When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Green Hills County Park
Why Green Hills County Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Green Hills County Park is a unique and inviting 36-acre park located in the northern part of Wake County, Raleigh, North Carolina. What makes this park especially remarkable is that it was developed on a previously closed municipal solid waste landfill, transformed into a vibrant recreational space since its opening in July 2010. This transformation from landfill to park gives Green Hills a compelling story of environmental renewal and community spirit. The park offers a variety of recreational amenities suitable for visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy paved trails that meander through the park’s grassy slopes, perfect for walking, jogging, and casual strolls. There is a well-maintained playground area featuring separate sections for kids aged 2-5 and 5-12, fostering a safe and fun environment for children. The park also provides a picnic shelter, plenty of benches, restrooms conveniently placed near activity areas, and ample parking. Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, Green Hills County Park serves as a peaceful spot to gather and relax, with a natural setting that encourages play and outdoor activity. Upcoming public programming is being planned to further enhance visitor experience, reflecting the park’s commitment to community engagement and evolving recreation needs.
Here's what people think of Green Hills County Park
As of recent, Green Hills County Park holds a 4.7-star rating based on 376 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Green Hills County Park for its beautiful transformation from a former landfill into a well-kept public space offering diverse amenities. Many users highlight the cleanliness of the park and the quality of its facilities, including the playground, paved walking trails, and ample picnic areas. Positive reviews emphasize the park's accessibility, family-friendly environment, and peaceful atmosphere, noting it as an ideal place for children and adults alike to enjoy outdoor activities. Visitors appreciate the availability of restrooms and the convenience of parking close to key areas like the playground and picnic shelters. The story behind the park’s development also resonates with many, adding to its charm as a community treasure. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions that the playground is unsupervised, which could be a concern for parents needing to stay attentive. A few reviews note limitations in shade during summer months, making parts of the park less comfortable during hot days. Additionally, while the park is well-maintained, some users would welcome more varied programming or events to attract repeated visits. Overall, the consensus from reviews is strongly positive, highlighting Green Hills County Park as a well-loved space for recreation and community gatherings in Raleigh with room for continued growth in programming and visitor amenities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Landon
Beautiful views! There are restrooms, a water fountain, a playground, and access to other greenways. The hike to the top is steep but it is worth it. There are lots of benches and picnic tables at the top, and it is surprisingly not crowded at all. You can see downtown and North Hills as well.
Kara Ploetz
Beautiful view from the top! Makes me feel like I am back in PA/NY. There really isn't alot else here but the view is worth the walk up the hill. It is an old landfill they turned into a park.
Maryana Myhdal
Prepare for some uphill walking but the view is absolutely worth it! Also very clean and neat. Please, let’s keep it that way
Brittany Bilohlavek
This was a pretty decent playground! My favorite part of it was how it was surrounded by so much greenery and landscape. They were two different designated areas for children to play, according to their age group. There is also picnic tables for seating, some benches, shaded areas, etc. The bathrooms were in good condition. There are a lot of trail options, as well.
Tom G
Nice facility, track is just under 1.5 miles around the landfill. Great views from up top of "trash mountain". Restrooms were clean too.
Landon
Beautiful views! There are restrooms, a water fountain, a playground, and access to other greenways. The hike to the top is steep but it is worth it. There are lots of benches and picnic tables at the top, and it is surprisingly not crowded at all. You can see downtown and North Hills as well.
Kara Ploetz
Beautiful view from the top! Makes me feel like I am back in PA/NY. There really isn't alot else here but the view is worth the walk up the hill. It is an old landfill they turned into a park.
Maryana Myhdal
Prepare for some uphill walking but the view is absolutely worth it! Also very clean and neat. Please, let’s keep it that way
Brittany Bilohlavek
This was a pretty decent playground! My favorite part of it was how it was surrounded by so much greenery and landscape. They were two different designated areas for children to play, according to their age group. There is also picnic tables for seating, some benches, shaded areas, etc. The bathrooms were in good condition. There are a lot of trail options, as well.
Tom G
Nice facility, track is just under 1.5 miles around the landfill. Great views from up top of "trash mountain". Restrooms were clean too.
How to reach Green Hills County Park
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Why Green Hills County Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Green Hills County Park with your friends? Green Hills County Park, with a stellar rating of 4.7 from over 370 reviews, offers a vibrant natural setting ideal for group meetups where connection and recreation seamlessly blend. This 36-acre park, built atop a carefully repurposed landfill, embodies eco-friendly innovation and community spirit, creating a unique backdrop for gathering with friends or family. Its diverse terrain of paved and unpaved trails invites long conversations during walks or invigorating bike rides, promoting wellness alongside leisure. With multiple hilltop observation areas providing panoramic views, this park encourages moments of shared awe and reflection. Whether your group seeks energetic activities or peaceful relaxation, Green Hills caters to all, making it a versatile venue for intimate friend circles or larger social gatherings. Its well-maintained facilities, accessible playgrounds, and spacious picnic shelter ensure comfort while fostering a sense of togetherness. In essence, Green Hills County Park serves not just as a place to meet but as a catalyst for memorable experiences, making it an outstanding destination to rally your friends and celebrate community.
What recreational activities are available at Green Hills County Park for groups? Green Hills presents a wealth of recreational options tailored to diverse interests and group dynamics. The park features nearly five miles of interlaced paved and unpaved trails, perfect for hiking, walking, or casual jogging as a group. These trails allow friends to explore nature while enjoying uninterrupted conversations and shared discovery. For cycling enthusiasts, there are dedicated mountain biking trails spanning about two miles, designed for beginner to intermediate skill levels, alongside a skills area that encourages fun and learning. The mountain bike trails emphasize safety with mandatory helmets and may close temporarily for preservation or events, ensuring a well-maintained environment. Green Hills’ playground caters to children with distinct age zones for tots and older kids, making it family-friendly and perfect for groups with younger children. Large open picnic areas and a covered picnic shelter provide inviting spots for meals, celebrations, or casual hangouts, with ample tables and conveniences nearby. Additionally, two elevated observation points atop hills offer breathtaking views ideal for group photo ops or quiet moments shared among friends. This variety of activities facilitates a custom group experience blending adventure, relaxation, and social engagement.
Why is Green Hills County Park perfect for hosting a group meetup? The park’s infrastructure and thoughtful design promote easy and enjoyable meetups for groups of all sizes. One key advantage is its ample picnic shelter—a covered area that protects from unexpected weather, equipped with tables suitable for communal dining or gatherings. The accessible restroom facilities, strategically located near playgrounds and picnic spots, add convenience that keeps everyone comfortable, essential for longer visits. Green Hills’ open spaces provide excellent flexibility for group activities, whether a friendly sports match, impromptu games, or simply spreading out for lounging and conversation. The park’s layout, featuring separate hills and trails, allows groups to split into smaller clusters pursuing different activities while still feeling connected within the same venue. Its operating hours from 8 a.m. until sunset seven days a week offer plenty of daylight hours for versatile scheduling, ideal for weekend meetups or after-work gatherings. Moreover, the park’s commitment to safety and environmental stewardship guarantees a clean, welcoming atmosphere, encouraging return visits. All these factors collectively make Green Hills County Park an outstanding, hassle-free choice for memorable group meetups.
How can Green Hills County Park enhance your social and wellness goals? Beyond physical activities, Green Hills County Park actively fosters community connections and wellness through its natural environment and public programming. It has hosted events like "Hike & Chill," which combine nature walks with social engagement, addressing stress, burnout, and loneliness while promoting mental health and meaningful conversations. Such initiatives underline the park’s role as a social hub where people not only enjoy recreation but also build deeper bonds, promoting holistic well-being. The scenic trails and quiet hilltop areas create a therapeutic ambiance that helps groups unwind from daily stresses as they immerse themselves in green spaces. Additionally, the playground offers a lively environment for children to make new friends, while adults simultaneously connect through shared experiences. The park’s environmentally conscious background adds an educational dimension, inspiring visitors to appreciate sustainability and communal responsibility. In sum, gathering at Green Hills is an opportunity to strengthen friendships, nurture wellness, and engage with nature and community in a supportive setting.
What makes Green Hills County Park's facilities and surroundings stand out for group use? The park’s eco-conscious foundation—being developed on a reclaimed landfill—makes it a remarkable example of transforming post-industrial space into vibrant green areas. This history adds a layer of interest and pride for visitors, reinforcing the value of environmental re-use and public commitment. Facilities include modern restrooms and a playground that is thoughtfully segregated into age-appropriate zones ensuring safety and enjoyment. Picnic areas equipped with grills encourage group cookouts and festive gatherings, while expansive open lawns allow for sports and recreational games suitable for wide age ranges and interests. The two distinct hilltop observation points offer spectacular views which become favorite spots for scenic rest breaks and photography, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any meetup. The diverse trail system accommodates walkers, bikers, and casual adventurers alike and supports a flexible pace fitting all fitness levels. This well-rounded infrastructure delivers convenience, accessibility, and variety, contributing to a high satisfaction rate among visitors and making Green Hills an exceptional venue for friends and families.
How accessible and user-friendly is Green Hills County Park for diverse groups? Accessibility and ease of use are core strengths of Green Hills County Park. The nearly five miles of mixed pavement and gravel trails provide options for people with different mobility levels, ensuring inclusive access to most park areas. The picnic shelter and playground, centrally located with adjacent restrooms, allow groups with elderly members or very young children to comfortably participate in activities and relaxation. Signage and trail markings contribute to user-friendly navigation, reducing the chances of getting lost and facilitating spontaneous exploration. The park’s open seven days a week from morning to sunset maximizes flexibility for group scheduling and spontaneous visits. Parking is ample, supporting ease of arrival and departure even for larger gatherings. The management’s clear communication about closures during weather or events prevents inconvenience, as does the maintenance of cleanliness and well-kept grounds. Visitors routinely praise the park’s combination of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities, making it an accessible and stress-free choice for meetups of diverse groups.
What should you know about planning events or meetups at Green Hills County Park? Planning a meetup at Green Hills County Park is straightforward, but thoughtful preparation ensures the best experience. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset except for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day, so scheduling outside these dates avoids disappointments. Reserving the picnic shelter in advance is recommended for larger groups, especially during weekends or holidays, to secure the space. Visitors should consider safety when participating in mountain biking activities; helmets are mandatory, and trail closures may occur due to weather or maintenance. Bringing your own food, games, or outdoor equipment enhances the social atmosphere and enjoyment, as the park supports grilling and picnicking. Checking the park’s website or social media for announcements about special events or volunteer activities helps avoid conflicts and offers opportunities for group involvement. Overall, appreciating Green Hills’ guidelines and resources makes every meetup smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
In conclusion, Green Hills County Park is a premier destination for hosting meetups with friends or family. Its combination of natural beauty, diverse recreational options, user-friendly facilities, and community-driven programming creates an outstanding environment that encourages bonding, wellness, and fun. Whether exploring trails, sharing a picnic, or simply relaxing in scenic hilltop views, groups find this park accommodating and inspiring—a place where memories flourish and connections deepen.