Whether you're looking for routes to explore the city, scenic greenways routes for uninteruped running, or semi-technical trails, there are plenty of route to choose from. Here are a few of our favorite places to run/walk in the Raleigh/Triangle area:
Ridge Rd 5k - Easy with long but gentle rolling hills. Sidewalk or bike lane the whole way. It's a beautiful neighborhood and you can stop by our Wade Ave location if you need anything. This is also the starting and finishing directions for the Raleigh Turkey Trot.
Downtown Raleigh 10k - Stop for a running selfie or group shot at some of downtown Raleigh's most photographable landmarks! Beautiful run along Hillsborough St into downtown, around the museums and back with a quick detour around the Rose Garden on the way back. Parking can be found on Hillsborough St or any side street, but be mindful of when parking meters are in effect. Stay on the right hand side on the way out and the left on the way back until it's time to cross over for the Rose Garden loop.
The Quad Burner 8k - This challenging course starts at the NC Museum of Art and uses the greenway to come up along Ridge Rd before turning down Horton St to make its way back up House Creek before looping back around the rest of the Museum trail. This is a great route for those training to tackle the City of Oaks Marathon!
Crabtree Valley to Shelley Lake and back - Nearly 8 miles of smooth sailing along the Raleigh Greenway System where you can get some miles in without the city traffic! Restrooms and water fountains located just inside the H&M entrance of Crabtree Valley Mall. Be sure to stop off at Gloria Jean's Coffee for a post-run treat!
Meredith College Greenway from Ridgewood Shopping Center - Coming in at just under 3 miles, this short and sweet round trip is a great way to get some shaded areas in the morning and afternoon. There's one hill in each direction but other than that it's a mostly flat route.
Lake Johnson - This scenic loop around the lake on a paved greenway path clocks in just under three miles and is a favorite for runners and walkers alike. It's mostly flat with a few quick hills on the back side. There are two parking lots off Avent Ferry Rd for convenience.
Shelley Lake - Beautiful loop around the lake. Paved greenway path with one quick hill in either direction. There's a large parking area with restrooms and visitor center at the Sertoma Arts Center and a secondary lot along Millbrook Rd.
Lake Lynn, North Raleigh - Scenic loop around the lake with a short wood bridge section along the top. There are two access points - one located off Lynn Rd and the other at the Lake Lynn Park Community Center off Ray Rd.
Feel free to alter the routes to align with your desired distance.
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