Gardner Street Trail Greenway
Rate this placeNearby: Mayview Park Isabella Cannon Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Gardner Street Trail Greenway is a popular destination in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Summary
The trail is a part of the city's greenway system and meanders through the beautiful wooded areas of Raleigh, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are several reasons to visit the Gardner Street Trail Greenway, including its scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride on the trail while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the main points of interest along the trail is the Shelley Lake Park, a picturesque park with a serene lake and walking trails. The park also features a playground, picnic area, and fishing pier, making it a great spot for families to spend a day outdoors.
Other interesting facts about the area include the presence of a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species. The trail also features several interpretive signs that provide information about the local flora and fauna.
The best time of year to visit the Gardner Street Trail Greenway is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the trail is open year-round and can be enjoyed in all seasons.
Overall, the Gardner Street Trail Greenway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of North Carolina. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape, this trail offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Mayview Park
Isabella Cannon Park
Rose Garden and Little Theatre
Parker Street Park
Barmettler Park