Family bike rides & greenways around Raleigh
Family rides live or die on the route: car-free paths, a destination treat, and gentle grades. Umstead's Reedy Creek entrance, the Black Creek Greenway and the American Tobacco Trail nail all three — here's how we ride them.
Map & places
7 of 7 places mapped
2139 Old Reedy Creek Road, Cary, North Carolina, 27513
The trailhead located between the Lake Crabtree dam and Old Reedy Creek Road provides access to the Black Creek Greenway, a 7-mile path that forms part of the East Coast Greenway. This scenic spot also connects to Umstead State Park, which features hiking, biking trails, and stunning overlooks of Lake Crabtree. Amenities at the trailhead include parking, restrooms, a bike repair station, and a small picnic shelter.
🚘 Distance: 366.0 miles away
2055 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513
The Black Creek Greenway is a popular 7.1-mile path that spans from Lake Crabtree to Bond Park in Cary, North Carolina. This trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, offering both a scenic and functional route for walkers, bikers, and runners. Along the way, it connects to the White Oak Greenway, which extends to the American Tobacco Trail. Facilities include restrooms and a variety of accessible surfaces for different outdoor activities.
🚘 Distance: 366.7 miles away
1017 Wimberly Road, Apex, NC 27523
The American Tobacco Trail stretches over 22 miles through North Carolina’s Triangle Region, passing through Durham, Chatham, and Wake counties, as well as the towns of Cary and Apex. This scenic rail-trail offers a peaceful route for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities, with connections to Lake Jordan and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. 📱 For those exploring the Wake County portion, you can enhance your visit with mobile tours and educational programs available through Wake County Parks & Recreation. These interactive tours provide insights into the trail’s history, ecology, and wildlife. 👉 Take a self-guided mobile tour
🚘 Distance: 367.1 miles away
2040 NW Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27513
Cary's Action Sports Park operates six days a week, weather permitting, offering a versatile course for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can use skateboards, inline and quad skates, non-folding scooters, and bikes without training wheels. The park also hosts special sessions such as RC Cars and Parkour events. A pro shop is available for equipment needs, and special hours are set aside for younger skaters, from noon to 1 p.m. on weekends.
🚘 Distance: 367.8 miles away
Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave Suite 1031, Raleigh, NC 27612
Raleigh Popsicle Co. offers a delightful selection of handmade, fresh fruit popsicles. Whether you're enjoying a cool treat on your own or sharing a fun moment with friends, our friendly atmosphere and attentive staff ensure a memorable experience. We also offer a unique bike cart service for events, bringing joy to any celebration.
🚘 Distance: 369.4 miles away
319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
This craft brewery and tasting room in downtown Raleigh is known for its high-quality beers, including the award-winning American Belgo Whitewall Wheat, which earned a gold medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2016 at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery fosters a love for beer and bikes, offering a cozy space for local beer enthusiasts to enjoy their brews.
🚘 Distance: 374.2 miles away
3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC, 27546
Located in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. Alternate hikes towards the river reward visitors with landmarks like Lanier Falls Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam. Other accesses offer bridle trails, bike trails, and a campground with RV camping and camper cabins.
🚘 Distance: 382.8 miles away
Questions parents ask
Do we need our own bikes?
What is the easiest greenway for kids?
Are greenways stroller-friendly?
Explore More Categories
Related Guides
Guides that share some of the same places and topics — handy companions for this one.
Best family-friendly waterfalls in North Carolina
7 min read
Best hikes at North Carolina state parks
6 min read
Skateboard parks in the Triangle
6 min read
63 free things to do in the Triangle
15 min read
Alpaca farms near Raleigh: meet alpacas & tours
7 min read
Accessible & inclusive playgrounds in Raleigh and the Triangle
8 min read
More Raleigh Parent Guides
Every other family guide in the directory — from splash pads to museums to hiking trails.
10 trampoline parks in the Triangle compared for families
10 places
Beautiful gardens to visit around Raleigh & the Triangle
9 places
11 best bowling alleys in the Triangle
11 places
Horseback riding near Raleigh: lessons & trail rides
15 places
12 best local toy stores around Raleigh & the Triangle
16 places
Mall play spaces around the Triangle: Crabtree, Southpoint & more
5 places
Mini golf around Raleigh: 3 courses compared
3 places
Whitewater rafting & paddling trips near Raleigh
4 places
Featured Events
The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss
Jaipur Literature Festival
Lakeside Retreats Family Fest
Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day
Never miss an Event or Deal!
Get weekly events and deals: Top 10 events, best 5 deals, and 1 hidden gem spotlight.