Happy Trails

Fall weather + Great Trails State Day Oct. 21 = the perfect time to pull up your boots and hit the dusty trail.

Despite the cooling temps, you should no doubt stay on your hot girl/boy walk game. Sweaters, crunchy leaves and a chilly breeze… name a better way to spend a gorgeous fall day/weekend—we’ll wait (!). On Oct. 21, the Great Trails State Coalition, the same group behind NC’s Year of the Trail, is hosting its first annual Great Trails State Day—giving you all the more reason to take a stroll on one of Raleigh’s superb walking/hiking trails. Here, local trail picks for where your boots should be walkin’ this fall. 

Umstead State Park

With 20 miles of hiking trails—NTM gorgeous lake views—this natural park paradise is a primo choice to get your nature on. For those really looking to get their steps, opt for the 7.2-mile Sycamore Trail, topping out as the park’s longest.

North Carolina Museum of Art Trail

Art meets nature at the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, featuring installations by international artists along environmentally sustainable landscapes, gorgeous gardens, and miles of Greenway and wooded trails. Post-hike, find a cozy spot on the lawn to enjoy a picnic—or a nap (we aren’t judging).  

Neuse River Greenway Trail

For scenic river views, look no further than this attractive segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail feat. 27.5 miles of paved trail winding through wetlands, historical sights and agricultural fields. 

Shelley Lake Park

A leisurely stroll awaits via 2 miles of paved scenic greenway trails around the lake—and further blow off steam on the basketball courts or by throwing a line off the dock or pedestrian bridges. 

Historic Yates Mill County Park

TLC said not to go chasing waterfalls, but do water-powered gristmills count? Either way, do it for the ’Gram—then make your way through the 174-acre park and wildlife refuge via trails ranging from 0.8 miles to 2 miles. 

Lake Johnson

Choose your own adventure by taking either the paved greenway trail or natural surface trail, both looping the lake. And for primo sun-soaking, pop a squat near the dam and pack a picnic. 

Durant Nature Preserve

Designated as a Nature Preserve in 2010, Durant park boasts 5 miles of trails for exploring the park’s 237 acres of streams, lakes, hardwood and pine forests, wetlands, lakes, and more. Mountain biking and fishing are also permitted.