scenic

Relaxed park featuring a disc golf course, along with memorials honoring fallen soldiers.

Pharr Mill Road Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 360 reviews

Harrisburg, NC

MixedLitScenic

Park featuring walking paths, play areas and picnic areas.

H. Boyd Lee Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 363 reviews

Greenville, NC

LitScenic

A recreation center, lighted sports fields, trails & a playground are offered at this public park.

Fuquay Mineral Spring Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 363 reviews

Fuquay-Varina, NC

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

The mineral spring within this public park was discovered in 1858 by Davey Crocket Fuquay.

Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 350 reviews

Wake Forest, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

Park featuring picnic tables and a public restroom, plus a trail for walking and exploring nature.

Grimes Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 341 reviews

Lexington, NC

Crushed gravelDog-friendly

Park offering open lawn areas, a tennis court, a playground, a gazebo & a half-mile walking track.

Price Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 324 reviews

Greensboro, NC

ShadedScenic

Local park offering peaceful trails for walking and wildlife spotting.

Seven Oaks Preserve Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 310 reviews

Belmont, NC

6 miLoopMixedShaded

Botanical garden with trails running through woods and along lakes.

Wade Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 323 reviews

Wilmington, NC

LoopMixedDog-friendly

Public park with trails & a boardwalk through wetland areas, plus a playground & picnic tables.

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 307 reviews

Chapel Hill, NC

Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

This tranquil, 296-acre nature preserve features wooded hiking trails & streams.

Sturgeon City Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 311 reviews

Jacksonville, NC

BoardwalkScenic

Park featuring boardwalks and a playground, plus hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas.

Saxapahaw Island Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 287 reviews

Graham, NC

1.3 miLoopScenic

Family-friendly, shaded, woodsy park with a playground and riverside trails.

Marvin Efird Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 293 reviews

Waxhaw, NC

LitScenicDog-friendly

Relaxed destination featuring swings, climbing toys and a disc golf course.

Stevens Creek Nature Preserve

4.9 ★★★★★ 278 reviews

Mint Hill, NC

4 miShadedScenic

Family-friendly facility featuring outdoor trails plus an education center.

Poole Road Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 293 reviews

Raleigh, NC

Scenic

Trail-lined park featuring walking paths and views of the Neuse River.

Four Mile Creek Greenway, Matthews

4.7 ★★★★★ 280 reviews

Matthews, NC

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Easy-going trail stretching through a suburban greenway, with scenic views.

Fox Pond Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 283 reviews

Henderson, NC

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Lake Corriher

4.6 ★★★★★ 267 reviews

China Grove, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

Fishing, disc golfing, picnicking, and hiking are offered at this park, which also has cabins and a playground.

Summerfield Community Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 261 reviews

Summerfield, NC

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Quiet neighborhood park featuring sports fields, a pond and wooded trails, plus playgrounds.

White Pines Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 250 reviews

Sanford, NC

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Riverside nature preserve with several trails for hiking and canoeing.

Roosevelt Wilson Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 265 reviews

Davidson, NC

LoopBoardwalkShadedScenic

Waterfront park featuring a playground, paved walking trails, picnic space & a memorial tree garden.

Eden City Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 248 reviews

Eden, NC

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Clean space with a playground and ball fields that's popular for birthday parties.

Cascades Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 248 reviews

Kernersville, NC

LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Hiking trail with cascades, waterfalls and bridges, plus a few picnic tables to stop and rest.

Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 246 reviews

Raleigh, NC

Natural surface

A 23-acre natural area along a ridge & creek with a beech forest, floodplains & a mile-long trail.

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 244 reviews

Fuquay-Varina, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Natural 28-acre park with a 2-mile trail, bridges, picnic shelters & an amphitheater.

Neuse River Trail - Capital Area Greenway

4.8 ★★★★★ 227 reviews

Raleigh, NC

ShadedScenic

Walking and running route that’s mostly shaded and leads to a sunflower field.

Ellis Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 232 reviews

Salisbury, NC

ShadedLit

Park with baseball and tennis courts, a playground, an 18-hole disc-golf course, and picnic areas.

Williamson Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 216 reviews

Raleigh, NC

4 miLoopMixedScenic

Tranquil wilderness area featuring trails for hiking and mountain biking (and horseback riding).

Company Mill Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 205 reviews

Cary, NC

11 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Scenery-rich park popular for hiking trails, featuring rolling hills, creeks and a river.

Hilltop Needmore Town Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 207 reviews

Fuquay-Varina, NC

PavedScenic

Family-friendly park offering hilly paths for strolling and biking, as well as scenic views.

New Hope Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 214 reviews

New Hill, NC

5.4 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Hiking and walking area featuring lake views and wooded trails (red and blue) that are marked well.

Burlington Arboretum

4.8 ★★★★★ 203 reviews

Burlington, NC

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Arboretum (fenced-in) featuring walking paths and bridges, plus benches, a playground and restrooms, plus a picnic area.

Clayton River Walk on the Neuse Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 195 reviews

Clayton, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Waterfront park, paved and gravel paths popular with cyclists and dog walkers, plus birdwatching.

Jack Warren Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews

Lewisville, NC

4 miPavedShadedDog-friendly

Brookhaven Nature Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 185 reviews

Raleigh, NC

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

26-acre preserve featuring a forest trail with a footbridge over a stream, plus picnic tables.

Swepsonville River Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 179 reviews

Graham, NC

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Public park offering kid-friendly hiking trails, a river, and picnic tables.

Westwood Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 191 reviews

Mt Airy, NC

MixedShadedLitScenic

Bent Creek trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 174 reviews

Asheville, NC

LoopMixed

Many of the trails in this area are for both hikers and bikers.

Lenoir Greenway

4.6 ★★★★★ 180 reviews

Lenoir, NC

PavedDog-friendly

Anne McCrary Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 189 reviews

Wilmington, NC

PavedScenic

Park featuring picnic areas and kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as turtles.

Iswa Nature Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 183 reviews

Charlotte, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Unpaved nature preserve featuring a looped trail along the Catawba River with benches.

Hammond Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 172 reviews

Laurinburg, NC

1 mi

Brunswick Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 163 reviews

Winnabow, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Picturesque park featuring dirt trails for hiking, biking, kayaking and horseback riding.

Matthews-Sardis Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 167 reviews

Matthews, NC

Shaded

Small, shaded neighborhood park featuring play equipment, picnic tables and swings.

Island Creek Walk - Croatan National Forest Hiking Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 162 reviews

Pollocksville, NC

2.2 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Hiking area featuring trails with views of a creek through a shady forest setting.

Mitchell Mill State Natural Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 156 reviews

Wake Forest, NC

MixedScenic

Nature preserve showcasing granite rock formations and trails that are good for kids.

Birkhead Mountains Wilderness

4.5 ★★★★★ 151 reviews

Asheboro, NC

2.2 miNatural surfaceScenic

National forest with hiking trails and a house to explore.

Blue Heron - Kingfisher Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 144 reviews

Browns Summit, NC

MixedScenic

Lake-side hiking area crisscrossed by flowy bike trails, plus jumps.

Whitley Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 145 reviews

Zebulon, NC

Shaded

Shady space featuring slides and swings for kids, plus tennis courts.

North Main Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 144 reviews

Mooresville, NC

Paved

Casual, small, baseball-themed park with a playground, a walking trail and picnic tables.

Golfview Greenway Walking Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 139 reviews

Hope Mills, NC

LoopMixedShadedDog-friendly

Unassuming park with a gravel and asphalt route for walking, running, and dog-walking around ponds.

Rock Creek Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 142 reviews

Albemarle, NC

Shaded

Recreation venue featuring an outdoor pool, picnic and play areas, athletic facilities, and a trail.

Parham Memorial Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 134 reviews

Maggie Valley, NC

Crushed gravelScenic

Tranquil park for picnicking, fishing, and quiet contemplation by a creek.

Carvers Creek State Park, Sandhills Access

4.6 ★★★★★ 134 reviews

Fayetteville, NC

3 miLoopLitScenic

Clean state park set along a stretch of flat land, with trails for biking, hiking, running and horseback riding in the woods.

Mineral Springs Greenway (Trails)

4.4 ★★★★☆ 134 reviews

Waxhaw, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with family-friendly trails and picnic tables.

H.B. Rowe Environmental Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 128 reviews

Mt Airy, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Stevens Nature Center

4.8 ★★★★★ 122 reviews

Cary, NC

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Visitor center at Hemlock Bluffs Preserve with hands-on exhibits & environmental education programs.

Century Lake Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 136 reviews

Kernersville, NC

Scenic

Small park featuring a lake for fishing, ducks and geese.

Pump Station Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 121 reviews

Durham, NC

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Park, hiking area, and trail offering ruins of a pump station and hiking trails.

Abbey Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 129 reviews

Wilmington, NC

LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Local park offering shaded, well-marked walking trails through natural surroundings.

Beaver Creek Greenway

4.6 ★★★★★ 126 reviews

Apex, NC

PavedShadedDog-friendly

Park featuring a paved greenway for biking and kid-friendly hiking.

Collier Cove Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 128 reviews

Arden, NC

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Steep, forested hillsides featuring loop trails with scenic vistas and benches.

Sam's Branch Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 121 reviews

Clayton, NC

PavedShadedScenic

Shaded and paved trail for biking and walking.

Windsor Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 128 reviews

Matthews, NC

Shaded

Popular park featuring playgrounds, trails and a creek.

Fairview Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 118 reviews

Monroe, NC

4 miPavedShadedScenic

Park with a pond and a paved walking path. Also features a playground and picnic shelters.

Avon/Catawba Creeks Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 117 reviews

Gastonia, NC

4.5 miPavedShadedScenic

Asphalt trail for exercising, running, walking and biking, with shaded sections.

Westwood Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 118 reviews

Wilson, NC

Neighborhood, clean park with playground and picnic tables and walking track, plus swings.

Wilson Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 110 reviews

Carrboro, NC

PavedShadedLit

Park offering baseball and tennis courts as well as a playground featuring slides, swings, a sandbox and grills.

Lake Lynn Loop

4.8 ★★★★★ 110 reviews

Raleigh, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Wooded park with a paved path circling the lake, plus a playground.

Confluence Natural Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 111 reviews

Hillsborough, NC

5 miLoopMixedScenic

Easy hiking trails along the two forks of the Eno River are found in this wilderness park.

Fishing: Village Point Greenway

4.6 ★★★★★ 110 reviews

Clemmons, NC

PavedScenic

Lake and pond surrounded by walking trails with bridges, plus fishing docks and a pier.

Pages Creek Park Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 110 reviews

Wilmington, NC

1 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Laid-back trail through the trees with a kayak launch on the water.

Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 104 reviews

Elizabeth City, NC

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Peaceful park with a trail that encircles the college and offers views of wildlife.

Lake Davidson Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 104 reviews

Davidson, NC

LoopNatural surfaceScenic

Small natural space offering views and watersports activities on Lake Davidson, plus lakeside trails.

Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 106 reviews

Huntersville, NC

2.5 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Kid-friendly preserve featuring marked hiking trails, a river view and a lake, plus a fairy garden.

Cliff Teague Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews

Hickory, NC

Dog-friendly

Park featuring a playground, tennis & basketball courts, horseshoe pits & restrooms.

Oak Hill Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 102 reviews

Lenoir, NC

PavedScenic

Family-friendly park for hiking and biking and a playground, plus a ball field and creek views.

Turnipseed Nature Preserve - Hunt Valley Trail Entrance

4.6 ★★★★★ 102 reviews

Wendell, NC

1 miLoopPavedShaded

Woodland nature preserve with walking trails, an observation deck, picnic tables, and a pond.

Bolin Creek

4.7 ★★★★★ 98 reviews

Chapel Hill, NC

PavedShadedScenic

Scenic hiking area with kid-friendly trails, plus a rose garden and a playground.

Waynesville Greenway Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 107 reviews

Waynesville, NC

Scenic

Kid-friendly park featuring a lake for kayaking, as well as benches by the river.

Clemmons Educational State Forest

4.3 ★★★★☆ 106 reviews

Clayton, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

State park featuring a forest with trails for hiking, a lake with turtles, and picnic facilities.

Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 95 reviews

Concord, NC

3.1 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Serene park providing paved routes for walking and cycling, plus a playground.

Guilford Mackintosh Trailhead and Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 93 reviews

Whitsett, NC

3 miLoopShadedScenic

Local park offering walking paths (including a few loops), a lake, and playgrounds.

City Park Walking Track

4.6 ★★★★★ 95 reviews

Burlington, NC

Crushed gravelLit

Clean gravel-surface running track alongside ballfields and exercise equipment.

Holt Street Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 97 reviews

Mebane, NC

Casual little park featuring picnic tables, a playground and walking trails.

Nat Greene Trail, Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 91 reviews

Greensboro, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Popular paved trail offering lake views and a bridge decorated with love locks.

J.E. Broyhill Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 99 reviews

Lenoir, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Local park with a playground, picnic shelters, basketball court, walking paths, and a public restroom.

The Chimneys

4.8 ★★★★★ 88 reviews

Morganton, NC

2 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with easy trails to viewpoints, plus climbing spots with varying difficulty levels.

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 93 reviews

Leland, NC

Scenic

Informal nature, wooded park featuring trails for hiking, biking and picnics amid swamps and woodland.

Martin Luther King Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 92 reviews

Rocky Mount, NC

Shaded

Well-maintained property featuring a walkway and play area, plus picnic tables.

Eagle Point Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 90 reviews

Salisbury, NC

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Easy walking trails and a boat dock on the lake at this wooded nature reserve.

A&E Riverfront Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 88 reviews

Mt Holly, NC

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Paved path following the river and other areas along the waterfront, featuring a playground.

Fairview Park

4 ★★★★☆ 103 reviews

Goldsboro, NC

Park with soccer fields, a baseball field & basketball court, plus a walking track & playground.

Kimbrough Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 97 reviews

Statesville, NC

Park featuring a basketball pitch, a tennis court and a playground with slides, swings and other equipment.

Bigleaf Slopes Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 90 reviews

Statesville, NC

4.5 miLoopDog-friendly

Public park offering 4.5 miles of shared-use hiking and biking trails through wooded and open space.

Kellogg nature trails

4.5 ★★★★★ 86 reviews

Hendersonville, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Natural park featuring walking paths, sculptures, and woodsy surroundings.

Happy valley park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 87 reviews

Lenoir, NC

PavedDog-friendly

Cozy spot along the Yadkin River featuring a playground, fishing dock and ⅓-mile paved trail.

Old Kernersville Lake Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 88 reviews

Kernersville, NC

Scenic

South Fork River Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Gastonia, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Riverside scenic park featuring trails, picnic tables and benches as well as hiking and fishing.

Haw River Sp Iron Ore

4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Greensboro, NC

35 miLoopMixedScenic

State park offering a wetlands hiking trail, picnic areas, and restrooms.

Campbell Creek Greenway Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 78 reviews

Matthews, NC

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded, wheelchair-accessible trail with a babbling stream that's great for hiking, running and biking.

Market Park

3.9 ★★★★☆ 94 reviews

Laurinburg, NC

Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 85 reviews

Wilmington, NC

PavedScenic

Nature preserve featuring forest and pond on the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus.

Marsh Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 76 reviews

Pineville, NC

PavedScenic

Harold B. McEachern Greenway Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 78 reviews

Concord, NC

4 miPavedShadedDog-friendly

Paved and shaded trail for walking, jogging, biking and skating, featuring a playground and benches.

Riverside Greenway Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 77 reviews

Cramerton, NC

MixedDog-friendly

Waterside area with paved paths, a fishing pier and a basketball court, plus kayak launch.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway: Tyvola Road to Huntingtowne Farm Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 71 reviews

Charlotte, NC

7 miPavedLitScenic

Kid-friendly, 7-mile, paved trail system along Little Sugar Creek, for walkers, cyclists and runners, with parking areas.

Reedy Fork Trail Head at Lake Brandt

4.7 ★★★★★ 74 reviews

Greensboro, NC

LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Kid-friendly nature area with rolling hills and a serene lake, plus trails for walks, biking and hiking.

Gastonia Optimist Club Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 77 reviews

Gastonia, NC

PavedLit

Statesville Greenway - Gregory Creek Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 77 reviews

Statesville, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with a peaceful trail, picnic tables, log cabins, and a water pump, plus a nearby art museum.

City Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 78 reviews

Lincolnton, NC

Park with a children's playground, a public restroom, and a trail for walking.

Southside Park Trail Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 74 reviews

Newton, NC

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

Park with a playground, picnic tables, and trails, plus a pavilion.

Clay Presnell Memorial Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 72 reviews

Asheboro, NC

Crushed gravel

Park with disc-golf facilities, baseball fields and trails for walkers or runners, plus a pond.

Sandy Pines Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

Wendell, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Preserve with 6.5 mi. of forest and field trails for hiking and horseback riding.

Parham Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 74 reviews

Davidson, NC

Crushed gravelShaded

Park with a lake featuring picnic tables and barbecue grills, plus a trail.

Knightdale Environmental Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 74 reviews

Knightdale, NC

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve known for relaxing walks and shaded trails.

Seven Oaks Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

Belmont, NC

6 miMixedLitScenic

Formal gardens featuring plants, trails and a serene lake.

Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 67 reviews

New Bern, NC

MixedScenic

Relaxing, kid-friendly trail-filled parkland near the water featuring birdwatching opportunities.

Smith river greenway

4.8 ★★★★★ 66 reviews

Eden, NC

ShadedScenic

Park featuring trails for strolling, running, kayaking and tubing, plus picnic tables.

Dunn Erwin Rail Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 68 reviews

Dunn, NC

5 miCrushed gravelShadedLit

Flat trail used by bikers, walkers and joggers plus a dog park.

Mallard Creek Greenway - East Terminus

4.7 ★★★★★ 66 reviews

Charlotte, NC

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Six Mile Creek Greenway

4.3 ★★★★☆ 71 reviews

Charlotte, NC

1 miMixedShadedScenic

Recreation spot providing a paved trail with opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and wildlife sightings.

Duke Forest - Shepherd Nature Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 66 reviews

Durham, NC

0.8 miLoopDog-friendly

Short, self-guided hiking trail looping through Duke Forest with informational signs on trees.

Abersham Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 66 reviews

Davidson, NC

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Tranquil, paved path and greenway where people can walk and bike.

Robbins Branch Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 63 reviews

Asheboro, NC

2.2 miMixedScenic

Hiking area featuring kid-friendly treks, woods, and a picnic spot.

Battle Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 63 reviews

Chapel Hill, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Forested university nature site with a noteworthy stone amphitheater, walking trails & streams.

James L. Stephens Memorial Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 72 reviews

Lumberton, NC

Scenic

Park for scenic views of the Lumber River, plus tranquil walking paths and areas for fishing.

Hominy Creek Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 62 reviews

Asheville, NC

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

Park featuring kid-friendly hiking trails, plus a creek where visitors can play.

Sandhurst Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 63 reviews

Southern Pines, NC

Dog-friendly

Playground-equipped park featuring trails and a grassy expanse for picnics and ballgames.

Statesville Greenway - Fourth Creek Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 64 reviews

Statesville, NC

PavedDog-friendly

Dog-friendly outdoor spot featuring hiking, walking and bike trails, as well as a play area.

Purgatory Mountain Trail Head

4.6 ★★★★★ 59 reviews

Asheboro, NC

3 miNatural surfaceScenic

A 3-mile circuit and a 1-hour trail (plus others) for a peaceful getaway in which to enjoy nature.

Falls Lake Dam

4.8 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

Wake Forest, NC

Scenic

Pretty lake area featuring a dam, fishing spots and walking trails.

Tryon Road Greenway

4.9 ★★★★★ 50 reviews

Cary, NC

LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

Greenway featuring a paved path for walking and biking, as well as a lake.

Poston Park River Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews

Gastonia, NC

MixedScenic

Peaceful hiking area with picnic tables and a lake for fishing.

East Fork Mine Creek Trail Head

4.5 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

Raleigh, NC

Scenic

Girl Scout Trail (Carolina Thread Trail)

4.4 ★★★★☆ 53 reviews

Statesville, NC

2 miNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Wooded 2-mile or 4-mile trail featuring a river as well as views and wildlife.

Slocum Creek Recreation Area

4.2 ★★★★☆ 55 reviews

Havelock, NC

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Public area along a creek offering kayaking and a boat ramp, plus fishing.

Lake Betz Nature Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

Morrisville, NC

Scenic

Nature preserve offering a hiking trail and a volleyball court.

Long Creek Park Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

Pfafftown, NC

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring kid-friendly hikes, walking trails, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Haw River Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 50 reviews

Burlington, NC

Scenic

Summer Rest Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 51 reviews

Wilmington, NC

PavedShadedScenic

Paved trail near Wrightsville Beach offering views of the Intracoastal Waterway and private homes.

Duke Forest Gate 26

4.7 ★★★★★ 47 reviews

Durham, NC

LoopMixedDog-friendly

Natural paths for hiking, plus creeks and a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Neuse River Greenway

4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews

Raleigh, NC

PavedShadedScenic

Bicentennial Greenway

4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews

Jamestown, NC

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Shaded, scenic trails and greenway for walking, running, hiking and biking.

Tuttle Educational State Forest

4.6 ★★★★★ 47 reviews

Lenoir, NC

Scenic

Park with trails, picnic tables, and educational experiences for children.

Deep River Rail Trail Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 45 reviews

Franklinville, NC

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Relaxed place featuring a trail with trees providing shade, for walking and hiking.

Oakhurst Nature Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 49 reviews

Jacksonville, NC

LoopDog-friendly

Country park featuring kid-friendly hikes and trails for walking, running, and dogs.

West Branch Nature Preserve North Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 44 reviews

Davidson, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

Nick's Creek Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Carthage, NC

Crushed gravelDog-friendly

Trail for hiking, biking, family outings and more.

Lake Junaluska

4.9 ★★★★★ 40 reviews

Lake Junaluska, NC

LoopLitScenicDog-friendly

Walnut Creek Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 41 reviews

Raleigh, NC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Cypress Cove Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 44 reviews

Leland, NC

Crushed gravelScenicDog-friendly

Walking Trails

4.9 ★★★★★ 38 reviews

Winston-Salem, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Scenic and peaceful park featuring hiking and walking trails, as well as flowers and wildlife.

Lane Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews

Wilson, NC

Deep River State Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Randleman, NC

ScenicDog-friendly

Onslow County Parks: Henry McAllister Landing

4.2 ★★★★☆ 41 reviews

Jacksonville, NC

Small park providing access to a kayak launch and a canoeing access point along a stream.

Northeast Community Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 37 reviews

Greensboro, NC

Paved

West House Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 35 reviews

Greensboro, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

William H. King Memorial Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 40 reviews

Hendersonville, NC

Dog-friendly

Little Walden Nature Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 33 reviews

Clemmons, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

Long Creek Greenway

4.6 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Charlotte, NC

Mixed

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