The best running trails in Guilford County

Lace up your jogging shoes for the Greensboro Country Park loop via Auto Tour Road, a moderate 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route that offers a refreshing escape. You'll navigate a paved path through wooded areas and open green spaces, enjoying the park's tranquil atmosphere. The trail features two prominent fishing lakes, providing scenic views as you complete the loop. With an elevation gain of 154 feet (47 metres), this route is achievable in about 38 minutes, making it perfect for a consistent, enjoyable jog.

Planning your visit to Greensboro Country Park is straightforward, with generally available parking making access easy. The park provides amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, adding to your convenience before or after your jog. The Auto Tour Road itself is frequently designated for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience away from vehicle traffic. For a more peaceful outing, consider heading out during off-peak hours when the trail is less crowded.

This route stands out as a green oasis, offering a welcome break from city life with its sprawling natural setting. Beyond the loop, you have the option to connect with the adjacent Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, where you can explore historical sites and monuments. It's a great way to combine your fitness routine with a touch of local history and natural beauty, all within a well-maintained park environment.

Embark on a moderate jogging route through the Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Richardson-Taylor Preserve, covering 8.3 miles (13.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 293 feet (89 metres). You can expect to complete this scenic journey in about 1 hour and 34 minutes. As you jog, you will pass through shaded forests and wetlands, with the path winding around streams that offer beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for the impressive beaver dam, which includes benches for a short break.

Planning your visit to the Richardson-Taylor Preserve is straightforward, as the area is generally considered accessible and family-friendly. The trails mostly have easy grades, making for a pleasant jogging experience. While the surfaces are predominantly unpaved and natural, be aware that they can become muddy in spots after rain. Parking is available on site, and you will also find picnic areas if you wish to extend your stay.

This section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a diverse array of species among its varied natural features. The preserve's combination of forests and wetlands creates a rich ecosystem, making it a notable spot for experiencing local wildlife. It provides a generally accessible and engaging outdoor experience, perfect for a refreshing jog surrounded by nature.

The Hamilton Lakes Park Trail offers an easy jogging experience through a natural wooded environment. You'll find yourself surrounded by mature trees and a thick understory as you follow the route, enjoying picturesque views of Hamilton Lake. This pleasant 3.0-mile (4.9 km) route involves a gentle 84 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy 33-minute jog perfect for a refreshing outdoor workout.

Accessing the trail is straightforward, as it's conveniently located within Greensboro, North Carolina. You'll find ample parking available directly within Hamilton Lakes Park, making it easy to start your jog. The path itself is wide and well-maintained, welcoming joggers, walkers, and families alike. It's a popular spot, so consider an early morning or late afternoon visit if you prefer fewer people.

Beyond the pleasant jogging, the route is notable for its abundant wildlife. As you move along, keep an eye out for various water birds near the lake. You might also spot nesting owls and hawks among the mature trees. This makes the trail a great location for wildlife observation, adding another layer to your outdoor experience.

Embark on the Great Blue Heron Loop Trail for a refreshing jogging experience through varied landscapes. This moderate route spans 3.7 miles (5.9 km) and features a gentle elevation gain of 127 feet (39 metres), making it achievable in about 43 minutes. As you jog, you will pass through mature upland hardwoods, bottomland woods, pine forests, and open meadows, with picturesque views along the Haw River.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trailhead is easily accessible, typically requiring only a short walk from the nearby parking area. You will find convenient restroom facilities and picnic tables available at the parking lot. The path itself is well-maintained and clearly marked with mile markers every quarter mile, which is helpful for tracking your progress during your run.

This trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in the diverse natural setting of Haw River State Park. The largely shaded environment provides a serene escape where you might spot various wildlife species. It stands out as a popular choice for outdoor jogging in the area, known for its undulating yet not overly strenuous terrain.

Jog the Bicentennial Greenway, a moderate 7.7-mile (12.3 km) route in Guilford County with varied terrain and scenic views.

Jog this moderate 7.1-mile loop along the Bicentennial and High Point Greenways, featuring diverse scenery and High Point Lake.

This moderate 6.8-mile jogging loop in Lake Brandt offers diverse scenery, including woodlands, a bamboo forest, and creek views.

Jog the moderate 4.6-mile Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway through diverse scenery, including forests, wetlands, and views of Lake Brandt.

Jogging the Latham Park and Downtown Greenway Loop offers an easy 4.6-mile paved route through park settings and urban art in Greensboro.