My Favorite Running Routes in Raleigh, NC
Hello! Since we’re all struggling for at-home workouts I thought I’d share my favorite running routes around Raleigh! My criteria for an acceptable route is: accessible parking, some shade, and pretty scenery. I have been running many of these paths for 7+ years, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! PS also all these are “down and backs,” meaning that you run to the destination and then turn around and run “back.” I like this because it ensures that I don’t get lost.
Dock 1053 -> 5 points -> Glenwood -> Downtown (4,5,6 miles)
This is one of my favorite routes! Parking is great at Dock 1053. I love running by all the beautiful houses through 5 points, then being a part of the bustling Glenwood South Ave. This is a “down and back.” So you could turn around at any point to make it shorter. Or you could even lengthen the run by continuing to downtown.
Meredith College -> Hillsborough (4,5 miles)
I enjoy this route because of all the busy-ness on Hillsborough. However, it is best to run this on the weekends or the evening so you don’t have to weave through so many students. Lots of houses and restaurants to look at as you go by! This is also a “down and back” so this could be shortened as well. You could either park at Meredith College or behind Brickhouse Restaurant.
Meredith College -> Art Museum
This is an OG run for me, having ran it so many times in college. This route is more hilly, but is super rewarding once you reach the end at the Art Museum. You can take a break and carefully look at the outdoor art, or race past them and get a quick look. I recommend parking by Meredith College’s gym and starting on the greenway from there. That’s the best parking lot that I have found. This is also a “down and back.”
Meredith College ->Ridge Road
This route is also filled with nice houses and is very shaded. You’ll run right by Whole Food and make your way down Ridge Rd. There are also a lot of cute little neighborhoods all around there so you could try to deviate and make up your own route. We used to run through these neighborhoods in college, but I can’t remember any of the roads and am afraid I’ll get lost! I should probably try to branch out some more to keep it interesting. This is a “down and back,” so you could turn around at any time to make it shorter.
“Behind North Hills” (5 miles)
I’m not sure what else to call this! I just discovered this route so am still tying to determine the end point, but really have been enjoying the neighborhoods this takes me through. I have found that at the end it even connects to Crabtree Creek trail so this could potentially go on for a while. The parking behind North Hills is super convenient. This is also a “down and back.”
Crabtree Creek Trail (6-9 miles)
This trail is awesome for super long runs with no interruption. It also is great for motivation because there are always lots of bikers, runners, and walkers so you don’t feel like you’re all alone (plus too embarrassing to stop running). Although there are no pretty houses to look at, it feels like such an accomplishment once I make it to the lake. It feels like a little break, without actually taking one. I normally reserve this run for my 9/10 mile runs because you can keep going past the park for a couple more miles (not shown in the picture). The trail is clear and super easy to follow. This route is also great for pacing because you don’t have to stop to cross any roads. This is a '“down and back” so can be shortened. Finally, prime parking at the mall! Park on the ground level at the back and you can hop on the trail from there.
Umstead (~7.5 miles)
Finally- My only circle route run! And it’s a trail run (not on the road/ side walk)! My high school cross country captain always used to tell us that running on a trail can strengthen your ankles. I’m not sure if this is true, but I still try to incorporate some trail running just in case it is. However, if you have weak ankles I would probably advise against this so you don’t get injured. This trail is a pretty wide, gravel (I’m pretty sure) path that goes all through the park. The first 2.5 miles is all up hill and pretty steep. But the good news is that the last 3.5 miles is all down hill. This is a little hidden, so when you put it in your GPS search Ebenezer Church Rd and drive until you see the parking on the left side. The parking is kind of off of the road (Ebenezer Church Rd) in this gravel cut out. If you’ve passed a church on your right, you’ve gone too far. Start the trail by turning to your right. Take every left you can (Turkey trail and then L on Graylin. You should pass a fancy log sculpture thing (about 3.5 miles in) and also pass a small lake. I always sit at the bench there and take the nature in. There are normally lots of other people on the trail so you shouldn’t get lost. Just ask for help! Also, you would not really be able to shorten this, unless you turned back around so maybe don’t run this until you’re ready for the whole thing.