wellness
Raleigh Locals Flock to Hidden Trails Tourists Keep Missing
Raleigh residents are flocking to unmarked trails and quiet greenways this summer to escape crowds and heat while staying active.
How we reported this
Residents in Raleigh's Five Points neighborhood have quietly increased their use of unmarked paths off Oberlin Road since the start of June, logging more than 1,200 visits through the Capital Area Greenway app in the first week of July alone.
The shift comes as city data shows outdoor fitness participation rising 18 percent year-over-year, driven by longer daylight hours and new wellness programs that encourage daily movement without gym fees.
Two spots stand out among locals. The narrow loop behind Lake Johnson Nature Preserve, reached via a gravel turnout on Avent Ferry Road, offers a 2.3-mile shaded route that stays 10 degrees cooler than the main boardwalk. A second favorite is the 1.8-mile connector trail that begins at the back of Anderson Point Park on Poole Road and winds through wetland edges without any signage.
Access points and daily routines
Many walkers start at the small parking area near the intersection of Six Forks Road and Millbrook Road, then cross into the Reedy Creek section before 8 a.m. to avoid afternoon humidity. The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department lists these segments on its interactive map but does not promote them on tourist brochures.
Usage records from the same department show 47,000 greenway check-ins in May 2026, up from 39,500 the previous year. Monthly guided walks run by the Raleigh Parks Foundation cost $8 for non-members and include water stations at the Lake Johnson and Anderson Point trailheads.
Practical steps for first-time walkers
Locals recommend downloading the city's free trail app, carrying at least 20 ounces of water, and parking at the Millbrook Road entrance before 7:30 a.m. on weekdays. Those routes connect directly to bus stops on Route 6, allowing residents without cars to reach the paths in under 15 minutes from downtown.
City staff plan to add two new water refill stations along the Reedy Creek segment by September, following resident requests submitted at the June parks board meeting.