State: NC Length: 1.32 miles Surface: Asphalt
Abbotts Creek Trail courses along a tree-lined route beside open fields and subdivisions in a suburban community near Wake Forest, North Carolina. The trail follows Abbotts Creek and passes by North Wake landfill. For more information contact: Raleigh Parks and Recreation 919-890-3285 parks.raleighnc.gov
Rail-Trail
State: NC Length: 19 miles Surface: Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone, Grass, Gravel
Nearly complete except for one section, the American Tobacco Trail will extend uninterrupted from Durham 22 miles south to Wake County. The trail surface varies from paved to unpaved throughout its length. In some sections it is only grass or clay. In addition, there's a short break in the trail between SR 54 at the Southpoint Crossing shopping center and the end of Crichton Lane. From south to north, beginning at the New Hill Olive Chapel Road Parking area to Massey Chapel Road (about 13.5 miles), the trail surface is as follows: Between mile 0 and 8: smoth packed cinder Between mile 8 and 11.5: asphalt Between mile 11.5 and 11.75: rough gravel Between mile 11.75 and 12: smooth packed cinder Between mile 12 and 13.5: rough gravel For project updates visit the city of Durham's Public Works page online. The southern segment is open to equestrians. The trail courses through beautiful pines, and its rural sections boast plentiful wildlife, including beavers, herons, hawks, songbirds, vultures, squirrels, owls and deer. While hunters use portions of the southern segment to access wildlife areas, rest assured they are not allowed to carry loaded firearms on the trail.
State: NC Length: 0.60 miles Surface: Asphalt
Most of the short and sweet Baileywick Trail runs through Baileywick Park in the oakwood neighborhood of suburban Raleigh, North Carolina. The 50-acre park has two baseball diamonds, picnic shelters, restrooms and a playground. The park is open from dusk to dawn. For more information, contact: Raleigh Parks & Recreation 222 West Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27601 919-890-3285 parks.raleighnc.gov
State: NC Length: 2.90 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Buffalo Creek Greenway (also known as the Neuse Riverwalk) meanders along a wooded waterway through the heart of Smithfield in central North Carolina. It is one day hoped to become part of the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a hiking pathway spanning 1,000 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. The paved trail connects residents to the town's historic downtown, several parks and the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center. Picnic areas, athletic fields and restrooms can be found at Smithfield Community Park on the trail's northern end, or mid-way at Talton Park. Jaycee Kiddie Park, at the trail's southern end, offers playground equipment.
State: NC Length: 12.15 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Crabtree Creek Trail in suburban Raleigh, North Carolina, is composed of seven segments: Alleghany, Buckeye, Crabtree Valley, Crabtree-Oak Park, Fallon Creek, Middle Crabtree Creek and North Hills. The segments range from 0.25 mile to just over 3 miles long, for a total of 12.15 miles for the whole trail system. The trail system follows the Crabtree Creek corridor through forested greenways, city parks, residential areas and among some business areas. The trail passes through stands of loblolly pine, elm, ash, buckeye, river birch and poplar with an understory of box elder, hornbeam holly and dogwood. Trail users also experience lovely views of Crabtree Creek, with large rock outcroppings here and there, as well as steep slopes. At Lassiter Mill Park you can see the former site of Lassiter Mill Dam and former site of grist mill built in 1764. The mill last operated from 1908 to 1958. Though mostly asphalt, some portions are unpaved. You'll find picnic areas and a playground on Crabtree Blvd and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, especially along the boardwalk over wetlands near Raleigh Boulevard. Look for the gazebo where you can watch and photograph birds, including waterfowl and blue herons. The Crabtree Creek Trail links to the southern terminus of the Mine Creek Trail near Generation Road.
State: NC Length: 1.25 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
Just a short section of the Deep River Rail-Trail is complete through Franklinville as of early 2011. Highlights of the Deep River Rail-Trail include an old fish weir built by early Native Americans. There are plans to extend the trail in the nearby town of Ramseur, which would include a 3.5-mile segment heading east, and to extend the rail-trail from Franklinville west to Cedar Falls. Trail advocates see the trail eventually stretching from Jamestown through Ramseur, then south to House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site and east to Harris Lake. In 2011 Franklinville is applying for a Recreational Trails Program grant (from NC) for improvements on a westward easement that would extend the trail as far as Riverside Park and double the length of the trail to 1.55 miles. The Deep River Rail-Trail follows the abandoned rail bed of the Atlantic and Yadkin Railroad, which began operations in 1897 and shut down in 1980.
State: NC Length: 5 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Dunn-Erwin Rail-Trail traverses 5.3 miles of the Aberdeen and Rockfish corridor in Harnett County, North Carolina. It connects the downtown areas of Dunn and Erwin, coursing through the suburbs, light industrial areas and cotton fields, crossing the Black River and wetlands. The Dunn-Erwin Rail-Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway; interpretive markers and signs relay the history of the area. The trail is also close to shops and restaurants. Though the trail is gravel, wheelchair users will find the road-level route accessible. Nearby attractions include parks, the Cape Fear River, the Erwin History Room, the General Lee Airborne Museum, the Averasboro Battlefield Museum and the Centennial Trail in downtown Erwin.
State: NC Length: 2.30 miles Surface: Gravel
The Eagle Spur Rail-Trail follows 2.2 miles of the former Durham-New Hill Railroad, from Stagecoach Road along New Hope Creek to Jordan Lake. When you're done exploring the Eagle Spur, cross over SR 751 and head north a short distance to Massey Chapel Road, where you can jump on the American Tobacco Trail.
State: NC Length: 3.50 miles Surface: Dirt
The Forest Creek Trail is an important connecter between the Longleaf Trail at its southern tip and Nick's Creek Trail at its northern end. The adjoining Forest Creek Access also links it to Reservoir Park, which features a 95-acre lake popular for boating and fishing. In addition, the trail is useful for students attending the abutting Sandhills Community College and O'Neal School.
State: NC Length: 3.70 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt
The Hare Snipe Trail provides access to Lake Lynn; its northern terminus follows Hare Snipe Creek from Ray Road to Wooten Meadow Park. From here the trail makes a loop around Lake Lynn, with a boardwalk crossing the lake's headwaters. Enjoy scenic views across lake, particularly during autumn when the leaves change colors. There are many wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly around Lake Lynn, a paved loop. Watch for turtles, beavers and waterfowl.
State: NC Length: 0.38 miles Surface: Asphalt
The short Libba Cotton Bikeway is built along an active rail spur right-of-way: the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. The bikeway connects Carrboro's central business district to just west of the UNC campus in Chapel Hill. (Take Cameron Avenue to campus at the bikeway's southeast terminus.)
State: NC Length: 1.60 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
Beginning at E. Martin Street, the Little Rock Trail heads south through Chavis Park, running parallel with Chavis Way. The park features rock outcroppings, swimming pool, baseball diamond, shelters and a carousel built in 1937 (nominal fee to ride). South of the park, the trail passes through a greenway amid subdivisions and businesses, connecting with the Walnut Creek Trail (and Walnut Creek Wetland Center) at its terminus on Peterson Road.
State: NC Length: 0.50 miles Surface: Dirt
Nestled in the northern outskirts of the charming town of Southern Pines, the Longleaf Trail provides a useful connection between the Pine Grove Village, Talamore and Longleaf neighborhoods. Running between the Forest Creek Trail and the Longleaf Access Trail, this half-mile pathway is part of a network of trails surrounding Reservoir Park, a scenic tree-lined lake.
State: NC Length: 2.24 miles Surface: Asphalt
The 2.2-mile, paved Louisburg Bike Trail runs from S. Main Street to Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC). At the Main St. end, you'll find the trail at Depot Street Hill, just south of the Tar River bridge. The Louisburg Bike Trail is a rail-trail on part of the former Seaboard Rail corridor. Riverbend Park, which encompasses a bend in the Tar River, has fishing and canoe access, a playground and a picnic shelter.
State: NC Length: 1 miles Surface: Dirt
The Mill Creek Trail provides an important linkage between Reservoir Park -- a popular fishing, boating and hiking spot -- and the Warrior Woods residential area. On its western end, the 1-mile trail connects to the Reservoir Park Greenway that encircles the lake.
State: NC Length: 6.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel
The Mine Creek Trail consists of five distinct segments: Bent Creek (paved), Inman Connector (unpaved), Ironwood (paved), Lake Park (unpaved), Sawmill (unpaved) and Shelley Lake (paved). The segments vary in length from 0.25 mile to nearly 2.5 miles, for a total trail system distance of 6.55 miles. The trail passes through exceptional bottomland forest and also features tree species such as ironwood, umbrella magnolia and river birch. Trail users will enjoy scenic views of Mine Creek as well as interesting rock outcrops at the southern end (Sawmill segment). Watch for waterfowl or rent paddle boats at Shelley Lake (seasonal). The southern terminus of the Mine Creek Trail links to Crabtree Creek Trail near Generation Road. North of Shelley Lake, the Mine Creek Trail connects to the Snelling Branch Trail heading east to Optimist Park.
State: NC Length: 4.60 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete, Dirt
The Neuse River Trail offers wildlife viewing opportunities, including plenty of waterfowl at the extensive wetlands all along the Neuse River. Parts of the trail are paved and parts are unpaved, as it follows the river's course from Anderson Point Park in the south to Abington Lane. Anderson Point Park offers a playground, open fields, cottages for rent and shelters. The park is open from dusk to dawn.
Nick's Creek Trail provides a tranquil route through scenic woodlands. The 1-mile trail runs from Highway 22 south to the Forest Creek Trail, which leads to Reservoir Park, a popular recreational area.
State: NC Length: 5 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Reedy Creek Trail links William B. Umstead State Park to Meredith College. Beginning at the edge of Umstead State Park, the trail passes among some of the area's feature attractions, including the North Carolina Museum of Art (enjoy the outdoor sculpture), an unusual stand of dogwood trees right along the trail, Prairie Creek Ecocenter and Schenck Forest.
State: VA Length: 5.50 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Richmond and Danville Rail-Trail follows part of the right-of-way of the old railroad of the same name, an important transportation corridor for the Confederacy during the Civil War. The railroad linked the Confederate capital of Richmond with Southside, the area between the James River and the North Carolina border, where hospitals, prisons and supply depots were located. Jefferson Davis and the Confederate Army took the route of this railroad line when they retreated from Richmond near the end of the war. They also used it to carry war supplies and Union prisoners. Today, 5.5 miles of this historical corridor, which eventually became part of the Norfolk Southern Railway system, is the scenic Richmond and Danville Rail-Trail. Also called the Ringgold Trail, this trail was opened in January 2001. It travels past farmlands and through light woods, providing a flat route for a walk or bike ride in the rural Virginia countryside on the outskirts of Danville. Start your trip at the western trailhead, and in only 1 mile you will reach a wetland area with prime waterfowl watching. The ride is comfortable for bicyclists and easy for hikers of all ages; it's also wheelchair accessible. You can brush up on your Civil War history as well: plaques along the way detail significant events that happened near the rail-trail. If you're looking for evidence of the trail's railroading past, the eastern trailhead has a restored railroad depot and an old red caboose.
State: VA Length: 8 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The 8.5-mile, paved Riverwalk Trail is part of Danville's expanding network of trails. This scenic pathway along the Dan River connects industry, beautiful parks and natural areas. It travels through some of the most important and historical Civil War regions of southern Virginia. Throughout the Civil War, Danville functioned as a staging area for many battles. Some of its old tobacco warehouses were turned into Civil War prisons, and the city was the last capital of the Confederate States of America after Richmond was captured by the Union army. The trail's recommended starting point is at the Crossing at the Dan trailhead in historical downtown Danville, alongside a renovated tobacco warehouse and the active Amtrak station located in the Science Center. From here, you'll cross the Dan River on a restored 1856 railroad bridge. At the other side, you can go east or west. If you turn left (west), the trail follows the river upstream for about 1 mile along the river until it reaches the beautiful overlook at Union Street Bridge, then continues upstream with access to businesses and restaurants. However, the best part of the trail lies to the right, on the eastern side. From here, the riverside trail will take you on an enjoyable trip through the many beautiful parks and natural areas adjacent to the Dan River. You'll see a variety of wildlife, including a goose or two using the trail themselves. Once you pass Dan Daniel Memorial Park, the trail continues to wind along the river through Angler's Park. At the Angler's Park trailhead, you have the option of continuing on the trail segment toward Danville Regional Airport. Although the terrain is hilly from here to the airport, it is the most secluded section of the Riverwalk. It links to the intertwining 25-mile Anglers ridge single track mountain bike trail system.
State: NC Length: 3.89 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Rocky Branch Trail offers beautiful views of the Raleigh city skyline, while also passing through the length of the North Carolina State University campus. It also links to Pullen Park, which has an aquatics center, arts center, amusements and community center, as well as softball fields and tennis courts. Where the Rocky Branch Trail ends at S. Wilmington Street, you can cross the road and pick up the Walnut Creek Trail, just off City Farm Road.
State: NC Length: 1.20 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Located in eastern North Carollina, the Sabina Gould Walkway is a short rail-trail that runs through Littleton, NC, on the Roanoke Valley Trail corridor. For more information, contact: Town of Littleton 117 E. South Main Street 252-586-2709
State: NC Length: 1.66 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Simms Branch Trail boasts several areas of large loblolly pine and connects Falls River to Durant Park. Watch for wildlife, including plenty of deer and maybe some beaver. You'll find a small waterfall near Durant Middle School and some rounded rocky outcrops next to Durant Park. The park itself has two lakes and many nice nature trails. Some trails are designated for mountain bikes.
State: NC Length: 0.85 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Snelling Branch Trail is just under 1 mile and links Shelley Lake with Optimist Park. The Snelling Branch Trail, which runs east and west, joins Mine Creek Trail north of Shelley Lake. The 30-acre Optimist Park includes a nature trail, athletic fields, swimming pool, playground, tennis courts and a community center.
State: NC Length: 0.45 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Spring Forest Trail parallels Triangle Town Boulevard from Sumner Boulevard for only 0.5 mile north. Use caution at the crossing on Old Wake Forest Road.
State: VA Length: 9.20 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Tobacco Heritage Trail through southern Virginia will eventually connect the counties of Brunswick, Charlotte, Halifax, Lunenburg and Mecklenburg with more than 150 miles of trail, some on-road. The network will incorporate historical sites and local points of interest, including nature and recreation areas, as well as Southside Virginia communities. As of August 2012, completed sections are:
State: NC Length: 1.44 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt
The Wakefield Trail follows the power line from Falls of Neuse Road south to Dunard Street, just under 1.5 miles. There is a slight jog in the trail where it meets Wakefield Plantation Drive. If you're heading south, at Wakefield Plantation Drive, go right, cross the creek, then cross over the road (near where the median strip begins) to pick up the southern segment of the Wakefield Trail. The trail passes by a golf course and among subdivisions. Use caution at street crossings.
State: NC Length: 13.26 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The Walnut Creek Trail is divided into six segments: Lake Johnson (5.63 miles of paved and unpaved), Lower Walnut Creek, Lower Walnut Creek-Walnut Creek Park, Lower Walnut Creek-Worthdale, Middle Walnut Creek and Upper Walnut Creek. The Lake Johnson segment is the longest and it's the only section that has unpaved portions. The trail affords stunning views of Lake Johnson, wildlife viewing (turtles, waterfowl, numerous bird species), a unique stand of big leaf magnolia (Lake Johnson segment), the Walnut Creek Wetland Center (Lower Walnut Creek segment) and areas of large loblolly pine (Upper Walnut Creek segment). In addition, the Walnut Creek Trail system passes through recreational parks, state farmers' market, amphitheater and swimming pools. The Walnut Creek Trail links to two other trails in the area: Rocky Branch and Little Rock.