Why Raleigh's Greenways Are Perfect for Families
Raleigh's greenway system is almost entirely paved, which means strollers, balance bikes, and scooters all work beautifully. Most trailheads have free parking, and many connect to playgrounds and restrooms. The city maintains them well, and you'll always find other families out enjoying the paths.
Our Top Picks
Neuse River Greenway Trail
This is the crown jewel of Raleigh greenways. The Neuse River Greenway Trail stretches about 27.5 miles from Falls Lake Dam all the way to the Johnston County line. You obviously don't need to do the whole thing. My favorite family-friendly section runs from Anderson Point Park to Buffaloe Road Athletic Park, about 3 miles one way. The trail follows the Neuse River, so the kids get to see turtles, herons, and the occasional deer. Anderson Point Park has restrooms, a large parking lot, and picnic tables, making it a great starting point.
Pro tip: The section near Milburnie Dam is gorgeous in the fall. Pack a picnic and make a morning of it.
Shelley Lake / Sertoma Park Trail
The loop around Shelley Lake is about 2 miles and is completely flat and paved. This is my go-to recommendation for families with toddlers or young kids on training wheels. There's a playground at Sertoma Park right on the lake, plus restrooms and a water fountain. Parking is free at the Shelley Lake lot off Lead Mine Road. On weekends it fills up fast, so try to arrive before 10 a.m.
Reedy Creek Greenway
The Reedy Creek Greenway runs about 5 miles from Umstead State Park near Meredith College to Lake Crabtree County Park near the airport. It passes through lovely wooded sections and crosses several bridges. The portion near NCMA (North Carolina Museum of Art) is especially scenic because you can detour into the museum park and see the outdoor art installations. Restrooms are available at the museum and at Umstead.
Walnut Creek Greenway
Starting from Lake Johnson Park, the Walnut Creek Greenway heads southeast through a mix of shady forest and open meadow. The first couple of miles are great for young families. Lake Johnson itself has a boathouse (you can rent kayaks and paddleboards seasonally), a fishing pier, restrooms, and a nice playground. The parking lot is off Avent Ferry Road and is free.
Mine Creek Greenway
A hidden gem. The Mine Creek Greenway runs about 2 miles between Baileywick Road Park and Lynn Road Park. It winds through a beautiful stream valley and feels more remote than it is. There are no restrooms on this trail, so plan accordingly. Good for kids ages 5 and up who want a short nature adventure.
Tips for Greenway Success with Kids
Best for Each Age Group
| Age Group | Best Trail | |—————-|—————-| | Strollers / Babies | Shelley Lake Loop | | Toddlers (1-3) | Shelley Lake Loop, Lake Johnson section | | Preschool (3-5) | Neuse River from Anderson Point (short out-and-back) | | Elementary (5-10) | Reedy Creek near NCMA, Mine Creek | | Tweens & Teens | Full Neuse River sections (bike) |
Safety and Accessibility Notes
All Raleigh greenways are ADA-accessible on the paved sections. Emergency call boxes are located at some trailheads and major intersections. The greenways are patrolled by Raleigh Parks staff, but cell service is reliable on most trails if you need to call for help. In the rare event of flooding, sections near creeks and the Neuse River may be closed. Check the City of Raleigh website or social media for trail status updates after heavy rain.
For families with special needs, the Shelley Lake loop and the NCMA section of Reedy Creek offer the widest, flattest, and most accessible paths. Both have accessible parking and restrooms.
Raleigh's greenways are free, accessible, and genuinely beautiful. Lace up those sneakers and get out there with your crew.
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