Apex trails: 22-plus miles of town greenway, the American Tobacco Trail, the Lake Pine loop, distances, hours, trailhead parking and current closures.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Facts come from the Town of Apex greenways page and each greenway’s own page, and from Wake County’s American Tobacco Trail page. Closures change; check before you go.

The Town of Apex maintains more than 22 miles of public greenway, and the American Tobacco Trail runs more than 22 miles from Apex to Durham on an old railroad bed, with more of it inside Apex than in any other Wake County community, the town says. Town greenways are open from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Report a greenway problem with the town’s online form or call Apex Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources at 919-249-3402.

Closures this month

  • Beaver Creek Greenway: sections near two bridges close for repairs Oct. 12-16, 2026, with signs at the entrances (town notice)
  • American Tobacco Trail: a Wake County section is fully closed from Sept. 2 through the end of October 2026 to repair Hurricane Helene landslide damage (county notice)

The trails at a glance

Trail Length Surface Parking and access
American Tobacco Trail, Wake County section 6.5 miles (22-plus miles total to Durham) Rail-trail 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road (county address)
Beaver Creek Greenway 6.44-mile corridor planned 10-foot asphalt, boardwalk Kelly Road Park, 1609 Kelly Road; Jaycee Park, 451 NC 55
Middle Creek Greenway 4.3 miles paved planned toward Holly Springs 10-foot asphalt, boardwalk Neighborhood access
Reedy Branch Greenway 4.16-mile corridor 10-foot asphalt, boardwalk Kelly Road to the American Tobacco Trail
Apex West Greenway 1.07-mile corridor 10-foot asphalt, boardwalk Neighborhood access
Apex Community Park lake and natural trails 3-plus miles 2 miles paved, 1 mile natural 2200 Laura Duncan Road; lake trail entrance at 1808 Lake Pine Drive
Apex Nature Park trails Paved and natural paths Paved and natural 2600 Evans Road

The town’s parks and greenways map (PDF) shows them all.

American Tobacco Trail

Built on an abandoned railroad corridor, the American Tobacco Trail is the area’s long-distance ride. Wake County manages a 6.5-mile section in western Wake County, with restrooms, picnic areas, interpretive exhibits, and room for walking, biking and horseback riding. Grounds are open 8 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset every day, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Wake County lists the trail at 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex; call 919-387-2117. A brochure and trail map (PDF) is on the county’s site.

Beaver Creek Greenway

A multi-use trail of boardwalk, asphalt and concrete that runs from Jaycee Park to Kelly Road Park, with more segments in the Buckhorn Preserve and Arcadia Ridge/West neighborhoods. The corridor is planned at 6.44 miles, and upcoming construction will complete a four-mile link between Apex Nature Park and Jaycee Park at NC 55, connecting 11 neighborhoods, three parks and three schools. Parking: Kelly Road Park, 1609 Kelly Road, and Jaycee Park, 451 NC 55, both with restrooms and water fountains. The town’s Rainbow Bridge pet memorial is on this greenway behind the Beaver Creek shopping complex.

Middle Creek, Reedy Branch and Apex West

  • Middle Creek Greenway is planned as a regional link between Apex and Holly Springs, about five miles south, with 4.3 miles of paved trail connecting six neighborhoods and a safe walking route to Lufkin Road Middle School.
  • Reedy Branch Greenway runs 4.16 miles from Kelly Road to the American Tobacco Trail and on west to the Deer Creek neighborhood.
  • Apex West Greenway, 1.07 miles, links neighborhoods to Reedy Branch, Beaver Creek and the American Tobacco Trail.

All three are 10 feet wide and open to walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters, strollers, wheelchairs and leashed dogs.

Loops in the parks

  • Lake Pine at Apex Community Park, 2200 Laura Duncan Road: about 2 miles of paved greenway and a 1-mile natural trail around a lake of more than 50 acres. Open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Road: paved paths with environmental education stations and a trail map (PDF). Open 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Plan a longer ride

Several Apex greenways connect to Cary’s network. The free Wander Wake County app maps more than 300 miles of greenways and trails countywide. Damage or graffiti under NCDOT bridges, such as on NC 540, goes to NCDOT at 877-368-4968.

Related: parks and trails, dog-friendly Apex and getting around.

Frequently asked questions

How many miles of greenway does Apex have?

The Town of Apex maintains more than 22 miles of public greenway, with more planned as development continues.

Where do I park for the American Tobacco Trail in Apex?

Wake County lists its American Tobacco Trail address as 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex. Grounds are open 8 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset, and the trail closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

What are the hours for Apex greenways?

Town greenways are open from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Apex Community Park, with its lake loop, is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Is the American Tobacco Trail closed?

Wake County closed a section starting Sept. 2, 2026, to repair landslide damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024, and said the closure would last through the end of October.

Can I ride a bike on Apex greenways?

Yes. The town lists bicycling, along with walking, running, walking leashed dogs, skating, strollers and wheelchairs, as uses on its greenways.