Explore the Unexpected
Favorite Greenway Spots & Hidden Gems
Raleigh’s greenway system spans over 120 miles of trails that wind through forests, wetlands, parks, and neighborhoods — but some of the best spots are tucked just out of view. Whether you’re a regular rider or a weekend walker, there are plenty of hidden gems along the Capital Area Greenway waiting to be discovered.
🕵️ Favorite Spot & Hidden Gem #1: “The Swamp”
Tucked into the urban heart of Raleigh, this stretch of Crabtree Creek Trail passes through a lush, low-lying wetland we call “The Swamp.” A long, elevated boardwalk floats just above the floodplain, guiding walkers, runners, and cyclists through a surprisingly serene slice of nature — all within sight of downtown traffic.
It’s one of the best places in the city for spontaneous bird watching. Egrets, herons, hawks, and red-winged blackbirds are regular visitors, and the views change with every season (and every rainfall).
This spot captures what we love most about the greenway: its ability to turn everyday commutes into moments of connection with the natural world.
🧭 Located between Capital Blvd and Raleigh Blvd on the Crabtree Creek Trail
🕵️ Favorite Spot & Hidden Gem #2: Lassiter Mill Falls
Once the site of one of Raleigh’s earliest grist mills, Lassiter Mill powered local industry for more than a century. The original mill, built in the mid-1800s, was replaced by a concrete dam in the early 20th century, creating the picturesque cascade you see today. Though the mill itself is long gone, the falls remain a favorite gathering spot for locals.
The gentle roar of water over the dam and the shaded banks of Crabtree Creek make this a peaceful place to pause — whether you’re watching kids skip stones, anglers try their luck, or the sunlight dance on the spray. In the spring, migrating fish swim upstream here, and year-round you might spot herons or turtles basking nearby.
It’s a reminder that even within city limits, the greenway connects us to Raleigh’s earliest roots and to the timeless pull of moving water.
🧭 Located just off Lassiter Mill Road on the Crabtree Creek Trail
🕵️ Favorite Spot & Hidden Gem #3: Rocky Branch Trail in Dix
Tucked just west of downtown Raleigh, Dix Park is a park for everyone—a sweeping 308 acres of rolling meadows, shaded hillsides, and open lawns where you can picnic with friends, toss a frisbee, walk your dog, or simply settle under an oak with a good book. It offers postcard-perfect views of the downtown skyline, and is a place for playful gatherings or quiet reflection. At its northern edge, the Rocky Branch Trail slices through the green, offering both shade and connectivity—linking urban energy with natural escape—and anchoring the ambitious restoration project that we're excited to explore. Learn more here: Dix Park — Rocky Branch Restoration Project.
A Place with Deep Roots
Dix Park’s land has a long and complex history. For more than a century it was home to Dorothea Dix Hospital, a state psychiatric facility that first opened in the 1850s. After the hospital closed in 2012, Raleigh and Wake County leaders worked together to preserve the land as public park space. Today, the 308-acre site is Raleigh’s largest city park — a one-of-a-kind green space that connects the past, present, and future of our city.
Rocky Branch Trail Today
The Rocky Branch Trail runs along the northern edge of the park, forming part of the Capital Area Greenway system. It links Pullen Park and NC State’s campus on one end, and connects toward Lake Wheeler Road on the other — creating an important east-west spine through Raleigh’s core. Along the way, the trail dips into quiet stretches along the creek, passes under shade trees, and opens into the rolling meadows that make Dix Park so iconic.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dix Park
The City of Raleigh is working closely with partners like the Dix Park Conservancy to reimagine this space as a world-class destination. Plans include improved trail connections, restored creek corridors, and new community amenities — while keeping the open meadows and skyline views that make the park so special.
The Rocky Branch Trail bond project is also designed to restore the creek to its original meander, helping to reduce flooding while improving habitat, water quality, and overall trail experience. For trail users, that means smoother rides, better crossings, and even more reasons to explore this central hub of Raleigh’s greenway network.
Why We Love It
Rocky Branch at Dix is where Raleigh’s past meets its future — a place where history, nature, and community come together. Whether you’re walking, running, or biking, it’s a reminder of how important greenways are in shaping the city we all share.
🧭 Located just off Western Blvd on the Rocky Branch Trail