By Rachel Simon
When the Town of Cary built its first-ever greenway back in 1979, few could’ve predicted that the .15-mile-long path would be the start of Cary’s expansive, nationally-recognized network of trails. Yet nearly 50 years later, the area is home to over 100 miles of paved greenways that connect parks, schools, retail spaces and more all across the North Carolina town.
If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cary to enjoy its expansive greenway system, rest assured: Cary’s greenway system is only getting bigger and better. “The more that we build, the more the community wants,” says Sandi Bailey, a Town Transportation Planner.
For very good reason. Cary’s greenways are safe and regularly maintained, (leashed) pet-friendly, and open from dawn to dusk. One of the Triangle’s most extensive, most-connected systems, and with so many paths and distances to choose from, the opportunities for exploration are appealingly endless. “You truly can make a day out of exploring the greenways, finding beautiful public art, stopping in a park for a picnic, and being immersed in nature,” says Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos, Cary’s Transportation Director.
More than half of Cary residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park or greenway, so no matter which trail you explore, you’re bound to “encounter many neighborhood connections that make the greenways easy to enjoy,” says Schumacher-Georgopoulos.
Almost all of the town’s parks are connected by greenways, too. Bond Park acts as the hub of the system, thanks to its access to two of Cary’s biggest trails: the 7.1-mile Black Creek and the 7.38-mile White Oak greenways. Those two paths and others connect to numerous greenways in other Triangle cities, exemplifying Cary’s unique position as the center of a 300+-mile trail network that spans the full region. A strong biker can start the day on a Cary greenway and find themselves on Durham’s end of the American Tobacco Trail less than 90 minutes later, for instance (and if they get tired, they can always catch a ride home on Amtrak!).
And North Carolina is just the tip of the iceberg. The Black Creek and White Oak Creek trails are primary parts of the East Coast Greenway, a bike and walking route spanning 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida. All together, the Triangle represents over 70 miles of the East Coast Greenway route – helping North Carolina live up to its “Great Trails State” nickname.
Of course, you don’t have to be a cross-country biker to enjoy all that Cary’s greenway system has to offer. A 2024 survey found that more than 95% of Cary residents had used a greenway or park in their town within the past year, and it’s estimated that upwards of a million people – both residents and tourists – annually set foot on the trails. From parents taking their kids on leisurely strolls to runners fitting in some morning miles to nature lovers using the paths to reach wetlands and forests, everyone finds their own way to make the most of the broad network.
They’ll soon have even more opportunities to do so. The last section of Black Creek Greenway that’s been closed for renovation is set to re-open in the coming months, giving users access to the path’s full extent and re-connecting the trail to Crabtree Creek Greenway.
That change isn’t the only upgrade the town of Cary is making to the greenway system. Funds are regularly put towards improving current greenway infrastructure like bridges and surfaces, and the volunteer-based Greenways Committee is full of Cary residents doing their part to keep the trails maintained.
In recent years, numerous eye-catching public artworks have also been installed along several trails. Travelers on Black Creek Greenway can find artist Brad Spencer’s human-size brick sculptures near NW Maynard Road, while those on White Oak Creek can encounter Lisa Gaither’s vibrant deer murals over by Davis Drive Park. These installations, says Bailey, “really add to the experience along the greenways.”
Earlier this year, the Town of Cary invited residents to submit photos capturing the greenways’ beauty and joys, for a contest honoring the trail system’s 100-mile landmark. The winning images will be on view in an exhibition at the Bond Park Community Center from Oct. 7 through Dec. 13. There will also be several greenway festivities at Cary’s Harvest Fest on Oct. 17, officially designated by Governor Josh Stein as Great Trails State Day. Explore eco-conscious vendors and organizations celebrating local food, sustainable living, and regenerative agriculture, then join for a walk on the greenways or tour the historic Good Hope Farm.
The best way to celebrate the Cary greenways, though? Simply using them and enjoying the “beautiful experience”, per Bailey, that these paths have to offer to locals and visitors alike.
