Two of the more popular Raleigh greenway destinations are Lake Johnson and Shelley Lake. The Lake Johnson greenway consists of 3.5 miles of paved trail and a 2.5-mile dirt trail. Shelley Lake is arguably the city's best-loved greenway. On a sunny day, it is a bustling scene. Fortunately for cyclists, the two- mile Shelley Lake greenway has several connections to more sedate paths.
Ambitious families can connect the loops and complete an eight-mile ride.
The 5,500-acre William B. Umstead State Park is recognized nationally for its significance as an ecological gem in the midst of rapid urbanization. Umstead's old-growth forests and rare plant life are home to several rare or threatened species, yet it is also a vibrant element of the region's quality of life. Umstead has over 11 miles of bridle trails that are shared by area mountain bikers. Hikers have nearly 19 miles of trail, separate from bikes and horses. Truly, Umstead offers something for everyone.