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. 

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

Let’s build out the East Coast Greenway State Trail in North Carolina! The Complete the Trails Program is now accepting proposals for trail projects; we invite our partners along the route to apply!

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, Raleigh, 2.7 mi

• Chavis Way sidepath, Raleigh; 0.3 mi

• Central Raleigh Trail, Raleigh; 0.58 mi

• Neuse River Trail, Raleigh-Clayton; 13 mi

• Sam's Branch Greenway, Clayton; 2.5 mi
• Front Street Sidepath, Clayton; 0.7 mi

• Buffalo Creek Greenway, Smithfield; 2.9 mi

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

• South Tar River Greenway, Greenville; 3.2 mi

• Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville; 4.1 mi

• Jacksonville Rail-Trail, Jacksonville; 2.6 mi

• Greenfield Lake Path, Wilmington; 1.75 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

• Surf City Bridge Multi-Use Path, Surf City,: 0.8 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

• South Tar River Greenway, Greenville,: 3.2 mi

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.