Local Area Information for Raleigh - Durham, North Carolina 

We will be updating this page on a regular basis to include information on our local area.  Check below for information on local parks and the greenway system.  We will be including information on local business, the school and healthcare systems and other topics of interest soon.

Greenways & Parks

Raleigh Greenways:  http://www.trianglegreenways.org/raleigh2.htm
Cary Greenways:  http://www.trianglegreenways.org/cary.htm

The Greenways are great if you have only a short time to enjoy the outdoors.  Trailheads are spread throughout Raleigh and Cary (a few trails in RTP and Durham as well) and vary from short walks to longer, hilly treks.  They run through the city, but many are quite scenic winding along creeks and through small forested areas.

Umstead Park:  http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wium/main.php

Umstead Park has entrances in North Raleigh off US 70 and in Cary off of I-40 on Harrison Ave.  It has 20 miles of great hiking and cycling trails, my favorite is the Company Mill Trail.  It is off the Cary entrance and just under 6 (hilly) miles, crossing over a creek by the Company Mill Site.  There are also horse back riding, boating and fishing areas but I have not tried them yet.  There are also a few small camping sites and picnic areas. 

Jordan Lake:  http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/jord/main.php

Jordan Lake is located off of Hwy 64 and close to between Apex and Pittsboro.  It is a short 15-25 minute drive from Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh and Cary.  There are over 14,000 acres of water with swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing.  There are several nice hiking trails and picnic areas.  Jordan Lake is also great for camping, I usually stay at Parker's Creek area.  Campsites range from RV camping with electric/water hookups, group tent plots for families to hike/canoe in sites, with prices from $10-20/day. 

Falls Lake:  http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fala/main.php

Falls Lake is off Hwy 98 and 50, close to both Durham and Northern Raleigh.  It contains over 12,000 acres of water and 26,000 acres of woodlands.  There are several recreation areas within the park, with a variety of activities on the water and off.

Crime Statistics

Raleigh/Cary Police Incidents:  http://apps.newsobserver.com/know/crime/

Durham Crime Mapper:  http://www.durhampolice.com/crimemapper.cfm

Hotels

If you are visting the Research Triangle Park Area, whether for business or recreation, there are several hotels to choose from to meet your needs.  Below are a few that we have vistited and can highly recommend.

Cary - Regency Park Area: 

Both the Cary Residence Inn and Cary Courtyard by Marriott are great choices.  They are located conveniently to Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and the surrounding areas.  Having visited these locations I can say they have a friendly staff, spacious clean rooms and several value added services to make your stay more pleasent.