Neuse River Greenway – 6-Mile Out-and-Back Hike to the DAM

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# Neuse River Greenway – 6-Mile Out-and-Back Hike to the DAM

Start/End: Bedfordtown Trailhead (10888 Bedfordtown Dr, Raleigh, NC)
Total Distance: ~6 miles (3 miles out, 3 miles back)
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Fully paved greenway
Scenery: River views, hardwood forest, wetlands, wildlife

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## Route Overview

Begin your hike at the Bedfordtown Drive trailhead. From the parking lot, step onto the Neuse River Greenway and head north toward DAM at Falls Lacke. This direction offers a peaceful, winding route along the river with long shady stretches, open river overlooks, and a few gentle boardwalk sections.

You’ll follow the river corridor for roughly 3 miles, then turn around at your chosen landmark (there’s a natural pause point around the water management/landfill access area in Wake Forest). The return trip follows the same scenic path.

## Hike Description

You’ll start by easing into the walk beneath a canopy of maples, oaks, and sycamores. The asphalt trail curves quietly through the woods as you settle into your pace. Within the first mile, you’ll hear the faint rush of the Neuse River nearby and catch glimpses of the water through breaks in the trees.

As you continue north, the trail becomes increasingly serene. Wetland pockets open up on either side, and you may walk across a raised boardwalk section where the sunlight flickers between branches and tall grasses. Turtles, herons, and the occasional hawk are common sightings along this stretch.

Around the 2- to 3-mile mark, the forest widens and the terrain flattens even more, giving you easy, consistent walking. This is where you’ll approach the area near the Wake Forest DAM at Falls Lake access road—not the prettiest landmark, but a convenient turning point for your 6-mile total.

Once you turn around, you’ll retrace your steps back toward Bedfordtown. The perspective shift reveals new views of the river and fresh light angles through the trees. The return walk is mellow and scenic—perfect for great conversation or a relaxing cool-down pace before finishing back at the trailhead.

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## ✨ What Makes This 6-Mile Route Great

• Consistent terrain: Flat and paved the entire way.
• Shaded & scenic: Woods, wetlands, and river views nearly the whole time.
• Flexible pacing: Easy for walkers, joggers, or families.
• Landmark-based turnaround: Natural 3-mile point without needing a map.

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## Tips

• Bring water—there are no fountains on this stretch.
• Early morning or late afternoon light makes the river views pop.
• A light jacket is great if you start near sunrise—this section can stay cool under the trees.
• Restrooms aren’t available at the trailhead, so plan ahead.

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