Falls River Paved Trailhead - Mt. Trashmore Fall Hike

Your journey begins at the shaded Falls River Greenway Trailhead where you step onto the smooth, paved path of the Abbotts Creek Trail

The trail winds gently through a quiet wooded corridor, crossing scenic boardwalks and following the lazy curves of the creek. It is a peaceful, flat stretch that lets you warm up your legs over the first two miles.

As the woods open up, you pass directly into Green Hills County Park . Here, you transition onto the unshaded gravel of the Perimeter Loop, wrapping around the base of the massive, grass-covered hill. The grade steepens sharply as you make your final push up the Top of the Hill Trail.

Reaching the 469-foot summit, the trees fall away to reveal a spectacular, sweeping 360-degree panoramic view of the Raleigh area and the distant city skyline.
After soaking in the views at the peak, you loop back down to the base and rejoin the Abbotts Creek Trail , enjoying a familiar, easy two-mile cool-down walk through the trees back to your car.

Start at the Falls River Paved Trailhead (approx. 6.5–7 miles total)

• The Route: Park at the Falls River Greenway Trailhead (located near 2090 Falls River Ave, Raleigh, NC 27614). From here, you will hop onto the Abbotts Creek Trail heading south.
• The Distance Breakdown: It is roughly 2 miles from this trailhead to the border of Green Hills County Park. Once you enter the park, take the Perimeter Loop around the base, climb the Top of the Hill Trail to the summit for the 360-degree views, and descend. Adding the park loops adds about 2.5 to 3 miles to your hike. Retracing your steps back to your car brings your grand total to 6.5 to 7 miles.
• Vibe: Very peaceful, shaded, and completely paved until you hit the gravel summit path at the park. [1, 2]