Capital Area Greenway Trail System

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Sign along Walnut Creek Trail

 

Image of the Capital Area Greenway System Map

 

Entrance to a Greenway Trail

 

The Capital Area Greenway System is a network of public open spaces and recreational trails which provides for activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, bird watching, nature study, fishing, picnicking and outdoor fun. The trails connect many of Raleigh's parks and in many cases provide a complement to the recreational activities at the parks. Many of the city's major ecological features can be experienced in their natural state along the Greenway. A major goal of the Greenway Program is to establish a closed network of interconnected trails.

The Capital Area Greenway System became a reality in March 1974 after citizens became concerned over rapid growth and urbanization. The City of Raleigh responded with the Greenway master plan which permitted urban development while preserving Raleigh's characteristic natural beauty. The idea has developed into a 77-mile, 3700-acre system and continues to grow. All of the Greenways and parks are yours to use and enjoy, so please help us to keep them safe and in good condition. If you see something needing repair or correction, please call the Parks and Recreation Department maintenance office at 919-996-4115.

Navigating the Greenway Trails
The Parks and Recreation Department periodically produces a map of the Capital Area Greenway System. The Capital Area Greenway System Map shows existing and planned trails, parking areas with trail access, as well as select Parks and Recreation facilities. This map is available at no cost and is available at community centers, the Parks and Recreation Department Administrative office located on the sixth floor of the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex, or by calling 919-996-4776.

A new resource provided by the Parks and Recreation Department is a KML file of the greenway trails. This KML file can be opened in Google Earth or other "earth viewer" applications. For further information on how to view this KML, please read one of the instruction documents below.

Viewing the Greenway Trails KML using Firefox and Google Earth
Viewing the Greenway Trails KML using Firefox and Google Maps