Fall foliage hiking in Raleigh can be just as breathtaking as romping through the mountains of North Carolina. If you like to hear the crunch of the leaves beneath your boots and smell the crispness of the autumn air as you leisurely stroll along, these four easy
hikes may be just what you are looking for.
William B. Umstead State Park Sals Branch Trail
8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 2761
This quick hike (just under 3 miles) offers gorgeous scenery with easy access to Big Lake. Sycamore Trail, a seven-mile trail offers lovely views of the bridge and can be accessed from the multi-use trail in the center of the park.
Lake Johnson West Loop Trail
4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
This rugged but short 1.5-mile hike is perfect for little feet and novice hikers. As always when hiking on unpaved terrain, watch for those tree roots. The East Loop Trail however offers paved trails (just under three miles) and a walk along the water.
North Carolina Museum of Art Park and Reedy Creek Greenway Trail
2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Nature and art merge beautifully along this lovely trail with an incredible backdrop of the museum’s iconic Gyre rings. You can take the paved trails in and out of the museum park while exploring the various public art installations. If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging hike, head deeper into the woods where you can access the Reedy Creek Greenway connecting to many cool Raleigh spots like Prairie Ridge Eco Station, Umstead Park or the Shenck Forest.
Yates Mill Park High Ridge & Mill Pond Trails
4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Less than ten minutes from downtown Raleigh, this historic park boasts 174 acres from what feels like yesteryear! The oldest still-operating water-powered grist mill in Wake County serves as the park’s centerpiece. The Mill Pond Trail (just one mile) and the High Ridge Trail will allow you to explore some lesser-known areas of the park crossing stone paths, climbing steps and exploring wetlands.
If heading west towards the Blue Ridge Mountains is not on your calendar, fall foliage hiking in Raleigh may be just the thing to help you get your autumn fix. Feel free to reach out to me if there is anything at all that I can help you with regarding the Raleigh and surrounding areas real estate market. I would love to connect with you on Facebook and Instagram as well.
