The Triangle area—Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—is home to some of North Carolina’s best public parks. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect playground, an outdoor enthusiast in search of scenic trails, or a dog owner wanting a great off-leash park, there’s something for everyone.

If you love the idea of living near these green spaces, The Coley Group’s Neighborhood Matcher Survey can help you find a home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Now, let’s explore the top parks in the Triangle!

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🌳 Best Parks for Families

These parks are ideal for kids, picnics, and weekend fun!

Pullen Park (Raleigh, NC)

📍 Location: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606

Pullen Park is a Raleigh treasure and one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. Families love this park for its kid-friendly attractions, including a historic carousel, a mini train ride, pedal boats, and multiple playgrounds. With picnic shelters and plenty of green space, it’s the perfect weekend destination for family fun. Plus, it’s right next to NC State University, making it a central spot for locals.

Durant Nature Preserve (Raleigh, NC)

📍 Location: 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614

For families who love both playgrounds and nature exploration, Durant Nature Preserve is a hidden gem. With a dedicated nature play area where kids can climb logs and build forts, plus easy hiking trails around the lakes, it’s an ideal spot for hands-on outdoor fun. The preserve offers educational programs for kids and is a quieter alternative to busier city parks.

North Cary Park (Cary, NC)

📍 Location: 1100 Norwell Blvd, Cary, NC 27513

North Cary Park is a great spot for active families. With a large climbing boulder, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports courts, it has something for kids of all ages. Parents will appreciate the shaded benches and the well-maintained paths for strolling. It’s also conveniently located near shopping and dining areas, making it an easy stop for a full day out.

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🥾 Best Parks for Hiking & Nature Lovers

These parks offer scenic trails and peaceful getaways in the Triangle.

Umstead State Park (Raleigh, NC)

📍 Location: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

With over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, Umstead State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. The park’s scenic trails wind through dense forests, alongside creeks, and past picturesque lakes, offering a peaceful escape from city life. Popular trails like Company Mill and Sycamore Trail provide moderate hikes with rewarding views. The park also allows fishing and has picnic spots for a post-hike lunch.

Eno River State Park (Durham, NC)

📍 Location: 6101 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705

Eno River State Park is known for its breathtaking river views and easy-to-moderate hiking trails, making it perfect for families and beginners. The Cox Mountain Trail leads to a beautiful suspension bridge, while the Eno Trace Trail offers a peaceful riverside walk. It’s also a great spot for photography, wildlife spotting, and even wading in the river on warm days.

William B. Umstead State Park – Cary Entrance (Cary, NC)

📍 Location: 2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513

A lesser-known entrance to Umstead, the Cary side of the park is quieter and less crowded than the main Raleigh entrances. The trails here, like the Reedy Creek and Loblolly Trails, offer a more serene hiking experience, with lush greenery and scenic overlooks. It’s a great spot for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far from the city.

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🐾 Best Dog-Friendly Parks

These parks are perfect for dog owners who want space for their pups to run and play.

Oakwood Dog Park (Raleigh, NC)

📍 Location: 910 Brookside Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Oakwood Dog Park is a fully fenced, off-leash dog park with lots of shade and seating for owners. The park has a large space for bigger dogs and a separate area for smaller pups. Its friendly atmosphere and proximity to downtown living make it a go-to spot for urban dog owners.

Southern Community Park (Chapel Hill, NC)

📍 Location: 1000 Sumac Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

This spacious, well-maintained dog park offers both fenced-in play areas and scenic trails where you can take your pup for a leashed walk. With picnic areas and sports fields nearby, it’s a great spot for both dog owners and families. Plus, it’s located near some of Chapel Hill’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Carolina Pines Dog Park (Raleigh, NC)

📍 Location: 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Carolina Pines Dog Park is a local favorite for its large play areas and shaded sections. It’s divided into separate spaces for large and small dogs, making it a safe and fun place for all breeds. There are also walking trails nearby for a post-park stroll.

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🚣 Best Parks for Water Activities

If you love kayaking, fishing, or waterfront views, these parks are must-visits.

Lake Johnson Park (Raleigh, NC)

📍 Location: 4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Lake Johnson Park is one of the best spots in Raleigh for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. It has a boathouse that rents out watercraft, plus a paved trail that loops around the lake for walkers and runners. The peaceful setting makes it a great escape for both relaxation and recreation.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (Apex, NC)

📍 Location: 280 State Park Rd, Apex, NC 27523

A massive lake surrounded by scenic parks and campgrounds, Jordan Lake is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. Multiple access points provide boat launches, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. It’s one of the best weekend getaway spots in the Triangle, offering both adventure and relaxation.

Bond Park (Cary, NC)

📍 Location: 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513

Bond Park’s serene lake setting makes it a perfect spot for paddle boating, canoeing, and fishing. The surrounding trails offer great views of the water, and there are plenty of shaded picnic areas. It’s also home to fun seasonal events, making it a community favorite.

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Find Your Dream Home Near the Best Parks

If you love spending time outdoors, why not live near some of these amazing parks? Our 5-Minute Neighborhood Matcher Survey can help you find a home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle—whether you want quick access to hiking trails, a dog-friendly community, or a family-friendly park nearby.

Take the Neighborhood Matcher Survey Now!