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Centennial Campus

Lake Raleigh Recreation Area

On the southern side of Centennial Campus, the Lake Raleigh Recreation Area — which includes 96 acres of protected forest — offers a picturesque retreat for members of the Pack and the wider community.

Centennial’s Hidden Gem

Created as a reservoir for the city in the early 1900s, Lake Raleigh is a sprawling oasis less than three miles from Downtown Raleigh. The 75-acre lake and its trails are open from dawn until dusk, and there are three areas of public access.

Lake Raleigh’s recreation area sits in the heart of NC State’s Centennial Campus and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including hiking, biking, picnics, disc golf, fishing, non-motorized boating and watersports.

Download Lake Raleigh Woods map

Access Areas

There are three access points for the Lake Raleigh Recreation Area:

  • Main Campus Drive — From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, paid parking is available at the nearby Poulton lot on Partners Way. At any other time, free parking on campus is open to the public. After 5 p.m. and all day on weekends, public parking can also be found at the waterfront.
  • Park Alumni Center — Free parking is available all day.
  • Centennial Campus Middle School — Free parking is available all day.

Park Guidelines

Before visiting, be sure to review Lake Raleigh Recreation Area’s rules and guidelines:

  • Lake Raleigh and its trails are open to the public from dawn until dusk.
  • Swimming and wading are not allowed.
  • Dogs must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times.
  • Pet owners must clean up after their pets.
  • Alcohol is not permitted.
  • Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot.
  • Drones are not allowed.
  • Overnight camping is not allowed.
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Lake Raleigh Woods is one of 10 Hallowed Places — irreplaceable spots that have accrued special meaning over time — designated throughout NC State’s campus.
People remove branches and brush to clear a bike trail in Lake Raleigh Woods.

Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails

Beyond the central recreation area, you’ll find a vast network of hiking and biking trails embedded in the forests of Lake Raleigh Woods.

The mountain biking trails and skills courses include jumps, tabletops, drops and more. Two options are available for riders: a beginner course and an intermediate course. The hiking trail sits near the mountain biking trails, so please be aware of hikers in the area when riding.

All trails are marked by trailheads and open to the public from dawn until dusk. Parking is available at Centennial Campus Middle School.

Trail Guidelines

Lake Raleigh Woods’ three designated trails are Fern Trail, a 1.1-mile-long beginner mountain biking trail; Tulip Poplar Trail, a 1.1-mile-long intermediate mountain biking trail; and Valley Trail, a 0.27-mile-long beginner hiking trail.

  • Hikers and bike users are welcome
  • Stay on the trail
  • Keep right, pass on left
  • Use trails at your own risk
  • Respect trail signs and closures
  • Helmets and appropriate safety gear are required
  • Keep pets on a leash and clean up after pets
  • Plan ahead: cell service can be unreliable
Signs pointing to various hiking and biking trails in Lake Raleigh Woods.

Follow along on Instagram (@LakeRaleighWoods) to engage with the Lake Raleigh Woods mountain biking community and find up-to-date information about the trail system.

More Activities

Two women paddling kayaks on Lake Raleigh.

Boating

Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. All boats must be launched from the designated boat launch area. Cars parked in front of the boat launch will be towed. Please be respectful when launching watercraft as space is limited.
A man fishes on a fishing pier at Lake Raleigh Recreation Area.

Fishing

FishingThere are two fishing piers accessible from the Lake Raleigh waterfront area. The lake is a popular destination for sport fishing, with largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and several species of catfish. Statewide fishing regulations apply.
A dirt trail surrounded by greenery in Lake Raleigh Woods.

Trails

Miles of recreational walking trails surrounded by natural landscape can be accessed via the Centennial Campus Middle School parking lot or the Park Alumni Center parking lot.
A couple runs with their dog along a greenway trail on Centennial Campus.

Greenway

Two greenway trails, Walnut Creek Trail and Centennial Bikeway Connector, run directly through Centennial Campus. Access is located near the Main Campus Drive parking area.
A young man bikes on a mountain bike trail in Lake Raleigh Woods.

Biking

Riders can explore Lake Raleigh Woods’ mountain biking trails — or travel the paved greenway in the recreation area, which connects to destinations across southeast Raleigh.
A red NC State frisbee sits in a metal disc golf basket.

Disc Golf

A nine-hole disc golf course is accessible from the Lake Raleigh waterfront area. You’ll find the first hole located near the entrance of the lake.

Thrive on Centennial Campus

Whether you’re here to learn, work, relax or adventure, there are plenty of ways to explore NC State’s award-winning research park.

See the possibilities
Friends enjoy drinks around the firepit at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course.