Destination: Rocky Point Trail at Raleigh's Forest Ridge Park
Rocky Point Trail is a simple loop trail that runs just three-quarters of a mile at Raleigh's Forest Ridge Park. And, for families, especially those with kids who aren't regularly on a trail, it's just about perfect.
With a natural surface, tall hardwood trees, a ravine and a great view of Falls Lake, the trail has just enough to look at and just enough to keep kids entertained until they get to the end.
Forest Ridge, off Old Highway NC 98, opened in September 2017 in north Raleigh. And, of course, the Rocky Point Trail isn't the only amenity here. The park features a nice playground, along with large open spaces, three miles of single track mountain bike trails, multi-use trails and hiking trails. My eight-year-old and I visited the park on a cold day in late December and spent about 90 minutes here on the playground and trail.
If you go, a walk along Rocky Point is worth your time.
The trail starts just before the visitors center off a gravel road near the entrance.
From there, you'll walk down a very natural path and see some Christmas ferns.
Then, the trail brings you closer to Falls Lake.
And closer ...
From the lake, you'll start looping back around, up a slight hill with views of a ravine below before you end where you began.
Matt Scheffel, the park's assistant manager, said they hope to build more trails like Rocky Point at the park. The topography, the ferns and the lake views, he said, all make the trail popular, especially for families. "A lot of people love that trail because it's a good length for smaller kids," he said.
If you go, know that the path is definitely natural, with roots and terrain that will make it tricky for most strollers to navigate. The trail entrance sits very close to the park's parking lot and visitors center and within quick walking distance of its playground, comfort station and picnic shelters.
Forest Ridge Park is at 2100 Old NC Highway 98, Raleigh.
Go Ask Mom features places to take kids every Friday.
