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Just in time for the warmer weather, a trail improvement project reaches completion. Consider this your official invitation to get to know and explore Lake Raleigh.
With spring around the corner, students and the broader community can look forward to exploring one of NC State’s Hallowed Places: Lake Raleigh Woods. Improvement projects have installed new signage, making Lake Raleigh easier to navigate as a destination for recreation, exploration, and relaxation.
In late 2024, the project saw the completion of 4.5 miles of new, professionally built hiking and mountain biking trails with improved signage. The area stretches over 96 acres of woods and a 75-acre lake in the heart of Centennial Campus — NC State’s state-of-the-art research campus, featuring spaces for industry collaboration and residential communities. Less than three miles from downtown Raleigh, the trails feature serene lake vistas, picturesque bridges and creek crossings, and birch and pine groves.
For those who like to explore on two wheels, there are over 2 miles of professionally graded mountain biking trails and areas to practice beginning and intermediate skills. The Fern Trail is a wide and beginner-friendly ride through a mile of Lake Raleigh Woods. The intermediate Tulip Poplar Trail is a winding mile of berms and adrenaline-pumping hills. The Lake Raleigh Recreation Area includes The Bike Library, a pop-up bike rental and coffee shop open on weekends.
The Lake Raleigh area connects to greenway networks like the Walnut Creek Trail, a 15-mile ride that links Lake Johnson to the Neuse River Trail. Those looking for a shorter two-wheeled adventure can easily get to locations like the NC State Farmer’s Market.
Runners, hikers, and casual strollers also have over 2 miles of new trails dedicated to them. Of the four trails, the shortest is the quarter-mile Ridge Trail. The longest is the Lakeview Trail, which winds along the south side of Lake Raleigh. The Valley and Pine Trails lead to the Centennial Campus Middle School entrance and connect to the other trails.
The hiking trails were completed last year and redesigned to make them easy to navigate and guard against erosion — an eye toward sustainability. Improvements include reorienting the trails so visitors can get better views of the lake while natural habitats for plants and animals remain protected.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can find plenty of things to do. For disc golfers, a nine-hole course stretches across the Lake Raleigh area. On the lake, two piers are popular for sport fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and catfish. A dedicated boat launch allows visitors to explore the lake on non-motorized craft such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.