Hiking Trails in Clayton

The North Carolina Forest Service operates six Educational State Forests (ESFs) that aim to educate the public, especially schoolchildren, about forest environments. Each forest features self-guided trails, tree identification signs, a forest education center, and a “Talking Tree” trail. Educational forest rangers offer classes aligned with North Carolina’s science curriculum, enhancing learning for school and youth groups. The forests include Clemmons, Holmes, Jordan Lake, Mountain Island, Turnbull Creek, and Tuttle, all providing hands-on educational experiences about forestry and conservation.

• 2.3 mi away

• 2256 Old U.S. Hwy 70, Clayton, NC 27520

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Welcome to our state-of-the-art Panther Play 60 Challenge facility, featuring an innovative outdoor fitness space designed for all ages. The complex includes specialized climbing structures set on synthetic turf, a timed 40-yard dash track, and two distinct playground areas with rubberized surfaces – one tailored for toddlers (2-5 years) and another for older children (5-12 years). Complete with age-appropriate swings and convenient access to restroom facilities in the adjacent Community Center, this dynamic space operates from dawn until dusk.

• 7.5 mi away

• 5857 Barwell Park Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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This expansive 10-acre park offers a versatile flat space that can be configured for various soccer field sizes, a picnic shelter with seating for up to 64, and .36 miles of paved walking trails. The park also features a grill, a playground, restrooms, and easy access to walking trails.

• 8.2 mi away

• 1015 New Bethel Church Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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Located in the Downtown Garner Historic District, this 20-acre park offers a variety of amenities, including picnic shelters, lighted ballfields, a concession stand, a playground, and mountain biking trails. It is also home to North Garner Dog Park. The park is perfect for both active and passive recreation, with walking trails and picnic areas available.

• 8.9 mi away

• 221 East Garner Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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This 17-acre park, located near Creech Road Elementary School, features a lighted softball field, a multipurpose field, and a walking trail. It also offers a picnic shelter with seating for up to 50 people. Tennis courts are available nearby. Amenities include a baseball field, grill, playground access, restrooms, and a picnic shelter.

• 9 mi away

• 400 Creech Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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The Neuse River Greenway Trail spans 27.5 miles, featuring scenic views, wetlands, and historic sites. It connects multiple parks and offers activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Open daily from dawn to dusk, it’s a trail you won’t want to miss.

• 9.5 mi away

• 20 Anderson Point Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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This park offers a variety of habitats for wildlife viewing and is home to the historic Anderson Family Homestead cottage. The park includes walking trails, canoe sites, three fields, two shelters, and a stone terraced amphitheater with grassy levels for events. A playground for children ages 2-12 features tot swings.

• 9.5 mi away

• 20 Anderson Point Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27610

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Garner Veterans Memorial Park offers 64 acres of open space ideal for events and activities. Highlights include a dog park, walking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and the memorial itself. A serene environment with something for everyone.

• 9.6 mi away

• 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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Honor the service and sacrifice of veterans at this thoughtfully designed memorial. Featuring historical insights and peaceful reflection benches, the site invites visitors to pause and appreciate the dedication of those who served. Whether reflecting on the past or contemplating the future, the memorial offers a tranquil space to express gratitude and embrace patriotism.

• 9.6 mi away

• 921 Buffaloe Rd., Garner, NC, 27529

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Explore White Deer Park, a 96-acre natural haven adjacent to Lake Benson. This educational wonderland features two miles of paved trails, modern playgrounds, and a LEED Gold Certified Nature Center. Discover the wildflower meadow, arboretum, and five picnic shelters while observing local wildlife.

• 9.7 mi away

• 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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Explore Knightdale’s Mingo Creek Trail at this park, which features two half-court basketball goals. This 8.2-acre site offers 3.5 miles of trails through scenic wetlands and hardwood forests, including paved sections and a wooded boardwalk.

• 9.8 mi away

• 100 Parkside Commons Drive, Knightdale, NC, 27545

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This 71-acre site, once a farm and nursery, now serves as a park that celebrates the area's agricultural roots and railroad history. The park design pays homage to its past while offering a scenic and historical experience.

• 10 mi away

• 810 North First Avenue, Knightdale, NC, 27545

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Welcome to the Wendell Community Center, an expansive 18,000-square-foot venue perfect for life's celebrations. Since 2000, this versatile space has featured multiple room configurations and a professional 40-foot stage, ideal for everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.

• 10.1 mi away

• 601 W. Third Street, Wendell, NC, 27591

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Experience living history at this meticulously preserved antebellum estate, showcasing an elegant 1855 Greek Revival house complemented by authentic period structures. Explore the historic detached kitchen, cotton gin house, livestock barn, and carriage house, set among a picturesque pecan grove and traditional herb garden. Children delight in our interactive Farm History Center's 'Farmer's Corner,' while our resident goats provide endless entertainment. Enhance your visit with our innovative Oak View Mobile Tour, revealing fascinating insights into the property's rich heritage and the lives of those who shaped this remarkable piece of American history.

• 10.3 mi away

• 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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The Knightdale Environmental Park offers a scenic paved walking trail and boardwalk that meanders around a pond. Visitors can relax on benches, enjoy public art installations, or use the two picnic shelters. With entrances from Town Hall and the East Wake Regional Library, this peaceful park is perfect for a morning walk or a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.

• 10.7 mi away

• 1385 N Smithfield Road, Knightdale, NC, 27545

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Experience the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor recreation at Biltmore Hills Community Center. Our facility features a modern gymnasium, versatile meeting spaces, and a fully-equipped warming kitchen. Outside, enjoy our thoughtfully designed amenities including a paved walking trail, playground, tennis and basketball courts, and two regulation baseball/softball fields. Cool off during summer months in our seasonal main pool and baby pool, offering the perfect retreat for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.

• 11.5 mi away

• 2615 Fitzgerald Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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This park features two woodchip-covered playgrounds, a basketball court, and rentable picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 24 people. The nearby Ralph Campbell Neighborhood Center provides indoor meeting spaces for up to 75 people, as well as a kitchen for events. A path leads from the park to the Walnut Creek Trail.

• 11.5 mi away

• 756 Lunar Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27610

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Robertson Millpond Preserve offers an 85-acre retreat for paddling, fishing, and exploring nature. Enjoy the historic landmark, geocaching, and Junior Park Explorer activities. A hidden gem in Wake County!

• 11.8 mi away

• 6333 Robertson Pond Road, Wendell, NC, 27591

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Our goal is to raise awareness about the vital role wetlands play in providing clean water, supporting habitats, and offering recreational opportunities, while highlighting the importance of human connection with nature. Explore your local wetland and experience the beauty of diverse ecosystems! Visit our nature center located in the park office, offering a range of free activities, including interactive exhibits, explorer backpacks, scavenger hunts, and hands-on experiences with live animals. Equipment such as binoculars, boots, and field guides are available for free use, helping you explore the wetlands and trails. Every month, a new theme brings educational resources, games, and crafts for visitors to enjoy. The center is fully accessible, and rocking chairs are available for a relaxing view of the wetland. Public restrooms and pet watering stations are located on the center's outdoor deck.

• 11.9 mi away

• 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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South Garner Park, located in the Heather Hills subdivision, offers three softball fields, a multipurpose field, tennis courts, a hiking trail, and a large playground for families to enjoy.

• 12.6 mi away

• 1210 Poole Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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Yates Mill County Park is a 174-acre historic site featuring scenic hiking trails, the fully restored 18th-century Yates Mill, and a 24-acre pond. Visitors can explore the park’s natural beauty, learn about the region's milling history, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience. Admission is free, with guided mill tours available for a small fee to support ongoing preservation efforts.

• 13.6 mi away

• 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27603

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Lake Raleigh, located on NC State’s Centennial Campus, offers a scenic 75-acre lake and surrounding forest, providing a peaceful retreat for students and visitors alike. The area is perfect for walking, picnicking, fishing, and disc golf. The nine-hole disc golf course, accessible from the waterfront, offers a challenging layout. The addition of a popup bike rental and coffee shop makes it a great place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Parking is available at several points throughout the campus.

• 14.3 mi away

• 2300 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27606

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The Rocky Branch Trail runs through Raleigh, offering views of the city skyline and connecting to the North Carolina State University campus. This trail links to Pullen Park, which features an aquatics center, sports fields, and community spaces, making it a great spot for families to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.

• 14.4 mi away

• 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27606

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This 47-acre park features a comprehensive range of amenities, including a championship 18-hole disc golf course, picnic shelters, a tot lot, athletic fields, basketball courts, and walking trails. It provides a family-friendly environment, making it ideal for sports, relaxation, and outdoor activities.

• 14.5 mi away

• 401 S. Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC, 27597

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JAKS Stables in Youngsville provides a welcoming space for equestrians of all levels. Offering riding lessons, equine therapy, birthday parties, and access to miles of scenic trails, the farm caters to riders and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, JAKS Stables offers a variety of services for every horse enthusiast.

• 14.9 mi away

• 2608 Rolesville Rd., Wendell, NC, 27591

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The New Hope Church Road Trailhead Park in Cary, North Carolina, serves as a key access point to the American Tobacco Trail. The 12-acre park provides 100 parking spaces, horse trailer accommodations, and restroom facilities. Designed with a rustic barn-inspired aesthetic, the park offers a tranquil environment with open lawns and public art, making it a perfect spot to rest or begin your journey on the multi-use trail.

• 14.9 mi away

• 2575 New Hope Church Road, Raleigh, NC, 27604

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River Bend Park offers parking, restrooms, a playground, a kayak loading area, and access to the Neuse River Greenway, making it a great spot for outdoor adventure.

• 15 mi away

• 5610 Wallace Martin Way, Raleigh, NC, 27616

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Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve spans 143 acres of green space, including ponds and trails. With 5 miles of trails offering varying difficulty levels, visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, and biking. The park also provides bike trails, restrooms, parking, and scenic views, making it a perfect location for outdoor activities.

• 15.5 mi away

• 4621 Shady Greens Drive, Fuquay-Varina,, NC, 27526

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Lake Johnson Park offers a perfect blend of recreation and natural beauty. This stunning facility features both paved and natural surface trails, seasonal boat rentals, and designated fishing areas with rod rentals available. Visitors can enjoy the innovative QR Fit Trail, hammock stations along the greenway, and the adjacent Lake Johnson Pool complex complete with spray ground and lap swimming areas.

• 16.2 mi away

• 4601 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606

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Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, located along the Neuse River, offers 146 acres of untouched natural beauty, including pastures, woodlands, and a rich cultural heritage. The preserve features two natural surface trails: the 0.9-mile Meadow Loop Trail and the 0.6-mile River Walk Trail. A paved connector trail links the preserve to the Neuse River section of the greenway. This serene park is perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and outdoor exploration.

• 16.7 mi away

• 2900 Horseshoe Farm Road, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

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Middle Creek School Park spans 105 acres of beautifully maintained grounds adjacent to Middle Creek High School. This collaborative community space offers tennis courts, baseball/softball facilities, multi-purpose athletic fields, and an engaging disc golf course. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails, a playground, and a picnic shelter, making it ideal for family outings.

• 17.2 mi away

• 151 Middle Creek Park Avenue, Cary, NC, 27539

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Nestled on 33 acres, Crowder District Park offers a variety of activities including animal encounters with ducks, turtles, and fish. The park features a paved walking path around a scenic pond, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms, making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation.

• 17.4 mi away

• 4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex, NC, 27539

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Located on a 50-acre tract near Penny Road, this park offers a sprayground, dog park, climbing boulder, and scenic walking trail. With plenty of space for outdoor fun, it’s an ideal spot for family gatherings and activities.

• 17.6 mi away

• 9725 Penny Road, Cary, NC, 27606

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Durant Nature Preserve provides a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, discovery backpacks, bird and butterfly gardens, and lakes for fishing. The park’s 237 acres are home to a rich diversity of plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy year-round programs, or simply explore the serene natural beauty of the preserve's trails and gardens.

• 18.1 mi away

• 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614

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Harold D. Ritter Park is a family favorite with multiple slides, a sky wheel climber, a climbing wall, and a sand play area. The park also features spring rider toys, sports courts, and a picnic shelter. Hikers can explore nearby trails in Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and the greenway.

• 18.1 mi away

• 301 Lochmere Drive West, Cary, NC, 27511

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Walnut Street Park, nestled in central Cary, spans 11 acres and features a brick promenade, paved trails, boardwalks overlooking wetlands, a playground, and picnic areas. A perfect destination for leisurely strolls or family gatherings.

• 18.2 mi away

• 1420 Walnut Street, Cary, NC, 27511

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