TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Neuse River Greenway Trail
The Neuse River Trail is 33 miles of gorgeous paved greenway that runs adjacent to the Neuse River. It’s a little slice of paradise on Raleigh’s outskirts that has beautiful suspension bridges, wetlands, and winding boardwalks.
The Neuse River is named after the Neusiok Indians that once lived downstream several miles in the New Bern and Havelock area in the 1500s.
You can bike, jog, or walk the trail, and even find several spots to put in your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Some people even bring their inner-tubes to float on!
But my favorite thing to do on the trail is find spots to EAT! What can I say, food gets me out the door to exercise.
Look for this emoji as you’re scrolling through… 
. It means there’s tasty food nearby that you can bike or walk to.
See how happy I am enjoying my snow cone? This could be you…
I’m going to show you ALL of the parking spots, places to put in a kayak, and eating stops on the trail. No other website shows all that. (Believe me, I’ve looked.)
Neuse River Greenway Trail – From North To South
(Every place to park, put in your kayak and eat starting from the top of the trail.)
1 – Falls Lake Trailrace Parking
12098 Old Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614 (map)
This is the most northern parking spot on the trail, and you’ll love how gorgeous it is. Since it’s close to Falls Lake Dam, you can walk along the dam and watch the dam’s powerful flow into the Neuse River.
There are picnic tables and grills here, and it’s an excellent spot for fishing. There are also bathrooms and a water fountain.
2 – The Bike Guy
9745 Fonville Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (map)
If you don’t already have a bike, The Bike Buy is a great place to rent or purchase one. It’s located right at the top of the trail. You can literally rent your bike and hop on the trail.
They also fix bikes and perform regular maintenance. And they sell pretty much anything you might need for your biking excursion – helmets, baskets, tire patch kits, and pumps.
3 – Falls Of Neuse Canoe Launch & Parking
12101 Old Falls of Neuse Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (map)
The Neuse River is a great place to go kayaking, and this a good spot to put in your kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
It’s also a fun place to wade as I frequently see kids playing in the water here.
Places To Eat Near Falls Of Neuse Canoe Launch & Parking:
Bowlba Cafe (The Shoppes At Bedford)
3607 Falls River Ave #117, Raleigh, NC 27614 (map) (website)
You can bike here from the top of the trail in about 10 minutes, walk in 35, or jog in 18 minutes. Or for a longer ride, start at a parking lot farther away. It’s about 30 minutes to bike here from the WRAL Soccer Park.
To get to Bowlba Cafe, you get to take a short jaunt through the beautiful Bedford neighborhood. Just use Google Maps to find your way.
My husband and I rode our bikes here on a cold winter’s day and we LOVED getting a hot bowl of Pho to warm up!
Check hours before you go as they are closed some days.
4 – Neuse River Greenway Trail Parking
Near Falls River Ave. & Chandler Way, Raleigh, NC (map)
5 – Neuse River Greenway Parking (Bedfordtown)
Near Bedfordtown Dr. & Grandview Heights Ln., Raleigh, NC (map)
6 – Abbots Creek Trail Greenway Parking Lot
Near Landfill Park Loop, Raleigh, NC (map)
Abbots Creek Trail Parking Lot is close to many restaurants, as I’ll show you below.
Use Google maps to calculate the distance from each parking spot so you’ll know where to start your trip. Remember that Google will show you the time it will take to bike or walk the distance.
Places To Eat Near Abbots Creek Trail Greenway Parking Lot:
😋Nantucket Grill (Falls River Town Center)
1145 Falls River Ave, Raleigh, NC 27614 (map) (website)
Some of the things you’ll find on the menu here are Prime Rib, Seafood, Pasta, and Strawberry Shortcake. It’s more upscale than most of the places I’ll be featuring, but it does feature outdoor dining if you’re more comfortable sitting your sweaty butt there.
If you start your journey at the Bedfordtown Parking Lot, it will be a 15-minute bike ride or 50-minute walk to get to Nantucket Grill and the other restaurants in this area.
😋Sake House (Falls River Town Center)
At Sake House, you can order Sushi, Udon, Teryaki, and more. They have outdoor tables as well if you don’t feel dressed nice enough for indoor dining.
It’s located close to Nantucket Grill in Falls River Town Center.
😋Bojanges (Falls River Town Center)
😋Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (Falls River Town Center)
If ice cream doesn’t motivate you to get on your bike, I don’t know what will.
Bruster’s has fantastic hand-scooped ice cream cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and more. It’s a great place to put back on all those calories you’ve burned.
Looking for more great places to eat near Abbot’s Creek Trail Greenway?
Here ya go:
7 – Thornton Rd. Greenway Trail Access & Parking
6100 Thornton Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map)
8 – WRAL Soccer Park
7700 Perry Creek Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map)
This soccer park has access to the trail with plenty of parking.
9 – Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve
2900 Horse Shoe Farm Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (map)
Horseshoe Farm not only has access to the greenway but is a lovely nature preserve with its own nature trail.
We’ve taken our dogs there several times to explore.
If you have a dog, be sure to bring them with you to the trail! Our dogs LOVE swimming in the river. We found this swimming spot near the Horseshoe Farm Parking Lot.
Places To Eat Near Horseshoe Farms Nature Preserve:
😋San Juan Mexican Restuarant
San Juan Mexican Restaurant is known for its $1.99 tacos on Monday, large plates of food, and outstanding salsa.
When I visited, I enjoyed their Sopas and Mexican Pasta featured above.
To visit San Juan, park at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, or Greenway parking near 401. Walk or bike on the Neuse River Trail to the Mitchell Mill Road exit. Mitchell Mill Road has sidewalks and a bike lane all the way to this restaurant, making it the perfect stop.
Biking from Horseshoe Farms or the Greenway parking lot near 401 to San Juan will take about 10 minutes, or walk it in 30 minutes.
For a longer bike ride, choose a parking lot farther away. Google maps will help you estimate the time it will take to travel.
10 – Greenway Parking Near 401
Trailhead Ln, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map)
This parking lot is close to several foods stops, as you’ll see below.
It’s a short bike, walk, or jog to this spot from Horseshoe Farms Trail.
Or, start your excursion farther away to burn off those calories before you hit these food spots!
Places To Eat By Greenway Parking Near 401:
😋NY Bagel Cafe & Deli
This is a fun bagel shop to visit for breakfast or lunch. It closes early in the afternoon, so be sure to check the hours before you go.
You can get breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and tea, or a bagel and cream cheese.
And by the way, I LOVE their coffee!
😋Greenway Beer & Wine
7530 Ramble Way #103, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map) (website)
Greenway Beer is a fantastic bottle shop with excellent hand-picked choices. They have beers on draft as well as refrigerated beers, seltzers, and wines.
My husband and I come here quit often because the selection is fantastic. The only thing I don’t like is that they don’t have outdoor seating and it can be noisy inside if many people are there.
Insider tip: Our friend Ian comes here a lot and saves his favorite beers in the back of the beer cooler. We love to check out his selections because he has great taste in beer and help ourselves to some of them. Sorry Ian….
😋Sheetz #620
7513 Ramble Way, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map)
😋Wendy’s
7460 Louisburg Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map)
11 – Buffaloe Road Canoe Launch & Parking
4901 Elizabeth Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604 (map)
12 – Buffaloe Road Athletic Park
5812 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616 (map)
13 – Parking Area for Neuse River Greenway Trail from Abington Ln
2900 Abington Ln, Raleigh, NC 27604 (map)
14 – Milburnie Park – Neuse River Trail Parking
5428 Allen Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610 (map)
This parking lot is close to several restaurants in Edgewater Place, as you’ll see below. To get to Aldi, you’ll just have to go a short distance through a neighborhood with sidewalks. To get to the other restaurants, you’ll have to cross a highway, but there is a crosswalk.
It’s also by Milburnie Dam on the Neuse River which is a great wading or picnicking spot.
Places To Eat Near Milburnie Park – Neuse River Trail Parking:
😋Aldi
2900 Sunrise Valley Pl, Raleigh, NC 27610 (map)
I know what you’re thinking – why would I send you to a grocery store? But you could pick up cheese, crackers, fruit, and chocolate to enjoy at Milburnie Dam. (Or a myriad of other options.)
😋Dairy Queen Grill & Chill (Edgewater Place Shopping Mall)
When our kids were little, we would get them out the door by biking or walking to dinner or dessert. That trick still works for me 🙂
At Bruster’s, you’ll be motivated to try their fresh-made ice cream in a cone, milkshake, or sundae.
😋Big cheese Pizza Raleigh (Edgewater Place Shopping Mall)
1030 N Rogers Ln, Raleigh, NC 27610 (map)
You can order pizza, wings, and breadsticks here, but a great deal is the lunch special where you get a personal pizza and drink for $6.49.
15 – Milburnie Dam on the Neuse River
You can get here by parking at Milburnie Park – Neuse River Trail Parking (see above) or City of Raleigh Milburnie Dam Canoe Access (see below)
This is a must-visit spot on the Neuse River. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s the only spot on the river that has rapids (that I know of).
When you visit, you’ll also be able to see the remains of Milburnie Dam, which was torn down in 2017. In the past, the dam had provided electricity but had also damaged the environment, including the migration of fish.
The overflow of the dam was also a dangerous spot, drowning 15 swimmers.
Today, Milburnie Dam is a fun area to picnic and wade.
16 – City of Raleigh Milbrunie Dam Canoe Access
1101 Old Milburnie Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604 (map)
This parking lot is also close to Milburnie Falls as well as a beautiful bridge.
17 – Anderson Point Park
20 Anderson Point Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610 (map)
18 – Poole Road – Canoe Launch & Parking
Poole Rd near Misty River Dr., Raleigh, NC (map)
20 – Neuse River Trail – Capital area Greenway
6008 Mial Plantation Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 (map)
Places To Eat Near Neuse River Trail – Capital Area Greenway:
😋Pelican SnoBalls of Riverwood
This is one of my favorite stops off the trail. I love getting the sugar-free Tiger’s Blood Snoball!
To get here, park at the Capital Area Greenway Parking Lot or at Clayton River Walk.
From Capital Area Greenway Parking Lot, it will be about 4.5 miles (the last mile or so will be through the Riverwood subdivision). There is a bit of a hill, but it’s totally worth it to get this treat!
It’s a little bit shorter distance from Clayton River Walk.
Use Google maps to get there as there are a few entrances from the trail to get into this subdivision.
😋9Bar Coffeehouse (Riverwood Subdivision)
Stop at 9Bar Coffee House for hot or iced coffee and tea with muffins or sandwiches.
9Bar Coffee House is located next to Pelican Ice, so you can pick up an icy snowball right after you eat your breakfast or lunch.
It’s closes in the early afternoon, so be sure to check the hours before you go.
21 – Parking Area & Trailhead for Clayton River Walk on the Neuse Greenway
2671 Covered Bridge Rd, Clayton, NC 27527 (map)
You can bike to the Riverwood neighborhood mentioned above from here in just 13 minutes, or walk it in 40 minutes. I’ve made this trip a couple of times and really enjoyed it.
22 – Sam’s Branch Greenway Parking
Sam’s Branch Greenway, Clayton, NC 27520 (map)
This is the last parking lot on the trail. Theoretically, you can bike from the top of the trial to the bottom in about 3 hours.
Or, you could spend the whole day biking and eating at the spots I’ve shared.
It’s a beautiful trail, and I really hope you can get out and enjoy it!
Pro tips:
Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Board Rentals
Neuse Adventures – They offer paddle board, kayak and canoe rentals.
Frog Hollow Outdoors – They offer canoe and kayak rentals and also offers a shuttle service.
Bicycles and accessories
It’s essential to have a comfortable bike when you’re out riding.
I have an ebike that I love like crazy! If you’re in the market for an affordable ebike, check out this post.
We searched long and hard for an electric bike that wasn’t expensive but had one of the most powerful batteries on the market.
If you’re looking for the best bike accessories for your bike ride, here are some that my husband and I have bought and loved:
What to bring on the trail:
Don’t forget to bring these important items:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Water
- Snacks
- Camera
- Cell Phone
Rules of the Trail
When you visit the trail, be sure to know the rules.
It’s especially important to know that trail hours are from dawn to dusk so that your car doesn’t get locked inside a parking lot.
Also, passing should be done on the left. So if you’re walking, stay to the right making it easier for bicyclists to pass you safely.
Safety on the trail
The Neuse River Trail is known to be safe, but staying off the trail at night is a good idea.
Also, don’t leave valuables in your car. When I use the trail, I leave my purse at home and carry my Driver’s License, credit cards, and car keys in my pocket.
And watch out for poison ivy. We saw quite a bit on the side of the trail.
Read More – Everything You Need To Know to Start Cycling
Google earth tour of All The Stops On The Neuse River Trail
In this narrated google earth tour of the greenway trail, I’ll take you through each spot one by one.
61 Responses
Thanks for very good information. I have one suggestion. Can you add if there are bathrooms in each spot.
This is a great suggestion. I’m going to make a note to add this to the post soon.
Are there any picnic areas along the trail?
Thanks!
There are a couple of picnic tables at the very top of the trail. Go to the Falls Lake Tailrace Parking. There are also bathrooms, a water fountain, and a couple of grills there. It’s a beautiful spot.
Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve also has some nice picnic shelters. That’s close to where the trail crosses 401. You’ll see a sign that will take you to Horshoe Farms.
You can also find benches along the trail and spots where you could walk down to the river and eat. There are also spots where the trail connects to parks where you would be able to find picnic tables like Buffalo Athletic Park and Anderson Point Park.
Or you can stop at one of the restaurants that are close to the trail. I really like NY Bagel Cafe & Deli. It’s close to the trail by the Greenway parking near 401. There are other restaurants not far from there.
Thanks!
Can I get a kml download from your created google map? I am making a map for my troop http://www.traillife942.com you info will save me time….
I just emailed it to you. Have fun with your troop!
Loving this virtual Neuse River Greenway guide – so helpful to have all the points of interest featured. Definitely sounds like a great way to spend a day!
It’s such a beautiful part of Raleigh!
What a beautiful trail, with so many possible stops along the way!
Most people don’t know about the food stops, but it’s what makes it so fun.
I like how you have included the places to park on the Neuse River Greenway Trail. It looks like there’s lots of places to see and photograph,
It’s hard to find all the parking on google. I had a lot of fun researching, visiting, and biking the trail.
What a great trail, and so many places to see. You’ve got me drooling for some of the food.
I’m gonna do some biking this weekend to one of the Mexican Restaurants!
A smooth easy trail and food – I am in. That Pho looks great!
Hello fellow Pho lover!!!
Wow, there are some amazing place to eat in this area! I would like to workout and bike and then eat eat eat!
Yes! I’ve stopped for a snowcone at Pelicans many times.
Neuse River Greenway Trail looks like a great place for lots of adventure! I love that you can rent bicycles nearby and that it’s dog-friendly!
It’s such a popular place to rent and buy bikes. They run out of rentals often.
I love that this Neuse River Greenway Trail has so many places to park and eat along the trail. I know we would bike it as well as take our kayaks out on the river in different places.
I’m hoping to paddleboard there this summer.
The Neuse River Greenway Trail looks like a gorgeous place to explore! We used to live in Fayetteville and I would’ve totally checked this out! Bojangles… still my husband’s fave fried chicken, lol!
Bojangles is one of my favorites too! Their chicken, biscuits and fries are amazing.
Such a thorough post on the Nuess River Trail in Raleigh. I love finding local trails and spending a day out hiking. So relaxing. The food looked awesome too.
Exploring trails and greenways is always fun.
This is great! WOW!
Thanks you! I’m glad you liked it.
The Neuse River Trail looks awesome, and I am excited to see all of the great food nearby!
Sometimes food is a great motivator! It gets me out the door and on the trail sometimes.
What a beautiful place to enjoy nature near the river and get some delicious eats! I’m especially down for the Pho and sushi! yum!
I’m always down for Pho and Sushi too! 🙂
Pretty Trail. Looks like a beautiful day
I love how the trail follows the Neuse River. It’s really beautiful.
So many things to do, this looks like a great family trip.
My family has had a great time on the trail. My son has biked all 30 miles of the trail.
What a great list of things to do along the Neuse River Greenway Trail – looks like you could easily enjoy many fun days exploring!
Yes! I still need to do more exploring on the trail. There is a huge sunflower patch that I’ve never made it to.
Trails and treats… sounds like the perfect place to visit! Thanks for the awesome information! I especially appreciate parking info… as sometimes its so frustrating to find!
I had a really hard time finding out all the different parking spots for the trail, that’s the main reason I wrote the post. That and I love finding treats wherever I am!
Hey, I’m ready to travel it. I love the bikes! Thanks for sharing. I will pinterest so I can go back to it!
Thanks so much. There are parts of the trail I haven’t even been able to explore since the trail is so long – 30 miles.
What a great comprehensive list of places to go on the Neuse River Trail.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading!
I don’t think I could ever get bored on the Neuse River Greenway Trail! I want to try Bojangles so badly lol.
Bojangles is the best. It’s where I head when I’m having a bad day…
There is so much to do on the Neuse River Greenway Trail. You could stay for a long long time and never get bored! We would have a hard time deciding where to start and what to do first! Great list. I’d love to take my children on this adventure!
Every part of the trail is so beautiful, it would be hard to decide where to start!
The food looks supremely yummy and the trail looks great-pretty easy?
Yes, the trail is pretty easy. It’s paved and not very hilly!
This was awesome! Not only do you take us on a virtual tour – but a step-by-step guide for us to follow should we be able to do this trail! I wish this was done for all trails!
I hope to keep putting more info out there like this for all the trails in my area!
Great information ! Looks like an awesome place!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for all the in depth info on where to park.
I had a hard time finding great info on the internet, so I compiled it myself 🙂
This looks like a wonderful trail to visit. Good job list everything someone would need to know to visit.
Thanks for reading!
Very thorough…I love your map-great idea!
Glad you liked the map.