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Print Friendly MapSam's Branch Greenway is a short, but scenic trail in the town of Clayton, just south of Raleigh. The trail forms a paved ribbon through the woods along Sam Branch. The first phase was 1.25 miles between O'Neill Road and the Neuse River, where it connects to the Clayton River Walk, which in turn connects to the Neuse River Trail, offering a combined 33 continuous miles of paved greenway. A second phase was completed in 2020, extending the trail west to Legend Park and providing access to downtown Clayton. This extension added another 1.4 miles of trail and a pedestrian underpass under O'Neill Road. The third phase will stretch into Municipal Park.
The trailhead offers a gravel parking lot and is located on the western end of the trail on North O'Neill Street. You can also park at Legend Park (550 City Rd, Clayton, NC).
Very nice trail, however, you cannot currently get to the river walk trail as there is construction which has closed the trail about three quarters of the way there.
It’s a very nice family friendly trail. If you’re walking with kids just remember however far you walk out is how far you have to walk back. There are a lot of shady spots to stop and take a break. Very safe feeling trail.
We actually started at the local Comfort Inn only 3 miles away and rode to the North O'Neill Street trailhead. I don't recommend this though, the traffic is fast and there is no edge to ride on. Better to just drive to the trailhead and park there. The trailhead parking area is a pretty good sized, stone and dirt covered with plenty of shade. The handicap Port O Potty was most welcome, and fairly clean.
The trail, although short, was very nicely paved and clean. There was a nice display of painted fishes on the small bridge that was well worth stopping to view.
The Sam's Branch Greenway links to the Clayton Walking Trail, which continues on to several more very nice trails.
The trails in this are were all a pleasure to ride.
Was looking for a park and ended up on this trail in Clayton. Who knew? The trail was clean, well kept and not busy at all. The only thing that would have made this a better experience would be mile markers and a map. Beware of the horseflies on the trail.
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