Raleigh is celebrating 50 years of the Capital Area Greenway System with October bike rides, nature walks, volunteer opportunities and museum programs.

For residents looking for things to do in Raleigh this fall, the anniversary offers opportunities to explore local trails and learn how the network developed. 

The City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, will host a free reception and panel discussion on Thursday, October 8, from 5–7 p.m. All ages are welcome.

The event, Celebrating 50 Years of Raleigh Greenways: Past, Present, and Future, will examine the system’s beginnings, growth and role in community life.

Raleigh Parks Director Stephen Bentley will offer remarks, followed by a discussion moderated by Assistant Director Adam Forman. Panelists include Chuck Flink, Jared Harber, Sig Hutchinson, Lisa Schiffbauer and Iona Thomas. Visitors can also explore a greenway history exhibit. 

Explore 50 Years of Greenway History

The museum’s pop-up exhibition, The Park with a City in It: Celebrating 50 Years of the Raleigh Greenway System, runs October 2–22.

Through historical artifacts, the exhibition examines the planning, construction and use of Raleigh’s greenways, along with the work that helped establish the system.

Exhibition hours are:

• Tuesday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Sunday: 1–4 p.m.
• Monday: Closed. 

Lunchbox Lecture Looks at the Next 50 Years

A free, all-ages Lunchbox Lecture takes place at the City of Raleigh Museum on Tuesday, October 6, from noon–1 p.m.

The Capital Area Greenway: The Next 50 Years will explore the system’s early development and the 2022 Greenways Master Plan. Topics include how planning affects investment, operations, partnerships and land use, with attention to everyday commuting and active transportation. 

Bike Rides and Outdoor Activities

Selected anniversary highlights include:

• October 2: Light up the Night Ride from Kiwanis Park, 7–9 p.m.
• October 4: 50 Miles for 50 Years from Chavis Park, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• October 9: Kidical Mass from Brentwood Park, 4–5:30 p.m.

Guided nature walks run October 3–7 at Wilkerson, Walnut Creek, Durant and Horseshoe Farm. Volunteer projects October 9–10 include tree planting, invasive-plant removal and trail maintenance.

Residents can also submit greenway memories, photos and videos for possible sharing by Raleigh Parks. 

Plan Your Visit

Review individual listings for registration, costs, meeting locations and participation requirements before attending.

See the complete Raleigh greenways anniversary schedule and registration links⁠.

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