TOWN OF CARY GREENWAYS & TRAILS

Quick Links | What & Why? | Greenway & Trail List | Rules | Topics | Greenway Committee |

The Town of Cary has historically supported and developed opportunities for pedestrian use of its parks and surroundings. Within its parks, there are numerous miles of natural walking trails. Complimenting these trails within the parks is a system of greenways that the Town continues to develop.

A greenway is a linear parcel of land set aside to preserve open space. Greenways are generally located in floodplain areas, along wooded stream corridors unsuitable for development. Often these corridors that harbor Cary’s greenway trails provide access to these pristine areas that otherwise would have been lost. Since 1980, the Town of Cary has been building greenways to bring open spaces within easy walking distance of our homes. Greenways are an environmental, economic, and recreational resource for all to enjoy.

Town of Cary greenways and trails are open from sunrise to sunset. For some of those greenways located outside of parks, the Town of Cary does not provide off-street parking for all of its trails. Keep in mind when trying to locate a greenway trail that parking is not always provided and parking on streets is required to access many trails. Please be considerate of private property nearby when parking. For additional information, see the rules and regulation section.


What and Why…
Greenways enhance our lives in many ways by:

  • Providing a recreational amenity for walking, jogging, and bicycling in a natural setting remote from traffic;
  • Preserving pristine open space to enhance Cary's quality of life;
  • Linking our neighborhoods with parks, schools, community centers, and other neighborhoods;
  • Helping control stormwater runoff, curb erosion, and minimize flooding which can damage our property;
  • Improving Cary's water quality by buffering streams, filtering pollutants, and recharging our groundwater;
  • Adding value to our property by merit of proximity.

Greenway Master Plan
In 2003, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Facilities Plan was approved, including the Greenway Recommendations component. The recommended system totals more than 174 miles. This includes over 115 miles of greenways, 50 miles of multi-use trails and eight miles of sidewalk connectors. View the Parks, Greenways and Bikeways Master Plan.


Town of Cary Greenway and Trail Locations:

Trails within Parks Distance (miles)/ Surface
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve 2.0/ unpaved
Bond Park 4.2/ unpaved
North Cary Park 1.2/ paved & unpaved
Green Hope Elementary School Park  .6/ paved & unpaved
White Oak Park  .3/ paved
Robert V. Godbold Park    .5/ paved
   
Greenways
Annie Jones Greenway 1.26/ paved & unpaved
Higgins Greenway  .4/ unpaved
Pirates Cove Greenway  .7/ unpaved
Hinshaw Greenway  .8/ paved
Black Creek Greenway 2.5/ paved
Parkway Greenway   .8/ paved
Swift Creek Greenway  .9/ paved
Oxxford Hunt Greenway 1.5/ unpaved
Symphony Lake Trail 1.22/ paved
White Oak Greenway 1.0/ paved


Town of Cary Greenway and Trail Locations:
The Town of Cary greenway system consists of 27 different greenway trails totaling over 34 miles in length. See Cary’s Bike and Hike Map.

Rules and Regulations:

  • Greenways are for your use during the daylight hours.
  • Greenways are safe places, but it’s always best to bring a friend with you…and more fun too!
  • Unauthorized motor vehicles and horseback riding are not allowed.
  • Litter can spoil the natural beauty around you. Please help keep Cary’s greenways clean.
  • Pets are welcome, but please keep them on a leash.
  • Please leave all plant life for others to enjoy.
  • The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

Greenway & Trail Topics :


Greenway Committee - Volunteer Citizen Advisory Committee to the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board



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