Top hikes for kids, families in Raleigh, Durham, Triangle
Get outside with some of these family-friendly hikes at local and state parks.
Ready to get back on track? Start 2026 with a First Day Hike. Here are easy options to get outside within about an hour from Raleigh.
While the North Carolina mountains provide the best views and hiking trails in the state, the Triangle also has plenty of options for those wanting to save on gas.
Here are the best hiking trails in Fayetteville.
Nature lovers have a new spot to appreciate the beauty of the Triangle. On Thursday, the Eno River Association opened the Panther Branch Natural Area, which includes 56 acres and over 2 miles of hiking trails.
Explore the lush green havens of the Triangle region in North Carolina with our curated list of the top eleven parks for walking enthusiasts. From the vast trails of Umstead State Park to the serene beauty of Lake Benson Park and the urban charm of Bond Park, each destination offers a unique blend of tranquility and exercise.
How can you keep young kids engaged on a hike? What are the best tips for staying comfortable and safe? Sean Higgins with N.C. State Parks has some tips.
Is there any better way to work off all that turkey and pumpkin pie than with a quick hike at one of our many fantastic parks and preserves?
Umstead State Park is the Triangle's version of Central Park. It is one of the 30 largest urban parks in the world and visible from space as a green spot between Raleigh, Durham and Cary.
I think Eno River State Park is easily among the nation's best for family-friendly exploring.
The Seaforth Pond Trail is an easy 1.25 mile loop that passes by 3 ponds and the Jordan Lake shoreline.
When your family is ready for more advanced hikes, there are some wild adventures within one hour of Raleigh. These moderate hikes offer some mountain-like views and elevation change.
The 26-acre park not too far from Crabtree Valley Mall makes a perfect place to hike with little ones.
Looking for peace and relaxation? Head to this north Raleigh nature preserve.
Big rock outcrops. Rare resurrection ferns. A teepee. You'll see it all along a mile-long trail at north Raleigh's Annie Louise Wilkerson MD Nature Preserve Park.
Courtesy: N.C. State Parks