- What is Raleigh known for?
- The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is famed for its many universities and its technological research parks.
- Is there more to Raleigh than its academic and research side?
- However, there's much more to the city than its academic side, particularly if you're interested in spending some time outside.
- What recreational opportunities does Raleigh offer?
- An excellent assortment of parks can be found in and around the city, offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including historical carousels and amusement parks, large networks of walking paths, and plenty of sports courts and multi-use fields.
- Why should visitors explore Raleigh’s parks?
- A trip to Raleigh wouldn't be complete without paying a visit to at least one of its wonderful parks, and here are the best ones to choose from.
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1. Anderson Point Park
Walk along scenic trails and admire river views during an easy spring outing.
Named in honor of the Anderson family who had their homestead on the property, Anderson Point Park was established in 1988. The park is crisscrossed with walking trails and it encompasses plenty of different animal habitats, making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. The beautiful, historic Anderson family cottage is available to rent; dating back to the early 1990s, it has a large room for entertaining guests as well as a spacious porch, a small kitchen, and a private dressing room. Visitors can also rent the park's three-tiered amphitheater or one of its two outdoor picnic shelters.
Anderson Point Park, 20 Anderson Point Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610, Phone: 919-996-5994
2. Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park
Explore nature trails and discover educational stuff on a peaceful weekend trip.
Given to the city by an accomplished local doctor, the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park was established to encourage nature research and education. The park offers both indoor and outdoor natural history exhibits, and public programs take place all throughout the year. Special programs are offered for young children, including nature craft activities that change monthly and imaginative nature play days that take place in the park's wonderful nature play areas. There are also three short interpretive trails perfect for wildlife viewing, and binoculars are available for visitors to use free of charge.
Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, Phone: 919-996-6764
3. Apollo Heights Park
Play with kids or enjoy a quick stroll through this affordable neighborhood park.
Home to the Ralph Campbell Neighborhood Center, Apollo Heights Park is a family-friendly park with a playground suitable for both toddlers and older children. The center has a public computer lab, and it regularly hosts family karate classes and after school programs. The park's basketball court is available on a first come first served basis, and there is a picnic shelter with six tables and a grill that can be rented out for private functions. There is no electricity in the picnic shelter, but guests can rent the warming kitchen in the Ralph Campbell Neighborhood Center to heat their food if needed.
Apollo Heights Park, 756 Lunar Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610, Phone: 919-250-2757
4. Biltmore Hills Park
Go for a walk or enjoy family-friendly sights during a fun summer visit.
Sitting on a beautiful 39-acre property, Biltmore Hills Park boasts a paved walking trail and a community center with a gymnasium and a weight room that has a treadmill, an elliptical, and free weights. There is also a pool that is open on a seasonal basis. Three outdoor picnic shelters are available for rent, but anyone who would prefer to gather indoors can book one of the meeting rooms in the community center. Other park amenities include a concrete basketball court, a baseball field, a softball field, eight tennis courts with backboards and push button lighting, and a children's playground.
Biltmore Hills Park, 2615 Fitzgerald Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610, Phone: 919-831-6895
5. Brookhaven Nature Park
Discover wooded trails and admire wildlife in this quiet retirement-friendly retreat.
Offering plenty of wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities, Brookhaven Nature Park is a 26-acre park maintained by the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh. Despite the park's proximity to some of the city's busiest roads, it remains a surprisingly peaceful oasis that doesn't see as many visitors as some of the other parks in the area. The park is well-treed and quite shady, and it features an excellent network of hiking trails, some of which are paved and wheelchair accessible. There is a small pond to visit in the east side of the park, and several picnic tables can be found at the park entrance.
Brookhaven Nature Park, 5125 Berkeley St, Raleigh, NC 27612, Phone: 919-831-6856
6. Buffaloe Road Athletic Park
See local games or explore trails during an exciting outdoor family weekend.
Established in 2003, Buffaloe Road Athletic Park is a large park with plenty of modern facilities. The highlight of the park is its aquatic center, which features a three-story waterslide, a lazy river, water volleyball and basketball courts, and a zero-depth entry pool with a toddler's play area. The park also offers an excellent selection of outdoor recreation options, including a 400-meter track, six baseball and softball fields with halogen-lit diamonds and aluminum bleachers, and a children's playground with a separate area for toddlers. Dogs are welcome in the off-leash dog park, which features shady areas and drinking fountains for both humans and dogs.
Buffaloe Road Athletic Park, 5812 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616, Phone: 919-831-6836
7. Dorothea Dix Park
Admire skyline views and walk among sunflowers on a romantic fall afternoon.
Encompassing almost 310 acres, the Dorothea Dix Park is the biggest park in the city. The terrain ranges from rolling hills to shady treed areas, and the park often hosts special events like live music, stargazing sessions, fitness classes, and educational nature programs. The park is open to the public every day between dawn and dusk, and on-site parking is available on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Leashed dogs are welcome in all parts of the park, but there is also an off-leash dog area for pet owners who want to let their dogs run free.
Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603, Phone: 919-996-3285
8. Durant Nature Preserve
Explore wooded paths and enjoy scenic lake views on an affordable nature trip.
Dedicated to preserving the area's natural beauty and making it available to the public, the Durant Nature Preserve offers excellent educational and recreational opportunities. Five miles of trails wind their way through the park; hikers will enjoy walking alongside the park's two lakes, passing through pine forests and wetlands, and seeing beautiful wildflowers and foliage. When the ground is dry, certain trails are open to mountain bikers as well. Children will enjoy the park's nature play garden and playground, while visitors of all ages are welcome to explore the park's bird garden, butterfly garden, and interpretive tree trail.
Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614, Phone: 919-870-2871
9. Fallon Park
Walk along shaded trails and admire creekside sights on a quick spring visit.
Tucked between Royster St and Oxford Rd, Fallon Park is a narrow 10-acre park perfect for walking, jogging, and picnicking. A small stream runs through the park; children will enjoy splashing around in the water on a hot day, and the park's main trail meanders alongside the water, providing wonderful views. The lower section of the park has a large grassy area that's popular with Frisbee players on sunny days, and there are plenty of picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park. There is also a charming gazebo, which is open to the public whenever it's not booked for a private event.
Fallon Park, 2401 Oxford Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, Phone: 919-996-3285
10. Forest Ridge Park
Go hiking or explore natural beauty with family and kids during the summer.
Occupying 587 acres right next to Falls Lake, Forest Ridge Park is best known for its excellent network of trails, which includes single track hiking trails and mountain biking trails as well as paved multi-use trails. However, there are plenty of other things to see and do as well; fishing is permitted from designated areas along the bank, and the park's beautiful wildlife garden is planted with native plant species. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the park's Welcome Center to get up-to-date information about the park or to borrow a complimentary children's Explorer Backpack or an adult's Art Backpack.
Forest Ridge Park, 2100 Old North Carolina 98 Hwy, Wake Forest, NC 27587, Phone: 919-556-6781
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