Find the top rated running trails in La Grange, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
The trail is currently closed. No mention of this on the Clayton Parks and Rec website. This area is experiencing explosive growth in housing developments with the accompanying need to expand infrastructure. The trail parallels a sewer line which is being upgraded. According to the Johnston County website, there is no timetable for completion. An on-road detour to connect Municipal Park to the Clayton River Walk where it crosses Covered Bridge Road is possible, but there is plenty of traffic and some steep hills. I recommend parking at the River Walk Parking area on Covered Bridge Road and riding north.
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.
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!
Perfect little path! Parking at the bus stop (1300 N marine blvd) is easiest to get on the trail (lil sketchy for the first mile or so). Theres a park you pass that has restrooms! And trash cans throughout the trail. Def more people biking than walking/running. The mile markers every 0.5 miles are great!!! Can easily get 8 miles going down and back and could probably make it ~10.
Park in lot down towards the back ball fields at Elm Street park to get in. Short dirt path gets you directly on. Plus there’s public restrooms at that lot. Well paved. Clearly marked. Great path culture among walkers and bikers. Only a few stops for streets that are very pedestrian/biker friendly with the flashing blinkers. Traffic openly stopped both times. Shade trees also no the whole way. Great river side breeze from the tar river. There’s a leash free dog park near the end of the park that we found a pavilion to enjoy snacks we packed. Great playground at elm street to use as children’s incentive to play at after biking. Lol. Ours four year old loved it. The path has pleasant hills (for enc) and gentle curves to add variety . Good riding :)
This was our first trip to this rail trail and was a very peaceful walk with our two small dogs. We duct venture to far since this was our first outing with them. Next time we'll go further. But from what we saw it was very clean. ¿
The actual trail head is just beside the Jacksonville Station (it’s a bus transit station) 1300 N Marine Blvd Great place to park in the long term area and get on. Wonderful benches along the public side of the military base fence all along the trail. We took our four year old the whole way on his bike and enjoyed it. It was work on the way back, but good. Def park at the bus station.
Another place to park and start the trail is at the new (old) Jacksonville Station on Marine Blvd. It has plenty of free parking and the trail passes right in front of the station. From there it is 4.9 miles to another public parking area just outside of one of the Camp Lejeune gates. At about the halfway point, just after crossing on the elevated pedestrian walkway you can take the side trail which takes you app. 3 miles to the Memorial Gardens . This whole section of the trail is well paved and well maintained.
My husband & I recently moved to NC. This trail is only 5.7 miles from our new home. It was our first trail we went on in NC. 11/25/2023. Once there, you can go left or right. We went to the right side today riding our bikes. Will ride the left side next weekend. We would say it's easy to moderate. Just a couple of hills, a lot of bridges, several benches along the way, open fields, pull outs to take photos, very shaded etc. It wasn't too crowded, everyone we encountered was friendly. We even seen a huge buck! & a couple other deers. Also seen a lot of squirrels & birds. If you enjoy nature on a very nice paved path this is a wonderful place we will return too. I’m sure if we were walking we would have seen a lot more wildlife. It took us 30 minutes to get to the HWY where we turned around just casually riding our bikes. If you’re pushing it I would say it could be completed in 20 min or so riding fast. We will try that later. Put this trail on your list to visit. You won’t be disappointed! Love! Love! Love!
We moved here from NY and found this within 10 minutes of our new place. My son is in a wheelchair so parking, hills , trail quality are all important. The path from the parking lot is short but steep. It’s a good push up it after you’ve walked. The trail goes to the right or left. The left is scenic and easy. Beautiful bridges. The right starts with small hills. It’s still very nice but we’ll probably stick with the left side. Quite but we’ll used. Very nice friendly encounters with walkers, joggers and some kind of electric skateboarders. These seem very popular here in NC.
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