Best Places to Bike in the Triangle | Raleigh, Cary, Apex & Wake Forest

Best Places to Bike in the Triangle

Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary and Apex Trail Guide

Whether you are a Sunday afternoon rider or a trail bike aficionado, the Triangle offers some of the best biking options in North Carolina. From paved greenways to wooded single track, these trails support every riding style. Below are some of the best places to bike in the Triangle, along with GPS-friendly access points to help you plan your next ride.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Best for: Mountain biking and scenic long rides

Falls Lake is one of the top biking destinations in the Triangle. Riders can choose from technical mountain bike trails or paved paths with lake views.

Where to ride

• Falls Lake Trail System with more than 40 miles of mountain bike trails

• Neuse River Trail for paved, beginner-friendly riding

Access points

• Falls Lake Visitor Center
  13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

• New Light Trailhead
  1401 New Light Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

• Rollingview Area
  14600 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Nearby neighborhoods
Buyers who want easy access to Falls Lake often explore homes in nearby
Wake Forest neighborhoods and
North Raleigh communities, which offer a range of price points and quick trail access.

Wake Forest Bike Trails and Greenways

Best for: Casual riders and families

Wake Forest continues to expand its greenway system, making it easy to ride through parks and residential areas.

Where to ride

• Wake Forest Greenway System

• Moccasin Creek Trail

Access points

• E. Carroll Joyner Park
  701 Harris Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

• Taylor Street Park
  416 N Taylor St, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Nearby neighborhoods
Many buyers looking for a relaxed biking lifestyle consider
Wake Forest communities for their family-friendly layout, newer construction and growing greenway network.

North Raleigh Greenways

Best for: Long paved rides and daily fitness

North Raleigh is known for its paved greenways that connect lakes, parks and neighborhoods.

Where to ride

• Crabtree Creek Greenway

• Lake Johnson Greenway

Access points

• Shelley Lake Park
  1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612

• Lake Johnson Park
  4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Nearby neighborhoods
Cyclists often look at
North Raleigh neighborhoods for their access to established greenways, mature trees and proximity to downtown Raleigh.

Umstead State Park

Best for: Experienced mountain bikers

William B. Umstead State Park offers rugged terrain, shaded forest trails and challenging routes for experienced riders.

Where to ride

• Reedy Creek Trail

• Company Mill Trail

• Sycamore Trail

Access points

• Reedy Creek Entrance
  2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513

• Big Leaf Parking Area
  10500 Reedy Creek Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613

Nearby neighborhoods
Homes near Umstead are in high demand. Buyers often explore
Cary neighborhoods and
North Raleigh communities for quick access to trailheads and greenways.

Cary Greenways

Best for: Easy rides and connected routes

Cary has one of the most extensive greenway systems in the Triangle, making it ideal for casual riders and families.

Where to ride

• Black Creek Greenway

• White Oak Creek Greenway

Access points

• Fred G. Bond Metro Park
  801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513

• Regency Park
  215 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518

Nearby neighborhoods
Buyers looking for paved trails and strong connectivity often consider
Cary neighborhoods for their access to greenways, parks and amenities.

Apex Bike Trails

Best for: Long, relaxed rides

Apex is home to one of the Triangle’s most popular rail trails.

Where to ride

• American Tobacco Trail

• Apex Community Park Loop

Access points

• American Tobacco Trail Apex Access
  209 Holleman St, Apex, NC 27502

• Apex Community Park
  2200 Laura Duncan Rd, Apex, NC 27502

Nearby neighborhoods
Cyclists often look to
Apex neighborhoods for access to the American Tobacco Trail and newer community planning.

*Bonus* Watch our American Dream TV Episode about Apex, here. 

Looking for a Home That Supports Your Biking Lifestyle?

If biking is part of your daily routine or weekend lifestyle, where you live matters. Proximity to greenways, trailheads and bike-friendly routes can make a big difference.

If you are looking for neighborhoods across various budgets that allow you to keep up your biking lifestyle, reach out to SB Real Estate. Saira Bruno offers an initial consultation where we review the homebuying process and tailor neighborhood and regional recommendations to your needs. Whether you want to live near Falls Lake, Umstead Park or the American Tobacco Trail, our team helps you find the right fit.

👉 Schedule an initial consultation with SB Real Estate to explore biking-friendly neighborhoods across the Triangle.