At first glance, Swift Creek Greenway fits neatly into the mold of Cary's impressive network of pathways - it's a paved, bike-ped facility along a watercourse, which connects people to parks and out into nature. The 10-ft wide trail stretches between Kildaire Farm Road and Regency Parkway and takes a shaded, scenic route along Swift Creek. It is sandwiched between the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Ritter Park. At its west end, the trail provides a connection to the Symphony Lake Greenway, another path circumscribing the lake of the same name.
But this unassuming trail is also a pioneer: it is the nation's first trail to be built entirely of recycled products. The trail surface is recycled asphalt but it doesn't stop there. All other amenities including stormwater pipes, signage, benches and more were built with recycled materials. No wonder then, with the success of this first mile, there are plans to expand the Swift Creek Greenway in both directions.
Parking is available at Harold D. Ritter Park (301 W Lochmere Dr, Cary). A spur connects to the main spine of the trail. Another option is to park at the parking area for the Koka Booth Amphitheater (8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary) and use the Symphony Lake Trail to connect to the this one.
This is an easy to use trail for walking or slow bike riding. It will become a lot longer in the future and connect to other trails at Bond Park. When completed you will be able to travel all the way to Crabtree lake by trails.
This is an easy trail to ride, though it is sandwiched between two inclines, so little ones will need help. Very shaded and natural.
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