From hiking trails and greenways to scenic lakes and public gardens, Raleigh offers endless ways to get outdoors, whether you want to relax, exercise or explore.

By Kendall Campos & Ayn-Monique Klahre

Raleigh makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city behind. Known as the City of Oaks, Raleigh, NC, is home to wooded hiking trails, scenic lakes, public gardens and expansive parks that offer everything from energizing hikes to quiet picnic spots. Bike a stretch of the Capital Area Greenway, paddle on Lake Johnson in West Raleigh or take in skyline views from Dorothea Dix Park near downtown Raleigh. With mostly mild weather throughout the year, these Raleigh parks and nature spots stay accessible across the seasons, making them some of the best places for outdoor activities in Raleigh, whether you’re seeking adventure, exercise or a quiet place to relax.

Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

This sprawling park on the North Carolina Museum of Art grounds features various art installations, including Thomas Sayre’s iconic Gyre, a favorite postcard shot. Sit in the courtyard near the amphitheater for the shortest walk, head to the Ellipse lawn for the views or follow the trails deeper into the park to set up shop away from the crowd. Bonus: Picnicking here offers easy access to the museum, where you can find restrooms, coffee and to-go food options in the West Building — plus, all the incredible art in the People’s Collection.

2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Capital Area Greenway System

Raleigh’s extensive greenway system connects more than 100 miles of paved trails that wind through wetlands, forests, neighborhoods and along scenic waterways, offering some of the city’s most accessible outdoor recreation. Popular for walking, running and cycling, the network makes it easy to move between different parts of the city while staying surrounded by nature. One of its most scenic stretches is the Neuse River Trail, which follows the river through wooded corridors, open views and wetland habitats, with multiple access points that allow for anything from a short stroll to a full-day ride.

Various access points; raleighnc.gov

Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest

Just west of NC State’s Centennial Campus, Schenck Forest offers a quieter, research-driven take on Raleigh’s outdoor spaces. Managed by NC State’s College of Natural Resources, this working forest reflects the legacy of Carl Alwin Schenck, a pioneer in American forestry education and the founder of the Biltmore Forest School in western North Carolina. Today, its network of unpaved trails winds through pine stands and gently rolling terrain, making it a low-key destination for hiking, trail running and environmental study.

Reedy Creek Road; schenckforest.ncsu.edu

Dorothea Dix Park

At 308 acres, Dix Park is one of Raleigh’s largest parks. A favorite picnic spot is Flowers Field, which offers a photogenic view of the downtown skyline (and a glimpse of the new Dambo trolls!). For a quieter picnic, set up near the trio of Stone Houses, either in the courtyard or nearby groves, where you can find public restrooms as well as vending machines. If you’re bringing the family or want a little more energy to your alfresco meal, you might want to set up shop by the Gipson Play Plaza. There are tons of spots to sit (bring a blanket!) as well as grills to use in the gardens near the House of Many Porches. There, you can also find restrooms — plus beer, wine, to-go sandwiches, and dips and crackers to feed a crew.

1030 Richardson Drive; dorotheadixpark.org

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Just north of the city, Falls Lake offers miles of forested trails that weave between quiet coves, sandy shorelines and deep stretches of pine and oak forest. The terrain feels more remote than its proximity suggests, making it a favorite for longer hikes and weekend resets.

13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest; ncparks.gov

Historic Oak View County Park

For people who love to daydream about moving to the country, this Wake County-run historic park offers a chance to live out those fantasies. There, you’ll find multiple places to enjoy a meal, including a pecan grove, picturesque white gazebos and the lawn, which is not far from the animals on the property (including goats and chickens!). There are restrooms in the visitors center, where you can find history exhibits and activities for kids.

4028 Carya Drive; wake.gov

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Step back in time at this historic spot off Lake Wheeler Road. Here, you’ll find a park surrounding the 20-acre Yates Mill Pond, where you can enjoy the sound of the water coming from the county’s oldest still-running water-powered grist mill. Set up in the picnic shelters around the property, on the benches at the pond overlook or, if it’s not too crowded, on the boulders near the waterfall. Before or after, walk the trails that circle the lake. There are public restrooms in the visitors center.

4620 Lake Wheeler Road; wake.gov

JC Raulston Arboretum

This botanical garden associated with North Carolina State University boasts an expansive collection of native and exotic plants, with something to see at every turn. Visit the Japanese Garden, Elm Circle or Finley-Nottingham Rose Garden to see what’s in bloom — with 10 acres to meander, there are a variety of different settings to explore. Find public restrooms in the visitors center.

4415 Beryl Road; jcra.ncsu.edu

Lake Johnson Park

Centered around a calm urban lake, this park features a mix of wooded boardwalks and lakeside trails that balance convenience with an immersive natural feel. The loop trail offers water views, occasional wildlife sightings and a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown. 

4601 Avent Ferry, Raleigh; raleighnc.gov

Moore Square

Nestled right into downtown, Moore Square is a great spot for people-watching, especially on evenings and weekends. Here, you’ll find a wide-open lawn, small play area, picnic tables and bench seating along its sidewalks, plus public restrooms and the Lucky Tree Bakery and Coffeehouse on the grounds.

201 S. Blount Street; raleighnc.gov

Raleigh-Durham International Airport Observation Park

This off-the-radar spot is perfect for families or a creative date night. Situated near the airport’s traffic control tower (the corner of Business Street and International Drive on airport grounds), enjoy excellent runway views of flights arriving and departing on the second level of this open-air, shaded overlook, plus a ground-level grassy area with a few picnic benches and play structures, public restrooms and free parking.

W. International Drive, Morrisville; rdu.com/observation-park

Raleigh Rose Garden

Maintained by city employees and volunteers, the Raleigh Rose Garden offers beautiful scents and colors in the warmer months, with a wide lawn surrounded by tall, old-growth trees and arbors that make it feel like a scene out of The Secret Garden. Hang out in the garden itself or get creative and meander over to the amphitheater. There are no restrooms on site.

301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org

William B. Umstead State Park

Built in 1810, a mill flourished here for about a century before the family moved. Then the mill and the surrounding farmland, which had been worked to depletion, were purchased by the federal government, trees were replanted and the area eventually became Umstead State Park. Today, there are plentiful options for hiking and biking — and you can still see remains of a dam wall, as well as a millstone, just off the trail on the north bank of Crabtree Creek.

2100 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary; ncparks.gov

WRAL Azalea Gardens

At this 1.5-acre park, you’ll find fountains, artwork and peaceful trails underneath tall trees that make you feel like you’re worlds away from the buzz of the nearby Western Boulevard. This secluded, prolific floral oasis is particularly beautiful in early spring, when it’s alive with color from all the blooming azaleas and rhododendrons.

2619 Western Boulevard; wralgardens.com

A version of this article was first published in the 2026 issue of OUR TOWN.