Raleigh has more than 200 parks and over 100 miles of greenway trails, open dawn to dusk. The Neuse River Trail runs 27.5 miles. Parks office: 919-996-3285.
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Updated each season. Facts come from Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources and N.C. State Parks.
Raleigh runs more than 200 parks and a greenway system of more than 100 miles of trails, according to the city. The greenways turn 50 this year; a pop-up exhibit on their history is at the City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., through Oct. 22.
Who to call
- Raleigh Parks office: 919-996-3285
- Park or greenway maintenance problem (downed tree, damage): 919-996-4115
- Graffiti: 919-996-6446
- Find a park: the city’s park finder and greenway trail map
- Emergencies on a trail: 911
The rules
City parks and trails are open dawn to dusk unless another time is posted, according to the city’s know before you go page.
- Leashed dogs are welcome; pick up after them.
- Alcohol only with a City of Raleigh alcohol permit.
- No smoking or vaping.
The greenways
The city lists 29 trail segments on its trail list.
- Neuse River Trail, 27.5 miles: the longest in the system.
- Crabtree Creek, 18 miles, and Walnut Creek, 15.6 miles: the next longest.
- Reedy Creek, 5 miles, and Mine Creek, 4.2 miles.
- Lake loops: Lake Johnson East (2.8 miles) and West (2.1), Shelley Lake (2.1) and Lake Lynn (1.2).
Parks worth knowing
| Park | Address | What is there | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullen Park | 520 Ashe Ave. | Opened 1887, 66.4 acres; carousel, train, pedal boats and kiddie boats | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily |
| Lake Johnson Park | Waterfront Center, 4601 Avent Ferry Road | 500 acres with a 150-acre lake; loop trails; kayak and paddleboard rentals | Sunrise to sunset |
| Dorothea Dix Park | 1030 Richardson Drive | Big Field, dog park, play plaza, free programs most days | Sunrise to sunset |
| William B. Umstead State Park | 8801 Glenwood Ave. (and 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary) | Three lakes, hiking, bike and 13 miles of horse trails, camping | Seasonal; 8 a.m. opening |
Pullen Park amusements: 919-996-6468; ride hours line, 919-996-6472. Lake Johnson park office: 919-996-3141. At Umstead, a bridge replacement has cut the South Turkey Creek multiuse trail off from the North Turkey Creek and Cedar Ridge trails, according to N.C. State Parks.
Pullen Park Holiday Express: tickets for the 2026 holiday train go on sale at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Pullen Park Amusements, the city says.
Dog parks
Off-leash areas from the city’s dog park list, dawn to dusk daily unless noted:
- Baileywick Park, 9501 Baileywick Road
- Buffaloe Road, 5900 Buffaloe Road
- Carolina Pines, 2305 Lake Wheeler Road
- Dorothea Dix, 1800 Umstead Drive (closes for mowing; check the Dix Park schedule)
- Jaycee Dog Run, 2405 Wade Ave.
- Kiwanis Park Dog Run, 2525 Noble Road
- Millbrook Exchange, 1905 Spring Forest Road (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Oakwood, 910 Brookside Drive
- Raleigh Municipal Building, 222 W. Hargett St.
- Roberts Park Dog Run, 1300 E. Martin St.
Dogs must be vaccinated and leashed going in and out; no more than three dogs a person, no puppies under four months and no food or toys inside.
What this means for you
- Trails close at dusk, and dusk comes early after clocks fall back Nov. 1.
- Report a fallen tree on a greenway to 919-996-4115.
- Want a Pullen Park Holiday Express ride? Tickets go on sale Oct. 15.
More: farmers markets, fall festivals and getting around Raleigh.
Frequently asked questions
How many miles of greenway does Raleigh have?
The city says its greenway system has more than 100 miles of trails. The longest is the Neuse River Trail at 27.5 miles, followed by Crabtree Creek at 18 and Walnut Creek at 15.6.
What time do Raleigh parks close?
City parks and greenway trails are open dawn to dusk unless a different time is posted. Pullen Park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where are the dog parks in Raleigh?
The city runs off-leash dog parks and runs at Baileywick, Buffaloe Road, Carolina Pines, Dorothea Dix, Jaycee, Kiwanis, Millbrook Exchange, Oakwood, Roberts Park and the Raleigh Municipal Building.
Can I drink alcohol in Raleigh parks?
Only with a City of Raleigh alcohol permit. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in city parks.
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