Parks & Outdoors
10,000 Acres of
Green Space
Raleigh earned its "City of Oaks" nickname honestly. With over 10,000 acres of parkland and more than 100 miles of connected greenway trails, getting outside is second nature here.
Whether you want to stroll through a sculpture park, hike through a forest minutes from downtown, paddleboard on a lake, or chase a sunset across rolling hills, Raleigh's outdoor scene delivers. The city has invested heavily in connecting its green spaces, and the result is one of the most walkable and bikeable mid-size cities in the South.
Must-Visit Parks
Dorothea Dix Park
Raleigh's flagship urban park with sweeping downtown skyline views, rolling hills, and the iconic seasonal sunflower field. Currently being transformed into a world-class city park.
William B. Umstead State Park
A massive forest preserve just minutes from downtown with hiking, biking, horse trails, and three lakes. The perfect escape without leaving the city.
NC Museum of Art Park
Walk among large-scale outdoor sculptures on rolling green hills. The museum itself is free, and the park is open dawn to dusk every day.
Pullen Park
The oldest operating amusement park in North Carolina, featuring a carousel, kiddie rides, pedal boats, and a small train. A Raleigh tradition since 1887.
Lake Johnson Park
A serene lake surrounded by walking trails, perfect for fishing, paddleboarding, or a quiet morning jog. One of Raleigh's most peaceful spots.
Shelley Lake Park
A 2-mile loop trail around a scenic lake, popular with joggers, cyclists, and families. The Sertoma Arts Center is located right on the grounds.
Don't Miss
The Museum Park
The NC Museum of Art Park is unlike anything else in the Southeast. Imagine walking through rolling green hills dotted with massive art installations, all completely free and open from dawn to dusk. It's the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Raleigh.
Top Greenway Trails
Neuse River Greenway Trail
The crown jewel of Raleigh's greenway system, running along the Neuse River through forests and wetlands. Flat, paved, and gorgeous year-round.
American Tobacco Trail
A paved rail-trail connecting Durham through RTP to Wake County. Perfect for a long bike ride or run through diverse landscapes.
Capital Area Greenway
Raleigh's interconnected network of greenway trails weaving through neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas across the entire city.
From the Locals
Outdoor Tips & Tricks
Best Sunrise Spot
Dorothea Dix Park's hilltop offers unobstructed eastern views of the skyline. Arrive 20 minutes before sunrise.
Weekend Hike
Umstead State Park's Sycamore Trail (4 miles) is the perfect moderate hike. Bring water and bug spray in summer.
Family Outing
Pullen Park for the little ones, then walk to NC State's campus for ice cream at the Dairy Learning Center.
Dog-Friendly
Dorothea Dix Park and the Neuse River Greenway are both excellent off-leash areas with plenty of space to roam.
Every sunset in Raleigh tells a different story.