The Neuse River Greenway Trail runs for nearly 30 miles along the Neuse River from Falls Lake southeast toward Clayton, passing through woodlands, wetlands, and suburban parkland. The paved trail is open to cyclists, runners, and walkers, and the riverside sections in particular offer a genuine sense of distance from the city even when you are technically still within Raleigh's city limits.
The most popular access points are near Falls Lake to the north and at Raleigh Road Amphitheater further south. The wetland sections harbour significant wildlife: great blue herons, osprey, deer, and occasionally beavers can be spotted from the trail. Bring water in summer — the trail is well-maintained but shade is intermittent.