Cary Greenway

The Town of Cary's greenway system is the second longest in the Research Triangle area at 80 miles. The system is a network of linear open spaces with paved trails, most following along the floodplains and stream corridors throughout the town. The greenway system was established in 1980 and since the town has been protecting open space and offering connectivity to its citizens. In addition to connecting parks, shopping centers and residential areas in Cary, the greenways also connect to other state and local parks and trails.

Map:

Trails:

More than 80 miles of trails make up Cary's greenway system.

American Tobacco Trail:

Length: 4.7 miles

Cary manages the Chatham County portion of the American Tobacco Trail.

Bishops Gate Greenway:

Length: 1.6 miles

Black Creek Greenway:

Length: 7.1 miles

Black Creek Greenway is the longest trail in the system. The north end of the trail is at the northeast corner Lake Crabtree and follows the lake shore south. Crabtree Creek Trail splits at the end of the lake. The trail continues following Black Creek to the terminus at Fred G. Bond Metro Park.

Crabtree Creek Greenway:

Length: 2.0 miles

Crabtree Creek Greenway runs along the south shore of Lake Crabtree from Black Creek Greenway to Crabtree Creek at Evans Road. Morrisville's Crabtree Creek Trail picks up across the street.

Swift Creek Greenway:

Length: 1.2 miles

White Oak Creek Greenway:

Length: 7.1 miles

White Oak Creek Greenway begins at Fred G. Bond Metro Park and leads west to the American Tobacco Trail. The last section of trail between MacArthur Drive and Davis Drive was completed in April 2020 so the trail can be hiked in its entirety.

Wildlife:

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern spring beauty (Claytonia virginica)

Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon)

Blog Entries:

31-Mar-2019: Wildflowers in Cary

External Links:

Town of Cary Greenways website: https://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/greenways