There are several areas within 20-30 miles of Fayetteville that are worth-it destinations for trail running.
Carvers Creek State Park. This 4,000-acre state park located 13 miles north of Fayetteville features terrific trails for running. It’s a combination of pine forest and open fields. The historic Long Valley section is a former farm, with 3 miles of trails. The Sandhills section has 10 miles of trails on sandy soil. Best bet there is the 4-mile Longleaf Pine Trail. TRAIL INFO SANDHILLS AREA TRAIL MAPNote: trails in the Sanhills area can be soft/sandy.
Raven Rock SP. Creative Commons: Dincher
Raven Rock State Park. This state park is about a 40-minute drive from Fayetteville, featuring easy-to-moderate trails for running. Generally wooded, and some sections can be steep or rocky. Best options for running are the Bridle Trail (4 mile East Loop or 4-mile West Loop, which can be combined); Raven Rock Loop Trail (2.6 miles); Mountain Laurel Loop (6-mile mountain bike trail) TRAIL MAPTRAIL INFO
Weymouth Woods. Creative Commons
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Nature preserve located 33 miles west of Fayetteville features several miles of trails through longleaf pine forest. The trails are generally easy for running. The best bet is the 2.6 mile Equestrian Trail. TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS & MAP
There are several areas within 20-30 miles of Fayetteville that are worth-it destinations for trail running.
Carvers Creek State Park. This 4,000-acre state park located 13 miles north of Fayetteville features terrific trails for running. It’s a combination of pine forest and open fields. The historic Long Valley section is a former farm, with 3 miles of trails. The Sandhills section has 10 miles of trails on sandy soil. Best bet there is the 4-mile Longleaf Pine Trail. TRAIL INFO SANDHILLS AREA TRAIL MAPNote: trails in the Sanhills area can be soft/sandy.
Raven Rock SP. Creative Commons: Dincher
Raven Rock State Park. This state park is about a 40-minute drive from Fayetteville, featuring easy-to-moderate trails for running. Generally wooded, and some sections can be steep or rocky. Best options for running are the Bridle Trail (4 mile East Loop or 4-mile West Loop, which can be combined); Raven Rock Loop Trail (2.6 miles); Mountain Laurel Loop (6-mile mountain bike trail) TRAIL MAPTRAIL INFO
Weymouth Woods. Creative Commons
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Nature preserve located 33 miles west of Fayetteville features several miles of trails through longleaf pine forest. The trails are generally easy for running. The best bet is the 2.6 mile Equestrian Trail. TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS & MAP
Arguably the signature running spot in Fayetteville, this paved multi-use trail winds for 6.3 miles through attractive woodland along the Cape Fear River. The 1,000 foot wetland boardwalk is a highlight.
The best option in the downtown area. A 2.8 mile linear park path winds its way along Cross Creek, connecting several parks. It runs between Festival Park and Riverside Dog Park. Pleasantly green most of the way.
A wide, unpaved trail follows the outline of Fort Bragg for 11.3 miles in Raeford, ~15 miles west of Fayetteville. Mainly wooded and a bit monotonous, but a a good opportunity to rack up the miles!
Located at Fort Bragg, a great spot for a trail run, with several miles of trails of varying levels of difficulty. The area is also popular for swimming and mountain biking.
A good off-road running option north of Fayetteville, this crushed stone multi-use trail runs for 5 miles between the towns of Erwin and Dunn. Mix of suburban, open, & wooded terrain. Good signage and some points of interest.
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