The best running trails in North Carolina

The Al Buehler Trail offers a serene, tree-lined escape into nature, primarily consisting of hard-packed dirt and crushed gravel that's forgiving on your joints. You'll wind through heavily shaded woods, circling the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Course, passing by a tranquil pond and marsh areas, and crossing a charming footbridge over Sandy Creek. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species, as you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

This popular jogging loop is a moderate 3.1-mile (5.1 km) route with 173 feet (53 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 33 minutes to complete. While generally accessible, be aware that the trail can get muddy after significant rainfall, and some of the rolling hills, particularly near Cornwallis Road, can be quite strenuous. It's a great option for building endurance or enjoying a shaded walk, but remember there's no lighting, so plan your visit during daylight hours.

Named in honor of the renowned Duke and Olympic track and field coach Al Buehler, this trail is a local favorite for its measured course with quarter-mile and 1k markers, perfect for tracking progress. It also connects to the Sally Meyerhoff Fitness Loop, offering additional exercise stations. You'll find emergency call boxes and water fountains (some with doggie bowls) along the way, making it a well-equipped and dog-friendly option for your outdoor activity.

The Cape Fear River Trail offers a diverse jogging experience, blending wide paved paths with sections of packed dirt, gravel, and extensive wooden boardwalks through marshlands. You'll feel immersed in nature as you pass through woodlands, with interpretive signs highlighting the rich biodiversity of over 700 plant species and 150 bird species. While generally moderate, the northern half, particularly near the Jordan Soccer Complex, presents some "pretty decent ascents" for a more challenging workout, making this 13.9-mile (22.3 km) route with 325 feet (99 metres) of gain a varied run that takes about 2 hours and 18 minutes.

For planning your visit, you'll find restrooms at key access points like the Jordan Soccer Complex and Clark Park Nature Center, where parking is also available. The trail is open year-round, but an early morning or late afternoon jog is often best to avoid the midday heat, especially during warmer seasons. Remember to carry sufficient water, as some stretches are quite long, and security call boxes are intermittently placed for peace of mind.

This trail is a significant segment of the East Coast Greenway, connecting Maine to Key West, Florida, and is celebrated for its accessibility and unique structures like the covered bridge and over 1,000 feet of boardwalks. It also connects to Cross Creek Linear Park and offers access to 11 miles of mountain bike trails, making it a hub for various outdoor activities and a great way to explore the natural beauty of the Fayetteville area.

The Shelley Lake Trail offers a delightful escape into nature right in Raleigh, providing a scenic paved loop around the 53-acre Shelley Lake. As you jog, you'll enjoy continuous water views, often spotting geese, turtles, and fish, while the path meanders through a pleasant mix of shaded forested areas and open fields. Boardwalks add to the varied scenery, making it easy to forget you're in the city and providing a consistently engaging experience for runners.

This easy 2.2-mile (3.5 km) jogging route, with a minimal 91 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, is typically completed in just 22 minutes, making it ideal for a quick workout or a relaxing outing. Parking is available at the park, and you'll find convenient amenities like restrooms and exercise stations along the way. The trail also connects to the broader Capital Area Greenway Trail System, allowing for longer runs if you wish to explore further.

Shelley Lake is a highly popular destination, known for its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere, and is a favored spot for jogging in Raleigh. Beyond the trail itself, the park hosts the Sertoma Art Center and offers playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great place for a full day out. The diverse wildlife, from waterfowl to fish, adds a peaceful, natural element to your run.

The Peninsula Trail offers a delightful jogging experience along the shores of Harris Lake in North Carolina, guiding you through a mix of longleaf pine and mixed oak/hickory hardwood forests. You'll encounter a natural bridge between White Oak Creek and Harris Lake, providing a scenic highlight as you move through varied tree cover. This route is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of lakeside views and woodland tranquility, with opportunities to observe local wildlife like deer or waterfowl.

Planning your visit to the Peninsula Trail is straightforward; it's generally accessible, though arriving earlier in the day is always a good strategy for popular trails to secure parking. The trail is dog-friendly, so your leashed companion can join you. With its moderate difficulty and relatively short duration, it's an excellent choice for a refreshing jog during most seasons, offering a quick escape into nature.

This 5.6-mile (9.0 km) jogging route, with a gentle 95 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in approximately 57 minutes. It's a moderate trail that stands out for its consistent lakeside scenery and diverse forest habitats, providing a peaceful environment for your workout. While you might catch a glimpse of the Harris Nuclear Plant from a viewpoint, the primary draw is the natural beauty and the chance to connect with the local ecosystem.

The Oklawaha Greenway provides a serene escape on a paved path, perfect for a leisurely jog or stroll through Hendersonville's natural beauty. As you move along the 10-foot-wide asphalt, you'll pass through diverse landscapes, from open meadows to shaded forests, often paralleling the gentle flow of Mud Creek. The trail's flat terrain and a unique boardwalk leading to an observation deck make it an engaging experience for all, offering glimpses of local wildlife and a variety of native plants.

Planning your visit is simple, with numerous parking areas providing easy access to the greenway. You'll find helpful amenities like water fountains and bicycle FixIt Stations along the route, ensuring a comfortable outing. While the trail is generally very accessible, it's wise to check for recent weather advisories, as some low-lying sections near Jackson Park can experience flooding after heavy rainfall. This makes it a great option for a casual jog any time of day, especially when you want to avoid more rugged trails.

Connecting five local parks, including Jackson Park and Patton Park, the Oklawaha Greenway serves as a vital community link and a hub for outdoor activity. It's particularly notable for its birdwatching opportunities, recognized by the Audubon Society, and the Born Learning Trail at the Berkeley Park end offers an interactive experience for younger visitors. This greenway is an excellent choice for family friendly jogging, providing a safe and scenic environment for all ages to enjoy.

The American Tobacco Trail offers a unique jogging experience, transitioning from the urban bustle of Durham to the tranquil, tree-lined expanses of rural North Carolina. You'll find yourself moving from paved asphalt in the north to softer crushed granite and stone surfaces further south, winding through dense pine forests, past open farm fields, and over charming old railroad bridges that span local creeks. The extensive tree canopy provides ample shade, and the chance to spot wildlife like herons and deer adds to the natural appeal of this smooth, well-maintained route.

This extensive multi-use rail-trail provides numerous access points and convenient parking facilities along its considerable length, making it easy to plan your run. You'll also appreciate the practical amenities such as water fountains and restrooms available at various points, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported outing. It's a fantastic option for long training runs or a leisurely jog, with its consistent, gentle profile.

Originally an old railroad corridor for the American Tobacco Company, this trail has been creatively repurposed into a vital recreational asset, spanning 20.5 miles (33.0 km) across three counties. Despite its official 'difficult' rating, the route features a modest 558 feet (170 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 3 hours and 25 minutes, making it a popular destination for events like marathons due to its flat nature. It also forms a key part of the broader East Coast Greenway system, connecting communities and offering a significant network for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Apex Community Lake Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, circling the picturesque 50-acre Apex Lake. This 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop is mostly paved, providing a smooth surface for jogging, and features gentle inclines with only 65 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain. You'll pass through natural wooded areas, enjoy scenic lake views, and might even spot blue herons or turtles near the Fishing Dock, making it a serene experience that takes around 22 minutes.

Part of the larger Apex Community Park, this trail is highly accessible and multi-use, welcoming strollers, cyclists, and leashed dogs. While it's an excellent choice for beginner joggers or a quick, refreshing run, it can get busy during peak morning and early afternoon hours. The park also provides amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it convenient for a family outing.

What makes this trail a local gem is its blend of accessibility and natural beauty within an urban setting. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife spotting and offers a consistent, pleasant environment for exercise. The park's extensive facilities, including sports fields and playgrounds, mean you can easily combine your jog with other recreational activities, making it a versatile destination for all ages.

The Lake Crabtree Loop Trail offers a dynamic jogging experience, winding for 5.6 miles (9.1 km) around the lake with a gentle 95 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 56 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a mix of surfaces, from unpaved dirt paths through woodlands to asphalt sections and a notable 730-foot concrete boardwalk that provides unique perspectives over the water. The route is rated moderate, balancing mostly flat stretches with some manageable hilly sections and varied terrain, making it engaging for many joggers.

When planning your visit, remember this is a multi-use trail, so you'll be sharing space with mountain bikers; stay alert and be courteous. The trail is well-equipped with amenities like water fountains and restrooms near observation decks, and it links up with other greenways, including the Black Creek and Crabtree Creek Greenways. Always check the trail's current status before heading out, as parts can be closed due to flooding or muddy conditions, especially after heavy rain.

Lake Crabtree County Park is a significant recreational hub, and this loop is a prime example of its offerings. As you jog, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as bald eagles and blue herons, particularly around scenic spots like the Heather Lee Carr Memorial Overlook. The varied terrain and continuous lake views provide a refreshing escape, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced workout in a natural setting.

The Greensboro Country Park loop via Auto Tour Road offers a refreshing jogging experience on mostly paved paths, winding through tranquil wooded areas and open green spaces. This moderate 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route features a gentle 154 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 38 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy picturesque views of the park's two prominent fishing lakes, making it a scenic and accessible option for a quick workout or leisurely run.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple parking lots available for easy access to the Greensboro Country Park jogging trails. The Auto Tour Road is specifically designated for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience away from traffic. It's a great spot for families, with amenities like dog parks and playgrounds, and generally suitable for all skill levels.

Beyond the jogging route, the park is integrated into the Battleground Parks District, offering a chance to explore historical monuments from the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Its proximity to the Greensboro Science Center also provides additional attractions like an aquarium and animal exhibits, making the area a versatile destination for a full day out.