North Carolina

On its way through central and eastern North Carolina, the East Coast Greenway showcases the state’s natural features and cultural diversity. From rolling hills of pine, oak, and hickory forests to farmlands, thriving cities, cypress swamps, and coastal beaches, travelers will experience much of the Tar Heel State’s best.

The current spine route passes through the Research Triangle cities of Durham and Raleigh on extensive greenway trails, then touches the Sandhills and enters Fayetteville. It runs across the coastal plain along the Cape Fear River and explores the port city of Wilmington.

In addition to this main route, the Historic Coastal Route extends south from Virginia on the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail and follows the North Carolina coast more closely, linking Greenville and Jacksonville before heading into Wilmington to join the spine route. 

Triangle Trails Initiative

Sponsored by the East Coast Greenway Alliance, Triangle Trails Initiative is a newly launched collaboration between government, business, anchor institutions and civic leaders to make the Research Triangle Region a national leader in greenways and trails. Click for more. 

Traveling by train? 

Quick tips when using Amtrak with your bike: Do your research in advance; each train line features different bike rack equipment and loading procedures. Check Amtrak for the latest and when in doubt: call the station if you have questions. Click for more: https://www.amtrak.com/bike

In 2017, the East Coast Greenway Alliance commissioned a study to put numbers on what we know to be true: Greenways are good for economic growth. Prepared by Alta Planning + Design and sponsored by GSK, the report finds that the East Coast Greenway generates $90 million in total benefits annually for the Triangle region, from gains in health and the environment to transportation and access benefits, economic gains, and increased property values.

Mileage counts reflect the portion of each trail that is part of East Coast Greenway.

• Ellerbe Creek Trail, Durham; 1.5 mi

• South Ellerbe Creek Trail, Durham; 1.5 mi

• Downtown Trail, Durham; 1.3 mi

• American Tobacco Trail, Durham, Chatham, & Wake Counties; 17.5 mi

• Black Creek Greenway and White Oak Greenway, Cary; 12.75 mi

• Umstead State Park Trail, Wake Co.; 5.3 mi

• Reedy Creek Greenway, Raleigh; 4.7 mi

• Walnut Creek Trail, Raleigh; 4.5 mi

• Rocky Branch Trail, Raleigh; 1.2 mi

• Pullen Park Trail, Raleigh, 0.35 mi

• Little Rock Trail, Raleigh, 1 mi

• Lower Walnut Creek Trail, 2.7 mi

• Chavis Way sidepath, Raleigh; 0.3 mi

• Central Raleigh Trail, Raleigh; 0.58 mi

• Neuse River Trail, Raleigh-Clayton: 13 mi

• Buffalo Creek Greenway, Smithfield NC; 2.9 mi

• Dunn-Erwin Trail, Dunn-Erwin; 5.3 mi

• Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville; 4.1 mi

• Jacksonville Rail-Trail, Jacksonville; 2.6 mi

• Greenfield Lake Path, Wilmington; 1.75 mi

• The Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington; 0.8 mi

• Cross-City Greenway, Wilmington; 6.75 mi

• Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, South Mills; 3 mi

• Carolina Beach Island Greenway, Carolina Beach; 1.2 mi

• North Carolina Aquarium at Ft. Fisher Trail, Kure Beach; 0.4 mi

• Southport-Ft. Fisher Ferry, south of Wilmington; 4 mi

• Emerald Path, Emerald Isle; 8.7 mi