Attractions and Places To See around Wake Forest - Top 11
Best attractions and places to see around Wake Forest include a variety of outdoor spaces and trails. The region is characterized by its greenways and river systems, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. These areas often feature paved paths suitable for walking, cycling, and enjoying the natural landscape. Wake Forest offers a mix of natural beauty and accessible recreational facilities for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Wake Forest
- The most popular attractions is Skycrest Suspension Bridge, a bridge that spans the Neuse River. It is 275 feet long and features two 45-foot-tall steel towers.
- Another must-see spot is Neuse River Greenway Trail, a multi-use path stretching over 34 miles. It follows the Neuse River, offering tree-lined paths, river crossings, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Visitors also love Neuse River Trail, a paved greenway spanning 34.5 miles. This trail meanders alongside the Neuse River, connecting several towns in the region.
- Wake Forest is known for its extensive network of trails, bridges, and natural areas. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from long-distance greenways to scenic river crossings.
- The attractions around Wake Forest are appreciated by the komoot community, with 22 upvotes and 4 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Neuse River Greenway Trail
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Currently, there are closures between mile markers 13.75 and 17.25 until December 2024 and at mile marker 8 until January 2025, with a detour available for the latter. For the latest updates, including detour details, visit the City of Raleigh's trail page.
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Skycrest Suspension Bridge
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Neuse River Pedestrian Bridge
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Neuse River Trail
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Neuse River Trail
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The majority of the trail is in Wake County and changes name at the Johnston County line at mile marker 27.5. The remaining 7 miles consists of the Clayton Riverwalk and Sam's Branch Trail continues to the outskirts of downtown Clayton where it is simple to connect to the main street downtown for restaurants and coffee shops.
raleighnc.gov/places/neuse-river-greenway-trail
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Tips from the Community
This bridge offers stunning views of the Neuse River and the surrounding natural scenery, connecting the Neuse River Greenway and the Smith Creek Greenway
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The Neuse River Greenway Trail stretches 34.6 miles from Falls Lake Dam to the Sam's Branch Greenway in Clayton. This multi-use path runs along the Neuse River with lush, tree-lined paths and multiple river crossings over bridges, including two suspension bridges. There are also short boardwalks through wetland areas that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. On the southern end, the trail merges with the Clayton River Walk, extending the river's scenic views over an additional 4 miles. The trail connects to several other paths, including the Abbotts Creek Trail and Walnut Creek Trail, and is part of the East Coast Greenway network. There is drinking water and restrooms at the Buffaloe Road Athletic Park and Anderson Point Park. Currently, there are closures between mile markers 13.75 and 17.25 until December 2024 and at mile marker 8 until January 2025, with a detour available for the latter. For the latest updates, including detour details, visit the City of Raleigh's trail page.
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Spanning 34.5 miles, The Neuse River Trail traces a paved greenway in the Raleigh region of North Carolina. It meanders alongside the Neuse River, extending from Falls Lake Dam to Clayton town. This scenic route traverses Raleigh, Wake Forest, Knightdale, and Clayton, spanning Wake and Johnston counties.
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This is one of two suspension bridges that span the Neuse River. The bridge is 275 feet long and has two 45-foot-tall steel towers.
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The Neuse River Bridge is situated along the Neuse River Trail and passes the name giving river. From here you can connect to the Smith Creek Greenway.
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Please, for the sake of the hundreds of walkers, joggers and young kids on the Greenway- SLOW DOWN ! The speed limit is 10mph, (not 20+mph as most 2 wheel cyclists thinkā¦ ) Be safe and be considerate of everyone else and stay under the speed limit. Thank you for slowing down!
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The Neuse River Trail combined with the Clayton Riverwalk and the Sam's Branch Trail creates a 34.5 mile paved, traffic free greenway from the Falls River Dam in Raleigh to Clayton, NC. The trail is a segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail which runs west to east across North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Outer Banks. It is also a segment of the East Coast Greenway. The majority of the trail is in Wake County and changes name at the Johnston County line at mile marker 27.5. The remaining 7 miles consists of the Clayton Riverwalk and Sam's Branch Trail continues to the outskirts of downtown Clayton where it is simple to connect to the main street downtown for restaurants and coffee shops. raleighnc.gov/places/neuse-river-greenway-trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions in Wake Forest?
Yes, Wake Forest offers several family-friendly attractions. The Skycrest Suspension Bridge is a popular spot, and the Neuse River Greenway Trail is excellent for walks and bike rides with children, featuring lush paths and river crossings. The Wake Forest Reservoir also provides trails suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Wake Forest is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For specific routes and difficulty levels, explore the easy hikes around Wake Forest, MTB trails around Wake Forest, or road cycling routes around Wake Forest.
Are there wheelchair-accessible trails or parks in Wake Forest?
Yes, the Neuse River Trail is a paved greenway spanning 34.5 miles and is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Simms Branch Trail is another scenic paved path that is also wheelchair accessible.
Where can I go for wildlife viewing in the Wake Forest area?
The Neuse River Greenway Trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially along its boardwalks through wetland areas. Keep an eye out for various birds and other local fauna as you explore the riverbanks.
What are some popular hiking trails around Wake Forest?
Popular hiking trails include the Neuse River Greenway Trail, which offers a long, scenic path along the river. For a different experience, the Wake Forest Reservoir also features dedicated trails for hiking. You can find more options in the easy hikes around Wake Forest guide.
Are there any suspension bridges to visit?
Yes, the Skycrest Suspension Bridge is a notable attraction. It spans the Neuse River, measuring 275 feet long with two 45-foot-tall steel towers, offering unique views.
What is the best time of year to visit Wake Forest attractions?
The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Wake Forest's outdoor attractions, with comfortable temperatures for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the greenways. Summer can be warm, but still suitable for early morning or late afternoon activities. Winter hiking is also possible, though some amenities might be limited.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the Neuse River Greenway Trail?
When visiting the Neuse River Greenway Trail, be aware that there may be occasional closures for maintenance or construction. It's advisable to check the City of Raleigh's trail page for the latest updates, including any detours, before your visit. The trail offers drinking water and restrooms at Buffaloe Road Athletic Park and Anderson Point Park.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the hiking trails?
While specific cafes directly on every trail might be limited, many of the larger parks and trailheads, such as those along the Neuse River Greenway Trail, offer facilities like restrooms and drinking water. For cafes, you would typically find them in the nearby towns and communities that the trails connect or pass through, such as Wake Forest, Raleigh, or Clayton.
What makes the Neuse River Trail unique?
The Neuse River Trail is unique for its extensive length, spanning 34.5 miles as a paved greenway. It meanders alongside the Neuse River, connecting several towns including Raleigh, Wake Forest, Knightdale, and Clayton, offering a continuous scenic route through Wake and Johnston counties.
Are there any hidden gems for outdoor enthusiasts in Wake Forest?
Beyond the well-known greenways, the Wake Forest Reservoir, once a primary drinking water source, has transformed into a popular destination with numerous trails for running, hiking, and biking, offering a quieter outdoor experience. The Simms Branch Trail also provides a beautiful paved greenway connecting to Durant Nature Park, which can feel like a peaceful escape.
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