Find the top rated birding trails in Rocky Mount, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We did this trail 7.26.25. It is not maintained and is only suitable for mountain bikes. Rocks, roots, overhanging branches (some with thorns) and dangerous downhills with sharp turns at the bottom. Add to that sewage plant smells, insects and little signage. Look elsewhere.
Great trail for this first timer to the area. Arrived on a Saturday around 7:30am. Parking lot was starting to fill up quickly. Weather was humid, about 75 degrees. Felt safe as there were plenty of runners & cyclists on the path. Majority of the path is shaded, which was a blessing on this hotter than July weather. Police presence on the trail as well. A lovely couple was passing out cold water bottles, which was much appreciated. Would definitely visit this trail when visiting the area again.
Well-maintained and nice creek views. It is an urban/suburban trail but I found it very pleasant. Nice tree shade and lots of different scenery. Some nice wetlands too with bridges. Small bumps here and there but nothing that got on my nerves. Lots of opportunities to create loop rides using connecting trails, like the Neuse River Trail and House Creek Trail. Give it a try and I think you will like it, so long as you understand it is an urban/suburban trail and not a rural rail trail. Also --- Check Raleigh Greenways website to get a grip on construction alerts because the trail does cross under a bunch of roads and runs on top of underground sewer lines.
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.
Walked just 2 miles but it was so nice, around the lake, through the woods, very nice. Will go back.
fun short trail with mountain bike if you're travelling on I-95 to break up the drive. Has some flowy S curves and small hills and minor roots. Scenic spots along the river and amongst the trees.
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!
I enjoyed the walk it is very scenic and it has plenty of greenery to view. I am from up North and enjoyed the trail. It is well marked and easy to follow.
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 :)
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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