Hiking North Carolina

MST Day Hike N & P

Sat, Feb 7 · 8:00 AM EST

Durham,NC, NC, US

Sections N and P exiting at Redwood Road (west side of the inlet) are some of the most underrated miles in Wake Forest.

MEETING:

Day Hike N on the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) covers 4.4 miles in Segment 10, running from the Little Lick Creek Bridge West to Cheek Road in Durham. A common meeting spot 2105 Little Rogers Rd, Durham, NC 27704. USE THIS ADDRESS The pin is not always correct. That address is across the street from parking access.

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## MST Distances – Sections N & P (Falls Lake / Redwood Rd)

### Section N

Distance: ~3.9 miles
Section N runs along the western shoreline of Falls Lake and is a solid, continuous stretch of forest and water views.

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### Section P

Distance: ~4.2 miles
Section P continues south from N, with similar terrain and slightly more rolling sections.

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## Combined (N + P)

Total: ~8.1 miles one way
This is a perfect half-day hike at a comfortable pace (3–4 hours with breaks).

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## Common Hiking Options Using Redwood Road

### Out-and-Back from Redwood Road

• Distance: 4–8 miles round trip
• Great for sunset or after-work hikes.

### One-Way N + P

• Distance: ~8 miles
• Requires shuttle or second car.

### Partial Loop Style

If you start at Redwood and turn around mid-section:

• Easy 5–6 mile option without logistics.

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## Trail Reality Check

These sections:

• Have almost no elevation gain
• Are wide enough for side-by-side walking
• Rarely feel “long” despite the mileage

Which is why N + P is one of the best training segments on the entire Falls Lake stretch of the MST.

## Mountains-to-Sea Trail – Sections N & P

Redwood Road (West Side Inlet Exit)
Sections N and P of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail offer a quiet, scenic stretch along the western edge of Falls Lake — perfect for hikers who want a peaceful, immersive experience without the crowds found on more popular segments.
This route winds through hardwood forest, gentle rolling terrain, and long shoreline views, making it ideal for reflective hikes, small group outings, or anyone looking to log real miles in nature without technical difficulty.

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### What to Expect

Terrain & Difficulty
This section is mostly flat to gently rolling, with well-maintained dirt trail and occasional root systems. It’s very approachable for hikers of all levels, including those easing into longer distances.
Scenery
Expect a mix of:

• Dense forest canopy
• Open lake views
• Seasonal wildflowers
• Abundant birdlife

The western shoreline feels quieter and more remote than other parts of Falls Lake, especially early in the morning or late afternoon.
Crowds & Atmosphere
Low traffic compared to other Wake Forest and Raleigh MST access points. You’re far more likely to encounter deer than people.

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### Redwood Road Exit (West Side Inlet)

The Redwood Road trailhead makes an excellent exit or turnaround point for Sections N and P. Parking is simple, and it’s a convenient access spot for both point-to-point hikes and loop-style planning.

This area is especially popular for:

• Sunset hikes
• Short “after work” outings
• Group meetups that don’t require shuttling

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### Why This Segment Is a Favorite

Sections N & P are perfect if you want:

• A true “get away” feeling close to town
• Long uninterrupted walking rhythm
• Minimal noise and distractions
• Easy navigation with clear trail markings

It’s not flashy — it’s peaceful, grounded, and exactly what the MST is meant to be.

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### Local Tip

Bring:

• Water (no reliable refill points)
• Bug spray in warmer months
• A camera — the lake reflections at golden hour are exceptional

This is also one of the better MST sections for conversation hiking — long, smooth stretches where you can walk side-by-side without constantly watching your footing.

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### Summary

If you’re looking for a calm, scenic, low-stress MST experience, Sections N and P exiting at Redwood Road deliver exactly that. It’s not about conquering elevation or chasing views — it’s about settling into the walk, the woods, and the water.