Call to Action: SAVE the Big Branch Greenway

We need your help! We love our greenway system with more than 125 miles of interconnected greenways throughout Raleigh and beyond. Raleigh’s top-priority greenway project, the Big Branch Greenway, is at risk—and your voice can make all the difference.

What is the Big Branch Greenway?

• The Big Branch Greenway is the City of Raleigh’s #1 greenway priority, and the only new trail construction in the 2022 Parks Bond. It is a vital connection through some of Raleigh's fastest-growing, most vibrant neighborhoods spanning 3.5 miles from Downtown to Midtown, serving over 7,000 current and 3,000 future neighbors.

So What's Happening?

• Right now, an organized group of neighbors is working to block this critical segment behind their homes, which runs along the stream corridor, despite the city offering privacy fences. There is at least a 55-foot buffer between their homes and the trail.

• City staff and planners agree it’s the best viable option. Here's why:

  • There is plenty of space. Houses are 55–85 feet from the greenway. There are already over 160 homes within 55 feet and 450 homes within 90 feet of Raleigh’s greenways.

  • Approximately 65% of residents surveyed preferred the streamside alignment.

  • The corridor has already been cleared for a new sewer pipe, making it ready for the greenway.

  • The plan includes funding for stream bank stabilization to reduce erosion and flooding.

• If this greenway corridor link is blocked, thousands will lose out on safe walking and biking connections, environmental restoration, and neighborhood equity.

  
  

Why Is Big Branch Greenway Important?

• Access & Connectivity: More than 7,000 residents—plus 3,000 planned new homes—will gain direct access to parks, shopping, schools, and transportation access through this new greenway corridor link. The Big Branch Greenway will fill existing gaps and add 3.5 miles of scenic trail, connecting Crabtree Creek Greenway to Cedar Hills Park, across many of Midtown’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

• Equity: Prioritized for population density, transit access, and parks equity—bringing green space to those who need it most.

• Safety and Health: Provides safe routes for kids, encourages walking and biking, and improves local air and water quality.

• Community Benefit: Trails boost property values, deter crime through active use, and strengthen social bonds.

History of Raleigh's Greenway Vision

• The Big Branch corridor was first designated in 1976, and was named Raleigh’s #1 priority in the 2022 Greenway Master Plan, and in the Midtown–St. Albans Area Plan.

• Decades of community input, voter support, and expert planning have culminated in today’s bold vision for a truly connected city.

Show support by wearing green at Raleigh Parks board meetings and upcoming City Council meetings.

Three Ways to Take Action Today

Without action, a small group can derail years of planning and progress.

1. Email the Raleigh City Council and the Mayor Subject Line: "Save Big Branch Greenway"

   Share why you love Raleigh’s greenways and why a connected system—including Big Branch—is vital, as recommended by city staff.

   This email will send to all City Council members: citycouncilmemebers@raleighnc.gov

2. Attend the Raleigh Parks Board Meeting

   Thursday, October 16, 7:00 PM

   Raleigh Municipal Building, 2nd Floor 222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601

   Please wear green to show your support!

   We need you there to encourage the Parks Board to approve the proposed alignment as recommended by staff, unanimously, and to send their unanimous recommendation to the City Council. The opposition will be there too. Of course, speaking is optional, but get there early to sign up in advance if you want to voice your support.

3. Attend City Council Meetings

   Tuesday October 14, 7 PM

   Raleigh Municipal Building 2nd Floor 222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

   Show up and wear green.

   Tuesday, October 21, 1:00 PM

   Raleigh Municipal Building 2nd Floor 222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

   Show up and wear green. Speaking is optional.

   To speak, you need to sign up by 3 pm on Oct. 17, for the Oct. 21meeting at 1pm.

   SIGN UP HERE
   

   Monday, Nov. 10, 1:00 PM

   Raleigh Municipal Building 2nd Floor 222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

   Show up and wear green. Speaking is optional.

   To speak, you need to sign up by 3 pm on Nov. 7, for the Nov. 10th meeting at 1pm.

   SIGN UP HERE

   
   

   Topic Recommendations if Considering Speaking

   • Property Value & Crimes & Safety on Trails

   • Regional Connectivity & Safe Routes for Kids 

   • Transportation & Mobility & Equitable routes

Quick Facts

1. Big Branch Greenway offers 3.5 new miles and is part of the 2022 Parks Bond and the ONLY new trail construction project in the bond. 

2. More than 10,000 residents will benefit from greenway access when completed.

3. The city will restore Big Branch Creek and improve stormwater management as part of the project.

4. Big Branch starts at the Crabtree Creek Greenway and heads north across Six Forks Rd., over I-440 into North Hills, and then north through Quail Hollow, Millbrook Rd, and to Sandy Forks Rd. 

   
   

When you take action, please let us know. Rashawn King at rashawn@greenway.org so we can update you on more information about the Parks Board and City Council meetings. Send an email if you have questions or need more information.

Together, we can save the Big Branch Greenway—let’s get it done!

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