Greater Triangle Region: County Trail and Park Project Updates Fall 2025

Cindy Stranad
Nov 30
3 min read

Updated: Dec 2

Greater Triangle Regional Trail Updates: At an Oct. 16, 2025 meeting, regional trail leaders provided updates on ongoing and upcoming projects across central North Carolina. Counties are advancing new corridors, finalizing long-range plans, and strengthening partnerships that support active transportation and outdoor recreation. The latest developments show how communities are building greenways, parks, and natural surface trails to connect residents, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life throughout the region.

Trail Plans Take Shape Across Greater Triangle Area

Chatham County

The natural surface trail is moving forward on the Haw River State Peg Track by completing initial reviews and beginning legal discussions for adjoining land access.
Will construct two additional natural surface trails—each about two-thirds of a mile—at Northeast District Park and Brown Chapel starting in early 2026.
Awaiting the grant contract from the Great Trail State Program to begin a feasibility study on the Deep River State Trail’s land portion.

Lee County

Opened the Lee County Athletic Park after a two-year effort and will focus on expanding trail access through acquiring and leasing the Indoor Iron Furnace property with the state, pending lease finalization.
- The acquistion will allow extending the Indoor Iron Furnace greenway in Sanford, creating a major trail expansion opportunity.
- Lee County Athletic Park is the premier destination for sports, recreation, and community events in the region. Designed to accommodate a wide variety of athletic and leisure activities, the park offers top-notch amenities in a family-friendly environment, making it the perfect spot for tournaments, practices, community gatherings, and everyday play.

Wake County

Designing two major corridor projects:
- Triangle Bikeway, expected to reach 30% design completion the first part of 2026.
- Swift Creek Greenway, targeting 90% design completion by early 2026.
  - Construction funding is required for both projects, as current funding only covers design.
Will continue multiple park renovations, including Blue Jay Point and Harris Lake, with construction contracts for Kellum Wyatt moving toward board review.
Securing the management responsibility for 250 acres of Umstead State Park to develop mountain bike trails, offsetting trail loss tied to airport development.

Johnston County

Hosted the second public meeting for the Comprehensive Greenways & Trails Plan on Aug. 7, 2025, providing opportunities for feedback.
First regional park is planned for completion for September 2026, funded largely through grants and developer-funded open-space accounts.
Finalizing a countywide trails and greenways plan by EOY 2025, pending county and town adoption.
Started design on a 1.1- to 2-mile East Coast Greenway segment near Wilson Mills High School, with construction expected by June 2025 to connect neighborhoods and schools.

Durham County

Finalizing a 26-mile Durham-to-Roxboro rail trail plan, with adoption by city and county leaders expected by Dec. 2025; alongside ongoing rail corridor acquisition efforts.
Participated in an updated bike-walk plan that integrates city and county trail corridors to strengthen coordinated mobility planning.

Vance County

Developing trail systems for Fox Farm Park and King Daughters One Park and will initiate collaboration with Warren County to expand joint trail efforts.

Greater Connectivity in the forefront

These updates highlight a coordinated effort to expand trail access and recreation opportunities across the region. As counties move plans from design to construction while securing land, funding, and partnerships, the Triangle’s trail network is poised for significant progress in the coming years. Residents can look forward to greater connectivity, enhanced outdoor activity options, and long-term investments that benefit both local communities and the broader region. Greater Triangle Region NC trail updates are in full swing!