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7 Best Parks in Raleigh, NC

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Jul 18, 2025 6 min read
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7 Best Parks in Raleigh, NC
Chapters
01
Pullen Park
02
William B. Umstead State Park
03
Dorothea Dix Park
04
Moore Square Park
05
Lake Johnson Park 
06
Lake Crabtree County Park 
07
Historic Yates Mill County Park 

Best Parks in Raleigh

Are you searching for the best parks in Raleigh, NC? Check out these great parks in the Raleigh area that the whole family will enjoy. 

The City of Oaks has over 200 parks spanning the metropolitan area, each offering unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. From world-class adventure playgrounds to serene nature preserves, Raleigh's park system provides something for everyone. 

Raleigh is known for its stunning lakes and green spaces, so there is always something to do, especially if you are an outdoor lover. The parks in Raleigh feature many amenities, including art centers, athletic facilities, community centers, lakes, playgrounds, and open spaces. 

Raleigh's park system is regularly rated as one of the best in the country. The area's parks are well-maintained and provide residents and visitors with ample opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the city's beauty. 

Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or peaceful retreats, these ten exceptional parks showcase why Raleigh is consistently ranked among America's best places to live.

Here are the best parks in Raleigh, NC.

1. Pullen Park

Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27606 

Pullen Park is one of Raleigh's finest parks and an excellent spot for family fun. This park offers various amenities such as a carousel, train, kiddie boat ride, playgrounds, a nice picnic area, a lake, and so much more, all across 66 acres of land. 

Located in Raleigh's historic Oakwood neighborhood, a short drive from downtown Raleigh. It is perfect for families. Pullen Park is the top attraction for kids, dating back to 1887. It is the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States. 

Raleigh NC Tree Lined Sidewalk Downtown Raleigh NC

Unique Features: 
  • Historic Carousel: Features hand-carved animals and plays traditional carnival music
  • Theatre in the Park: Theatre In The Park, located at the northern end of Raleigh's scenic Pullen Park, is internationally acclaimed for outstanding theatrical achievements. More than 40,000 people attended our programming last year alone.
  • Train Rides: Miniature train takes families on scenic rides around the park
  • Pedal Boats: Enjoy the lake from a different perspective
  • Playground and Picnic Areas: Perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings

2. William B. Umstead State Park

Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27617

William B. Umstead State Park is a beautiful park that offers a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic trails, stunning lakes, and wildlife around them. Whether searching for an escape from busy city life or just planning a summer date outdoors, William B. Umstead State Park is the place to go. 

Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, this park is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. If you love nature trails, camping, boating, or enjoying the wildlife, this state park is one of the best places to visit. With over 5,599 acres of forest, this park is one of North Carolina's most visited state parks and a popular spot for fall hiking. 

Unique Features:

  • Extensive Trail System: Over 13 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of bridle trails
  • Big Lake and Sycamore Lake: Excellent for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful reflection
  • Mountain Biking: Dedicated single-track trails for various skill levels
  • Wildlife Viewing: Home to deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species
  • Camping: Both tent and RV camping options are available

3. Dorothea Dix Park

Address: 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC

Dorothea Dix Park is one of the biggest parks in Raleigh. It is 308 acres and located just five minutes south of downtown Raleigh. This park is lively, with vast open fields and fun things to do. 

By far one of the most popular and well-known parks in the Triangle, this park is home to many local events, historic architecture, and lush landscaping, all within a welcoming atmosphere. It is a staple destination in the area. Dix Park hosts numerous events and festivals, including Dreamville, the Field of Sunflowers, and Falling for Local

This former mental hospital site has been transformed into one of America's most exciting new park projects. If you are looking for a staple park that is dog-friendly where you can enjoy all the amenities, visiting Dorothea Dix Park should be next on your list. 

Sunflower field in Dorothea Dix Park Raleigh NC

Unique Features:

  • Gipson Play Plaza: Gipson has extensive playground facilities for kids, including a sand pit, waterfall, sensory maze, climbing tower, and swings. This world-class adventure playground opened in 2025 and caters to all ages.
  • Historic Architecture: The park preserves original buildings from the Dorothea Dix Hospital, which have been repurposed as visitor centers and event venues.
  • Raleigh Skyline Views: Rolling meadows and dramatic hills provide stunning panoramic views of downtown Raleigh.
  • Annual Sunflower Fields: The iconic Raleigh sunflowers bloom in July, drawing thousands of people to Dix Park.

4. Moore Square Park

Address: 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 

Moore Square Park is a public gathering space and one of Raleigh's two surviving original parks. It has been a place of gathering, reflection, entertainment, and recreation for Raleigh citizens since 1792. 

The four-acre park is located in downtown Raleigh, an urban green space that offers many different events throughout the year. This area can be used every day to enjoy the outdoors, walk on the trails, or visit the attractions. 

Located in the heart of the town, this park is popular with people who enjoy parks within a city. The square surrounds Raleigh's charming old and new and is a perfect destination on a sunny day. 

At Moore Square, you can enjoy the open lawn area, beautiful old oak trees throughout, a shaded "tree house" area, 30-foot-wide sidewalks around the square, and a splash pad for kids during the warmer months. 

Unique Features:

  • Recent Renovations: It recently underwent a two-year renovation to rejuvenate the space and create a welcoming and inviting space in downtown.
  • Interactive Water Feature: An interactive water feature provides fun for children and cooling relief during hot summer days
  • Event Programming: Moore Square hosts numerous events and programs, including music festivals, markets, and movie nights.
  • Century-Old Oak Trees: All this, while ensuring the beautiful bordering grove of 100-year-old oak trees remains untouched.

Splash Pad in Moore Square Raleigh NC

5. Lake Johnson Park 

Address: 4601 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606 

Lake Johnson Park comprises more than 300 acres of land surrounding the 150-acre lake, making it one of Raleigh's premier waterfront destinations. This beloved park offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities, all within minutes of downtown. 

This park is perfect for families, fitness enthusiasts, nature photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful waterfront escape near the city. Many Raleigh residents love to walk their dogs here when the weather is nice. 

Unique Features:

  • Comprehensive Waterfront Center: The focus of the Waterfront Center is water-based outdoor recreation. The center offers a variety of seasonal paddling and fishing programs
  • Extensive Boat Rental Program: The lake/park offers boating (jonboats, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and personal launches), making it accessible for all skill levels
  • Scenic 700-Foot Boardwalk: There's also a 700-foot-long boardwalk across the lake that provides stunning water views and accessible fishing opportunities
  • Multi-Use Trail System: Lake Johnson has a paved greenway and natural surface trails, offering options for walkers, joggers, and cyclists
  • Fishing Opportunities: The lake is well-stocked, and fishing is permitted from multiple locations, including the boardwalk

Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh, NC on a sunny day

6. Lake Crabtree County Park 

Address: 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC, 27560 

Lake Crabtree County Park is located on a 215-acre site adjacent to a 520-acre flood control lake. The park hosts more than 16 miles of trails for its main activity. This expansive park offers some of the Triangle area's most diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.

Unique Features:

  • Extensive Trail Network: Of the 16 miles of trails at Lake Crabtree, six of them are the loop that goes all the way around the lake, providing options for hiking, single-track mountain biking, and nature study
  • Observation Tower: The main entrance is on the Aviation Parkway side and is equipped with two playgrounds (for different age groups), a boat dock (as well as rentable sailboats), bathrooms, an observation tower, and other amenities
  • Accessible Fishing: The park also offers fishing by boat and from a fishing pier and platform for the physically challenged
  • Volleyball Courts: Visitor amenities such as the park's walking paths, picnic facilities, playgrounds, boat rental, fishing pier, volleyball courts, open play area, and waterfront
  • Family-Friendly Design: Two separate playgrounds are designed for different age groups to ensure safe play for all children

7. Historic Yates Mill County Park 

Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC, 27603 

Historic Yates Mill County Park is a 174-acre wildlife park with hiking trails, Historic Yates Mill, Wake County's last remaining gristmill, and the mill's 24-acre pond, which Steep Hill Creek feeds. This unique park combines history, nature, and education in an authentic 18th-century setting.

Unique Features

  • Fully Operational Gristmill: The 18th-century water-powered mill is fully restored and operable. Volunteers have assisted mainly in the following areas: mill interpretation during guided tours, corn-grinding demonstrations, and selling cornmeal
  • Extensive Trail System: There are three nature trails on the property. One circles Yates Mill Pond, which is enormous for a pond; it's more like a lake. There are about four miles of trails in all
  • Historic Significance: Yates Mill served Wake County as a water-powered mill for over 200 years. Of the 70 gristmills that once served Wake County, this is the sole survivor
  • Affordable Access: Free admission to the park; mill tour fee: $3-5

Historic Yates Mill Park in Raleigh, NC on a sunny day

Methodology 

Data was sourced from local Raleigh parks and the Government of Raleigh to determine the best parks in Raleigh, NC. 

FAQs

What is the oldest park in Raleigh?

Pullen Park is the oldest and first public park in North Carolina, the fifth-oldest amusement park in the US, and the 16th-oldest in the world. 

How many parks are in Raleigh?

There are more than 200 parks in Raleigh, each featuring unique amenities. 

How big is Dorothea Dix Park?

Dorothea Dix Park is one of Raleigh's largest parks. With over 308 acres of land, this park offers historic architecture and rich landscapes, all in the heart of Raleigh. 

Sunset in overview of downtown Raleigh NC

Best Parks in Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line

As you explore these incredible green spaces, remember that Raleigh has more than 200 parks, featuring classes and programs, art centers, athletic facilities, community centers, lakes, nature preserves, dog parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, greenway trails, historic sites, open spaces, and more. Each park offers unique character and amenities, contributing to Raleigh's reputation as a highly livable city.

Whether you're drawn to Pullen Park's historic charm, Umstead State Park's natural beauty, or Dorothea Dix Park's innovative design, Raleigh's park system enhances the quality of life for residents across all neighborhoods. 

When house hunting in Raleigh, consider proximity to these parks as a valuable amenity that will enrich your daily life and provide endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. Welcome to Raleigh, where great parks and living go hand in hand. 

Are you ready to find your perfect home near these amazing parks? Contact Raleigh Realty to explore neighborhoods that put you close to the outdoor lifestyle you love. 

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Pullen Park
02
William B. Umstead State Park
03
Dorothea Dix Park
04
Moore Square Park
05
Lake Johnson Park 
06
Lake Crabtree County Park 
07
Historic Yates Mill County Park 

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