Symphony Lake Greenway, Cary NC
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
(Trail head parking lot is just off of Regency Parkway)

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This 1.8 mile greenway encircles Symphony Lake along a smooth asphalt trail and skirts the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.  The Symphony Lake greenway heads out to the west of the lake across a flood plain and connects to an asphalt greenway that winds along the western side of Regency Parkway finishing at Glade Park Road. The trail can be used for walking, running, bicycling, leashed dogs, skating, roller blading, pushing strollers, and wheelchairs.
1.35 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive
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Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary

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Home to a unique community of Eastern Hemlock trees and other mountain plant species, access to approximately 3 miles of mulched nature trails, scenic overlooks, excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities and areas for quiet nature reflection. The preserve is also the home of the Stevens Nature Center which provides interactive, educational nature exhibits and historical exhibits from the Piedmont of North Carolina.  It also provides nature interpretation and environmental education programs for all ages throughout the year. Open9 a.m. - sunset, seven days a week. Stevens Nature Centeropen10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday
5.09 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive
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Swift Creek Greenway
Harold D. Ritter Park Connector, 301 Lochmere Drive West, Cary

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A 1.20 mile trail constructed of recycled asphalt and is the nation's first greenway to be built completely with recycled products.  This trail runs along the northern border between Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Ritter Park where an abundance of wildlife can often be viewed.  The trail also runs along Swift Creek. The main trailhead is located at Ritter Park, where parking is also provided. The trail can be used for walking, running, bicycling, walking leashed dogs, skating, roller blading, pushing strollers, wheelchairs.
2.23 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive
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Lake Wheeler Park
6404 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh

An 800 acre park including a 650 acre lake. This park is used primarily for boating activities. Rent a boat, pay a fee to launch your own boat, participate in fishing rod and reel loaner program. There is also a concession stand to purchase a drink or snack. Open daily from dawn to dusk, closed on Mondays from October to March.
9.85 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive
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Lake Johnson Park
4601 Avent Ferry Rd. Raleigh

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This is a 300 acre park, including a 150 acre lake. There are 3.5 miles of paved greenway trails and 1.9 miles of unpaved trails. You can rent a boat, pay for a private launch, sign up for a class, check out a free rod and reel or grab a snack before you hit the trail. Open daily from dawn to dusk (closed Mondays from October - March). Fishing is permitted from the boardwalk, rental boats, or personal boats. Biking is allowed only on the paved greenway and the woodchip trail leading to the boardwalk at the headwaters of the lake.
6.22 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive
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Yates Mill County Park  
4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh

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The centerpiece of this 174-acre park (which includes a 20-acre Mill Pond, environmental research center, and wildlife refuge is Historic Yates Mill, which is the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County.  The park was developed by, and is managed through, a partnership effort among Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space, NC State University, and the non-profit group Yates Mill Associates (YMA).  The park is open 7 days per week, from 8 a.m. to sunset except for holidays. Yates Mill Park features a pond and wetlands separated by a ridge, and a variety of woodlands, all on only 574 acres. Unusually diverse, the park's important inhabitants include the northern water snake, painted turtle, beaver, river otter, green heron, and kingfisher. There are 3 different marked trails, all of which are about 1 mile in length.
7.95 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive
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Harris Lake County Park
2112 County Park Drive, New Hill

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This 680-acre park is situated on a peninsula near the Shearon Harris Reservoir in New Hill, N.C.  There is a brightly colored sensory garden, the Hog Run Mountain Bike Trail, a disc golf course and fishing is permitted. The Hog Run Mountain Bike Trail consists of a series of loops designed for any skill level. The Peninsula Trail has several different routes, and the entire trail is nearly 5 miles in length. This trail goes along the lake shore through a variety of forest habitats, including a longleaf pine stand and mixed oak/hickory hardwoods. If you're quiet, you may catch a glimpse of a deer, turkey or a variety of waterfowl along the way.
12.86 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive.
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Apex Community Park
2200 Laura Duncan Road, Apex

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This is a 160 acre Community Park, including a 50+ acre lake and fishing dock, with ball fields, batting cages, soccer fields, volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground. There are over 3 miles of nature and fitness trails, including picnic areas, and grills. Hours of Operation:6:30 am - 10:00 pm (March through October), 6:30 am - 8:00 pm (November through February)
4.61 miles from intersection of Regency Parkway & Ederlee Drive.
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Lake Jordan Dam Trail
Jordan Dam Road

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Poe Ridge Trail is a 4.25 mile loop marked with red paint along Jordan Lake between the Visitor Assistance Center (VAC) at the dam and the Poe’s Ridge boat ramps. It contains 3 shortcuts marked with blue paint creating smaller loops ranging from 0.42 - 3.0 miles. Trail heads are located behind the VAC, boat ramp outhouse, & near the VAC gate for access after hours.

You can also park at the top of the dam and walk across the top of the dam to get impressive views of Jordan Lake.

You can also drive down to a parking lot below the dam where the discharge of water from Jordan Lake can be quite impressive after a period of heavy rain. There are rest rooms and picnic tables there as well as a fishing pier where you can fish (NC license required) or simply watch the many types of birds that also fish there (no license required).
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American Tobacco Trail
Wake County access points

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The Wake County portion of the American Tobacco Trail is a recreational rail-trail open to walkers, runners, dog walkers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Environmental and cultural history programs are also offered. This rail-trail project spans 23 miles, from rural New Hill in western Wake County, through northeast Chatham County, to downtown Durham, near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Currently, Wake County manages 6.5 miles, Chatham County has 4.7 miles, and Durham County has an 11.4-mile section.

 

Three parking areas provide easy access to the Wake County portion of the American Tobacco Trail: New Hill-Olive Chapel, Wimberly and White Oak Church. Two parking areas accommodate both personal vehicles and equestrian trailers: New Hill-Olive Chapel and White Oak Church. The Wimberly parking area is smaller and strictly for personal vehicles. A water fountain is also located at the Wimberly parking lot. Restroom facilities are available at the New Hill-Olive Chapel and White Oak Church lots.  All three areas have handicapped parking.
 

Ridge Trail is a 4.25 mile loop marked with red paint along Jordan Lake between the Visitor Assistance Center (VAC) at the dam and the Poe’s Ridge boat ramps. It contains 3 shortcuts marked with blue paint creating smaller loops ranging from 0.42 - 3.0 miles. Trail heads are located behind the VAC, boat ramp outhouse, & near the VAC gate for access after hours.
 

You can also park at the top of the dam and walk across the top of the dam to get impressive views of Jordan Lake.
 

You can drive down to a parking lot below the dam where the discharge of water from Jordan Lake can be quite impressive after a period of heavy rain. There are rest rooms and picnic tables there as well as a fishing pier where you can fish (NC license required) or simply watch the many types of birds that also fish there (no license required).
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