If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s how much Raleigh loves being outside. In an era of social isolation and shuttered spaces, parks, trails and greenways became more than amenities—they became lifelines: respites for calm, connection and movement during a time of uncertainty and seclusion. So it was little surprise that Raleigh voters approved a hefty $275 million Parks Bond referendum in 2022, funding 23 projects across the city.
“Post-pandemic, people had a renaissance—they discovered [or rediscovered] Raleigh’s parks and greenway systems,” reflects Stephen Bentley, director of the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, adding that regardless of the pandemic these projects are a priority for the community. “Parks were our front yard and backyard. … We’re pretty fortunate Raleigh put [the bond] on the ballot after the pandemic.”
With touching grass now part of our daily routines, Raleigh’s investment in parks reflects a broader commitment to access, equity and the outdoors. Now, those Bond plans are beginning to take shape, with $65 million already spent in the largest investment in public parks in NC history, and a host of groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings anticipated in the next couple of years.
“As we grow larger as a city, one of our goals is to bring neighbors and strangers together to build community, and these projects will certainly do that,” adds Bentley—as well as support Raleigh residents’ mental and physical health.
From reimagined neighborhood parks to expanded greenway connections and renovated community centers, these projects reflect a city investing not just in recreation, but in how people gather, move and live—meeting Raleighites where they are: outside. The result is a Raleigh that doesn’t just love the outdoors—it’s actively building a future around it.
For years, the pool at John Chavis Memorial Park was more than a place to cool off—it was a rare refuge in a then-segregated city, the only park in Raleigh where African Americans were allowed to swim. Now, years after its closure, water is finally returning to the historic site.
As part of Phase 2 of the Chavis Park Master Plan, the city is building a new all-ages aquatic center featuring children’s, competition and indoor therapy pools, alongside an outdoor lazy river and two-story waterslide. But for many residents, the project represents something bigger than amenities.
“The community has been hoping and fighting to get an aquatics facility back at this park,” says EVOKE associate principal and project architect Steven Haardt, “so this facility has a meaningful impact for them in terms of aquatics.”
EVOKE Studio Architecture
The design itself draws inspiration from the park’s iconic Carousel House, delivering an airy crown-like structure wrapping the aquatic center. Glass walls visually connect the co-located indoor and outdoor pools, creating an open, communal atmosphere, says project manager Vershaé Hite.
“[The design] is very much meant to create something that’s celebratory and that becomes a destination for not just the city of Raleigh, but for people throughout the region,” says Edwin Harris, EVOKE cofounder + principal design lead.
More than a new aquatic center, though, the project restores a gathering place generations of Raleigh families have long fought to reclaim—reviving a space that has carried deep cultural significance for decades.
With Raleigh’s only dedicated teen center, Tarboro isn’t just a neighborhood park—it’s a community gathering place generations of East Raleigh residents have grown up in. Now, a sweeping redesign aims to modernize the aging campus while preserving the energy and programs that have long made it a staple.
“This place is filled with good memories—the programs just need a better building to facilitate and expand the fun,” says HH Architecture partner/CEO Kristen Hess, whose Raleigh-based firm is leading the project.
Building off of the historic site’s roots while upping its standards of play is a new community center, outdoor amenities and recreational features—plus upgrades to the St. Monica Teen Center, which occupies a circa-1930s Catholic school.
“The teen center and community center work in tandem, and there are a lot of programs that reflect the energy the teens bring,” says project manager Kelly Walstrum. “That’s something we’re hoping to celebrate with the new building.”
With its prominent presence in the community and a BRT station planned for the southwest corner, the area surrounding Tarboro Road Park is poised to grow—positioning the park to evolve in tandem with the surrounding corridor.
Celebrating 50 years this year, Raleigh’s greenway is one of its greatest highlights and most-loved amenities—a ~115-mile network that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
As part of the bond, “there was a high focus on neighborhood connectivity to our greenways,” says Bentley—as well as looking at future greenway opportunities. “I always hear from people that they want a more walkable and accessible parks system.”
Now adding another three miles to the already-expansive trail system, the Big Branch Greenway Connector will stretch from the Crabtree Creek Trail to Cedar Hills Park, closing a critical gap while linking neighborhoods to parks, schools, shops and future transit. Expected to benefit over 10,000 residents, the project also restores parts of Big Branch Creek and includes the highly anticipated Midtown Multimodal Bridge over the I-440 Beltline near North Hills.
Tucked into the woods surrounding Shelley Lake Park, Sertoma Arts Center has long functioned as more than an arts facility—it’s a creative refuge for generations of Raleigh artists, hobbyists and makers. And for many of the people who take classes here, it feels a little like a second home.
That sense of deep attachment is exactly why the city opted not to tear the building down. Instead, the longtime arts hub will be preserved, renovated and expanded—allowing the center to grow while maintaining the character locals love.
Known for programs spanning painting and drawing to metalworking, printmaking, sewing and its most popular, ceramics, the center has struggled to keep pace with demand in recent years.
To better accommodate demand while preserving its ’70s vibe, HH Architecture is knitting together the old and new portions of the building through an expansive lobby and angular roofline—creating a more welcoming new entrance designed to improve flow throughout.
A new addition on the main level will specifically support Sertoma’s booming ceramics program, while jewelry and fibers studios will be relocated to create more flexibility.
“We didn’t want to lose the character,” emphasizes Walstrum. Instead, the redesign aims to modernize the cherished arts hub while preserving the creative spirit that has made Sertoma a cornerstone of Raleigh’s arts scene.
Connecting landmarks like Chavis Park, Black Main Street, Pope House and the historic Fourth Ward, the South Park Heritage Trail is designed to do more than link prominent community spaces—it aims to tell the story of Raleigh’s African American history.
First envisioned around 2007 by the South Park and East Raleigh Neighborhood Association in collaboration with the NC State College of Design and its linguistic program, the heritage walk was created to honor more than a century of African American history, culture and contributions.
“It’s a long time coming,” says Design Workshop principal Emily McCoy, whose firm was selected for the project. “There’s a lot of excitement around it now that the money’s there.”
Snaking 3.5 miles through East Raleigh and DTR, the trail will upgrade existing sidewalks while integrating interpretive signage, wayfinding and public art—think plaques, decals, works by J. Stacy Utley and viewfinders which allow guests to visualize spaces that no longer exist.
McCoy says placekeeping remains central to the project: preserving the stories tied to these communities while helping future generations better understand the legacy they inherited.
East Raleigh’s South Park neighborhood remains one of the city’s most significant links to the past. Home to one of the state’s largest historic urban Black communities, the area is anchored by the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center—which preserves and celebrates the history of South Park and East Raleigh’s African American heritage.
Now, a major renovation and expansion aims to ensure those stories remain visible for generations to come. Plans call for a complete interior refresh, alongside expanded exhibits highlighting Raleigh’s Black history and culture. The addition of a collections room and state-of-the-art sound studio for recording oral histories and podcasts is also on deck. “That’s a really great feature for the city that we don’t currently have,” says Hess.
A new detached rear building connected by a covered walkway will add a community room, restrooms and catering/warming space while creating a welcoming front porch gathering space for visitors. Outside, works by local artist Dare Coulter will be integrated into a new central plaza.
Serving as the trailhead for the new South Park Heritage Trail, the cultural center further connects residents and visitors to the stories that shaped the neighborhood.
Long considered the beating heart of Raleigh’s Method community, the park is also one of the city’s oldest. Both the Berry O’Kelly/Harveleigh White Community Center and Pioneers Building are designated Raleigh Historic Landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The two remaining buildings from the former Berry O’Kelly trade school for African Americans carry deep historical significance: the nearly 100-year-old Pioneers Building once hosted shop classes, while the community center served as the school’s cafeteria and gymnasium.
In an effort to meet programming needs and better serve today’s residents, both buildings will see extensive interior renovations and upgrades. The Pioneers Building’s history room—like a museum exploring the school’s history and student body—will get completely new content from the City, including a new exhibit from artist Kulsum Tasnif. Meanwhile, the community center will receive upgraded athletic facilities, new multipurpose rooms, renovated bathrooms and a state-of-the-art weight-lifting room.
The broader site will also be reimagined, says Clark Nexsen principal/senior architect Jennifer Heintz, with a new central plaza anchoring the space alongside a splashpad and playground.
These improvements will help Method continue serving today’s community while creating a place that feels safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Building on Dewitt Carolinas’ massive plans for The Exchange Raleigh—including a 4-acre greenspace with natural trails, water features, boutique retail and a year-round entertainment pavilion—an interim park is bringing new life to the site.
Set to launch around mid-June, the temporary outdoor activation—notably not part of the Parks Bond—will feature pickleball courts, a dog park, beer truck and garden, ice cream pop-up, movies, live tunes, and large stone seating installations designed to encourage gathering and lingering.
“We want the park to be a welcoming amenity for tenants, neighbors and visitors,” says Dewitt Property Development Manager Connor Saieed. “As we bring an exciting mix of events and new F&B vendors online in the next few months, we invite the community to come see what’s happening at The Exchange.”
Even before its official debut, the space has already hosted community events ranging from the 11th annual Touch-A-Truck—which drew ~3,000 attendees—to intimate yoga classes and pop-ups, serving an early glimpse at the development’s broader community-centered vision.
From glowing lakeside trails to hidden forest paths, here’s where to see Raleigh foliage come alive this fall.
Fall is in full swing—the city’s green spaces officially trading summer’s lush canopy for vibrant hues of bright gold, crimson and orange. And leaf peeping should definitely be on your local autumn bucket list. From lakeside trails to tucked-away preserves, you don’t have to leave the city to catch a stunning show of seasonal colors. Here are six of the best spots for foliage viewing right in Raleigh’s backyard.
Lake Johnson Park Finally, the weather is cool enough for a stroll around Lake Johnson sans buckets of sweat and borderline heatstroke. The 2.8-mile loop trail winds through stands of oak, hickory and loblolly pine, with hardwoods aglow in gold, orange and deep russet by late October. Whether you’re jogging/walking, snapping photos or sipping a seasonal latte on a lakeside bench, the popular park delivers a classic dose of fall color—no road trip required. Peak time to visit is late afternoon, when the low sun sets the lake ablaze and frames each leaf in warm light.
William B. Umstead State Park Perched along the city’s edge, Umstead trades skyline views for canopies of color. Spanning more than 5,500 acres, the park’s network of ~34 miles of trails show off beautiful oaks, hickories, sweetgums and loblolly pines. The 7.2-mile Sycamore Trail loop along the park’s northern edge is a standout for fall color, meandering through dense forest along Sycamore Creek for much of its route. It’s especially a fave for photographers who want a longer hike with varied terrain—with the goal of showing off the best of Raleigh’s autumn palette.
JC Raulston Arboretum Just west of NC State’s campus, the JC Raulston Arboretum may cover only about 10 acres, but it delivers serious fall drama in a compact, curated setting. The gardens burst with color—see: blazing reds from Japanese maples, butter-yellow ginkgo, and warm orange from the Lindera species. Visitors can take a self-guided stroll through themed gardens, snap photos under fiery maple canopies, or join a weekend tour or workshop to learn about the arboretum’s rare plant collections.
Lake Crabtree County Park Straddling the line between Raleigh and Cary, Lake Crabtree offers a quieter kind of fall magic. The 520-acre lake mirrors the maples and sweetgums that rim its edges, making sunrise and sunset here pure gold—literally. With more than 16 miles of trails, the Wake County gem invites you to bike, walk or paddle through the season’s best hues—all backdropped with the hum of planes from nearby RDU Airport. Bring a thermos and/or picnic, stake out a lakeside bench, and watch the leaves move with every passing breeze. Talk about a show!
Durant Nature Preserve
Shelley Lake Park For some of the city’s most photogenic fall views, head to Shelley Lake in North Raleigh, where colorful treetops reflect off the surface of the 53-acre lake. The two-mile paved trail that loops the water is a local favorite, especially when the oaks and sweetgums burst into red, orange and yellow by late October. Stop at the Sertoma Arts Center on the park’s edge to browse an exhibit before circling back for one more lap of color—and be sure to peek down at the water from the bridges to spot turtles and other critters.
Durant Nature Preserve On Raleigh’s north side, Durant Nature Preserve delivers a hidden pocket of woodland, perfect for leaf-peepers seeking peace and color. Once a Boy Scout camp, the 237-acre preserve feels worlds away from the city, with wooded trails that wind past serene creeks; two small lakes; and maple, oak and hickory trees that light up in brilliant colors come fall. The Lakeside Trail and White House Road Trail are especially stunning this time of year, lined with tall trees and bursts of red berries. Birdwatchers flock here, too, in the hopes of spotting migrating warblers darting through the canopy. Altogether, the crisp air, quiet trails and seasonal colors will make you forget you’re still inside city limits.
Explore the best dog-friendly restaurants and bars, parks, and hangouts in the City of Oaks.
Who let the dogs out… You should—because your four-legged bestie deserves to have a good doggone day out too. Plan an ~ulti-mutt~ experience with your pooch in and around Downtown Raleigh via our list of some of the best dog-friendly hot spots for those looking to get out of the doghouse.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars
Bowstring Bowstring’s outdoor grassy area is the perf post for all your furry friends—they may even try to get in on a game of cornhole or sneak a bite of pizza (!). You can also bring ’em inside or on the covered patio while you grab a drink, play a game or tune into live tunes.
House of Hops Whether it’s outside playing cornhole and cooling off with an ice cold beer or tucking inside to escape the heat (also with a beer, of course!), you and your four-legged friend(s) are always welcome at this House.
Raleigh Beer Garden Hungry dog 🤝 RBG’s Hungry Dawgs menu. Feed Fido his pick of pup-tizers—from carrots and bacon to burgers—while you have your fill of your own hooman snacks paired with over 350 beers on tap.
State of Beer Put your fur-baby in a great state with an outing at either SOB location (The Bend locale also offers a covered back patio and spacious backyard for roaming!). And those cult-fave sandos are reason enough to leave the house any time.
Tap Yard Raleigh’s 1-acre beer garden is a hot spot for kids, families, lovers and doggos—think of it like an inclusive playground for all. Tap Yard also hosts trivia, live music, food trucks and other events to keep everyone entertained.
Vault Craft Beer Raise the “woof”—literally—at this unique brew haven situated in a historic building formerly home to Raleigh’s first drive-thru bank. And for man’s best friend, they can cash in on the free dog treat box while hanging inside or out.
West Street Dog Let your pup get out the zoomies and socialize with other canines while you enjoy some bevys at this indoor off-leash dog park with a full bar, also offering daycare, boarding and grooming services—plus Monday trivia.
Wolfe & Porter More like *woof* and porter, are we right?! Post up on the patio or back deck to catch a game, listen to live music, or simply relax with your pal sitting happily at your feet.
Wye Hill The only view better than the one at Wye Hill is of your happy pup enjoying a dog biscuit by your side as you enjoy the sun-soaked patio and sip on a brew or two. Not to mention it’s the perf perch to take a ’Gram snap for your pooch’s profile.
City Market Dogs are welcome at most establishments at this historic hub in DTR. Fetch a good deal at cute shops, lap up a latte at Blackbird Books & Coffee, or lean into culture at an art gallery.
Dix Park Dog Park For an un(fur)gettable day, look no further than one of Raleigh’s largest and most popular park. Its size-specific play space lets your dog play safely—so no worrying about your smaller pooches getting ruffed up by a bigger-boned fella.
Moore Square Pause and reflect at Moore Square, surrounded by some of Raleigh’s best restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques to fill up an outing. Order takeout and throw down a blanket for a chill hang, or head over to the fully-fenced dog park for some social time.
NCMA Rover’s gonna love rovin’ the art museum’s Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. Whether roaming the trails, propping up near the pond, sniffin’ the sculptures or basking in the sun on the Ellipse lawn, your pup’ll no doubt have the time of his/her life.
Oakwood Dog Park Doggos of all shapes and sizes are welcome to run through the trees at this popular Historic Oakwood destination also featuring shade from the sun, a picnic shelter and softball fields.
Unleashed Dogs need retail therapy too! Find all your pet needs—from treats and food to toys and accessories—to make your canine the envy of all. unleashedmutt.com/city-market
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where the RM team is trekking to hike more, worry less.
“I had diverged, digressed, wandered and become wild.” Live out your Cheryl Strayed a la Wild fantasy and strap on those hiking boots for the Great Trails State Coalition’s (the same group behind NC’s Year of the Trail) first annual Great Trails State Day Oct. 21. Here are some of the Raleigh Magazine team’s favorite hiking trails throughout the state to get you started—worthy of a day trip, weekend getaway or just a quick drive across town. Then it’s just one foot in front of the other…
“If I feel like roughin’ it, Umstead. But if I’m after sunshine and people-watching, can’t beat the NCMA trails.” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“I recently hiked the trail leading to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park and it was absolutely beautiful! 10/10 recommend the ~4-mile strenuous (read: steep) trek to see this natural beaut.” —Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“I enjoy hiking at Umstead. I like the peaceful surroundings and always meet interesting fellow hikers!” —Debby Serena, Account Executive
“I love Pilot Mountain, there are so many hikes to choose from and the best sunset view!” —Cameron Rhinehardt, Account Executive
“North Turkey Creek Trail in Umstead. There’s something comforting about being surrounded by so many trees.” —Emily O’Brien, Contributing Writer
“My favorite NC hiking trail is the Whiteside Mountain Trail just outside of Highlands (which, in my opinion, is one of the best mountain getaways in the state!). Unlike many trails where you hike up to one tiny lookout at the top before heading back down, this trail winds along the ridge of the mountain for a good portion of the hike, allowing many different viewpoints for stopping and taking in the stunning cliff views. Fun fact: During the spring and summer you can often catch peregrine falcons soaring near the cliffs—how awesome is that?” —Kelsie Barton, Contributing Writer, @kelsie_barton
