Greenways are an important part of the Town of Wake Forest's Open Space & Greenways Plan, most recently updated in 2009. Greenways answer the growing public demand for safe and pleasant ways to travel about the town and offer many benefits.
Greenway corridors are also prioritized to meet economic and transportation objectives.
The Town's first greenway was constructed in 2003. Today, there are approximately 14 miles of developed greenways within Wake Forest and nearly 40 miles of planned greenways.
Wake Forest recognizes the value of preserving the natural environment and endeavors to protect natural habitats by installing greenways along local streams and waterways. In so doing, we effectively protect various wildlife, soil and vegetation along these corridors.
There are a multitude of environmental benefits from trails, greenways, and open spaces that help to protect the essential functions performed by natural ecosystems. Greenways protect and link fragmented habitat and provide opportunities for protecting plant and animal species. Trails and greenways also reduce air pollution and improve water quality by creating a natural buffer zone that protects streams, rivers and lakes, preventing soil erosion and filtering pollution caused by agricultural and road runoff.
Members of our entire community can provide input and contribute efforts to maintain and enhance our greenway system. The Adopt-a-Trail program allows volunteers to participate in two ways, trail clean-up and trail enhancement, both of which enhance the beauty and functionality of the greenway system. The Adopt-a-Stream program allows proactive volunteers to monitor their neighborhood streams which can be accessed from the greenways. The Tree Steward program certifies volunteers who are trained to plant and care for town trees often found along greenways. Greenways serve as a classroom for environmental education, where we can learn about land forms, water quality, as well as plants and animals.
The Greenways Advisory Board advises the Board of Commissioners and town staff in the operation of the greenways system, by recommending policies, acquisitions and expansions, and improvements to the system. Land owners in Wake Forest can also contribute to the greenway system by dedicating land or easements for greenway use. The Public Art Commission strives to acquire works of public art that will enhance public spaces throughout Town; some art will be placed along greenways to enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.
We've added a "Greenways" function to the Town of Wake Forest app. Use it as your official guide to the town's trails and greenways - all at your fingertips!
Heritage High Soft Trail - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Olde Mill Stream section of Richland Creek Greenway - Closed until further notice
Sanford Creek at Heritage South
Smith Creek at Burlington Mills Road
Smith Creek at Smith Creek Soccer Center
Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trail
Explore the interactive map to learn more! Pan and zoom to an area of interest, then click on any feature in the map to read more about greenways, parking areas, parks, and rental facilities.
Wake Forest Greenways Map (PDF)
Bike-Walk-Run Wake Forest Map (PDF 5 MB)
