The best family-friendly places to bike in the Triangle
Embark on a two-wheeled adventure with your loved ones as we explore an extended list of the Triangle's most family-friendly and easy bike parks. From scenic greenways to cultural loops, these trails cater to cyclists of all ages and skill levels, promising a delightful experience for every family.
1. Lake Johnson Park
Distance: 4.5 mi
Elevation: 1193 ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Raleigh
Situated in Raleigh, Lake Johnson Park remains a timeless choice for families seeking a serene and picturesque biking destination. With its gentle trails and lakeside ambiance, the park offers an ideal setting for family outings. Whether you're introducing your little ones to biking or enjoying a relaxed ride together, Lake Johnson Park provides a perfect backdrop for creating lasting family memories.
Lake Johnson Park is located at 4601 Avent Ferry Road in Raleigh.
2. William B Umstead State Park
Distance: 5.7 mi
Elevation: 308ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Cary
For families desiring a diverse outdoor experience, William B Umstead State Park in Cary offers an expansive playground of family-friendly biking trails. The well-marked routes cater to various skill levels, making it an ideal destination for family biking excursions. Surrounded by natural beauty, Umstead State Park invites families to enjoy a tranquil and leisurely ride through its scenic trails.
The Reedy Creek entrance is located at 2100 N. Harrison Avenue in Cary. The Crabtree Creek entrance is located at 8801 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh.
3. Capital Area Greenway
Location: Triangle-wide (Multiple entry points in Raleigh, Cary and beyond)
A network of interconnected trails weaving through parks and green spaces, the Capital Area Greenway is a testament to the Triangle's commitment to providing accessible outdoor experiences. Families can relish easy biking along well-paved paths, enveloped by the beauty of nature. With its inviting atmosphere, the greenway ensures a delightful outing for families looking to explore the outdoors on two wheels.
The Capital Area Greenway system has more than 100 miles of trails to explore and there are 28 trails that compose the greenway system. You can find the full list of trails at raleighnc.gov.
For parking lot locations, go to raleighnc.gov.
4. Neuse River Greenway Trail
Distance: 27.5 mi
Elevation: 567 ft
Route type: Point to point
Location: Raleigh
Stretching along the Neuse River, this trail offers a family-friendly biking experience with its flat and well-maintained paths. The lush foliage and occasional wildlife sightings add to the charm, making it an enjoyable ride for parents and kids alike. The Neuse River Greenway Trail provides a perfect setting for a day of family bonding through biking. Start at 12101 Old Falls of Neuse Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
To find parking lot locations, go to raleighnc.gov.
5. Falls Lake Dam
Distance: 6.2 mi
Elevation: 469 ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Wake Forrest
Falls Lake Dam, located near Raleigh, provides a relaxed setting for family bike rides. With easy trails and the option to park and ride, families can enjoy the tranquility of the lake and capture scenic views along the way. This destination offers a perfect blend of nature and cycling for families seeking a peaceful biking retreat.
For a full list of trail locations, go to ncparks.gov.
6. Dorothea Dix Park
Distance: 1.5 mi
Elevation: 200 ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Raleigh
Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh invites families to explore its expansive grounds through bike riding. With open spaces, paved paths and a family-friendly atmosphere, the park offers a delightful setting for picnics, kite flying and of course, bike riding. Families can enjoy a day outdoors, surrounded by the soothing ambiance of Dorothea Dix Park.
Dorothea Dix Park is located at 1030 Richardson Drive in Raleigh.
7. Black Creek Greenway
Distance: 2.0 mi
Elevation: 127 ft
Route type: Out and back
Location: Cary
While relatively new, Black Creek Greenway in Cary is gaining popularity for its family-friendly attributes. The paved trail is ideal for family walks and bike rides, providing a safe and enjoyable environment. As the greenway continues to develop, it promises to become an even more attractive destination for families seeking easy and accessible biking trails.
For parking and directions, go to carync.gov.
8. Lake Lynn Park
Distance: 2.6 mi
Elevation: 65 ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Raleigh
Lake Lynn Park in Raleigh offers a mix of activities, making it an excellent spot for family outings. Families can take advantage of the park's walking and biking trails, creating opportunities for both exercise and relaxation. With beautiful scenery and great photography opportunities, Lake Lynn Park is a family-friendly destination for bike rides.
Lake Lynn Park is located at 7921 Ray Road in Raleigh.
9. Falls Lake State Recreation Area-Beaver Dam West Loop
Distance: 8.7 mi
Elevation: 754 ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Wake Forrest
Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a low-key environment with approximately 14 miles of bike trails. Families can explore the trails at their own pace, enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds them. The park's commitment to developing more extensive hiking trails adds to the potential for diverse family adventures. A recommended easy route is Beaver Dam West Loop.
The Falls Lake State Recreation Area is located at 13304 Creedmoor Road in Wake Forest. For a full list of trails and trail entrances, go to ncparks.gov.
10. American Tobacco Trail East/West Route
Distance: 19 mi
Elevation: 669 ft
Route type: Point to point
Location: Cary
The American Tobacco Trail's East/West Route in Cary spans 19 miles, providing families with a moderately challenging yet enjoyable biking experience. The trail unfolds amidst the natural beauty of Cary, offering a mix of wooded areas and open spaces perfect for a family biking adventure.
The Cary entrance is located at 2584 New Hope Church Road. The Wake County entrance is located at 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Road in Apex. For a full list of parking lot locations and directions, go to carync.gov.
11. Art Museum Loop
Distance: 3.1 mi
Elevation: +/- 265 ft
Route type: Loop
Location: Raleigh
Raleigh's Art Museum Loop offers a shorter yet delightful family-friendly biking experience. With a distance of 3.1 miles and an elevation gain of +/- 265 ft, this loop is ideal for families with younger riders. Enjoy the cultural richness of the area while pedaling through this scenic and accessible route.
To access the Art Museum Loop, go to 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh.
12. Clayton River Walk via Sam's Branch Greenway Trail
Distance: 10.9 mi
Elevation: 173 ft
Route type: Out and back
Location: Raleigh
For families seeking a longer biking adventure, the Sam's Branch Out and Back route in Raleigh is an excellent choice. Covering a distance of 30.5 miles with an elevation gain of +/- 865 ft, this trail offers a bit more challenge while providing an immersive experience through Raleigh's diverse landscapes. Try this 10.9-mile out-and-back trail near Clayton, North Carolina. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 16 min to complete.
Sam's Branch Out and Back is located at 20 Anderson Point Drive in Raleigh.
13. ATT to Durham Out and Back
Distance: 44.5 mi
Elevation: +/- 1193 ft
Route type: Out and back
Location: Wake County
The American Tobacco Trail to Durham Out and Back is a longer route spanning 44.5 miles, catering to families looking for an extended biking journey. With an elevation gain of +/- 1193 ft, this trail takes riders through the scenic landscapes of Wake County, providing a memorable experience for the entire family.
ATT to Durham Out and Back is located at 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Road in Apex.
14. Mingo Creek
Distance: 7.4 mimi
Elevation: 209 ft
Route type: Out and Back
Location: Knightdale
The Mingo Creek trail, located in Knightdale, covers a distance of 7.4 with a manageable elevation gain of +/- 209 ft. This route provides families with a balance of distance and ease, making it suitable for a relaxed biking outing surrounded by the natural charm of Hedingham.
Choosing your family adventure
With these additional trails, families in the Triangle have an even wider range of biking options to explore. From the cultural richness of the Art Museum Loop to the extended journey along the ATT to Durham, each trail offers a unique experience for families to create lasting memories on two wheels.
As you plan your family biking adventures, consider the preferences and skill levels of each family member. Whether you opt for a shorter loop or embark on a more extended journey, the Triangle's diverse biking scene ensures that every ride is an opportunity for shared experiences and the joy of outdoor exploration.
