Explore the best rated trails in Raleigh, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Riverwalk Greenway and Carolina North Greenway . With more than 67 trails covering 234 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Husband and I rode this trail on Sunday 3/9/25, little chilly & overcast on this date, but a really nice ride. Heading north from Clark Park is a good workout as there are some challenging uphill climbs. The ride is beautifully surrounded by forests, easy to forget you're in the Carolina sandhills. Trail was moderately crowded on this date, an overall really good time.
Spouse and I were trying to find a moderate length rail trail within a couple of hours from home (Charlotte area). We decided to try the Dunn-Erwin trail and are glad we did. It was a nice late winter day with temps getting into the mid 70's. The trail was enjoyable and fairly well maintained until we got to the trail extension in Erwin. There was a short section which was washed out more suitable for mountain bikes rather than road bikes. Some of the signage is getting weathered and needs replacing but otherwise well marked. Overall a satisfying ride.
Walked just 2 miles but it was so nice, around the lake, through the woods, very nice. Will go back.
Beautiful trail, but would be better if there were lights along the trail despite the worries if it disturbs our wildlife.
Having lights would make the trail feel much safer to walk on, especially in the winter evenings when it gets darker earlier. Namely, the wooded area closer to Erwin would be ideal since it's a bit more remote than other sections of the trail.
Also, it would be worthwhile putting some porta johns along the trail for those who may need to use the bathroom.
We made a trip from western NC to ride the trail. Riding bikes we are always looking for longer trails and this was worth the trip!Also got to experience and enjoy the Durham area. Hopefully we'll get the opportunity to return sometime soon.
Main path is flat and shaded. A hidden statue is along the way. There are some side trails to extend the walk.
Excellent trail. Unobstructed and scenic with all types of turns and bridges. Got an easy 10 here and could have went further. Love the mixed crowd; kids, bikers, runners and dogs. Super exciting to see so many people into fitness and outdoors.
Great ride today on a 95° day. Fortunately, a good portion of this trail is shaded. There were 47 bridges between APP and the end, very nice. The trail rises and falls a bit more than most trails, so you need more than a beach cruiser, but the grades are neither long nor steep for more cyclists. Watch the blind corners as some people tend to cut the corners a bit. Great trail overall!
The Eagle Spur is more of an abandoned rail corridor (1905-06) and less of a developed trail. Its scenic beauty is everywhere, with a canopy of trees and a payoff of seeing Jordan Lake up close. The surface is a forest floor, with fallen leaves, fallen trees, and unannounced places where the old railbed has given way. So it's wonderful for a walk in the woods, cautionary for runners' ankles, and injury-risking for inattentive mountain bikers. If you attempt this path during hunting season, blaze orange is advised.
What was not expected was the trail was closed on two ends, so I can’t put in a totally fair review, but I was not impressed. The trail breaks up a lot, connects via the road, runs through a lot of suburban areas that are somewhat scenic. There are some cool bridges, but can’t really say I saw much more to write about. I am giving this 3 stars based on the fact I could not see the entire trail.
Surprised that only pedestrians have access to trail at this time.
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