Apex Greenways 101 for New Residents

New to Apex and eyeing those winding paths you see near parks and creeks? Greenways are one of the easiest ways to explore your new town, get outside, and learn how neighborhoods connect. You want clear, local answers on where to start, what the rules are, and how these trails link to bigger regional routes. This guide walks you through the essentials and points you to reliable town resources so you can hit the trail with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Apex greenways at a glance

Apex maintains over 13 miles of public greenway, with more connections planned and mapped by the Town of Apex. You’ll find mostly 10-foot paved asphalt, with short boardwalk and sidewalk links in places. Greenways are open from sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, and they support walking, running, biking, wheelchairs and strollers, skating, and leashed pets. For current maps, hours, and a maintenance-issue link, start with the Town’s Greenways page.

• Reference: Town of Apex Greenways overview and map resources (Town of Apex Greenways)

Key routes and how to access

Beaver Creek Greenway

This west-side corridor is a backbone of Apex’s system, planned at roughly 6.4 miles across phases as segments open and extend. It connects neighborhoods, parks, schools, and retail, and is planned to reach the American Tobacco Trail. For updates on corridor segments and timing, review the town’s Beaver Creek project page. Popular parking and trailheads include Kelly Road Park and Apex Jaycee Park.

• Project info: Beaver Creek Greenway project
• Trailheads: Kelly Road Park and Apex Jaycee Park

Apex Nature Park and Kelly Road Park

These parks function as hubs with parking, restrooms, and easy paved connections. Apex Nature Park includes natural and paved trails, plus a fenced dog park area. Kelly Road Park connects directly into Beaver Creek, which makes it a simple starting point for a 1 to 3 mile out-and-back.

Middle Creek Greenway

Middle Creek is designed to link Apex with Holly Springs and add school and neighborhood access along the way. As of the Town’s August 2025 update, sections were under construction with completion for that phase anticipated in fall 2025. Check the project page for current status before you go.

• Project info: Middle Creek Greenway

Apex West and Reedy Branch

These are smaller, strategic connectors that stitch neighborhoods together and tie into Beaver Creek. Expect 10-foot asphalt with occasional boardwalk or sidewalk sections. These links help close gaps and make it easier to travel without busy-road crossings.

• Corridor detail: Apex West Greenway

American Tobacco Trail connection

The American Tobacco Trail is a major regional rail-trail that passes near Apex and is a priority connection in town planning. When fully linked, you’ll have longer-distance biking and hiking options right from Apex. For regional parking and trailhead visuals, see TrailLink’s ATT gallery and guidance.

• Regional context: American Tobacco Trail on TrailLink

Rules, pets, and accessibility

• Hours: sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; follow posted signs and any temporary closures.
• Allowed uses: walking, running, biking, wheelchairs and strollers, skating; always keep right except to pass and announce when overtaking.
• Pets: leashed dogs are welcome on greenways; carry waste bags and dispose properly. Off-leash play is only inside the Town’s fenced dog parks with a valid pass.
• Accessibility and surfaces: most routes are 10-foot paved asphalt with short boardwalks and narrow bridges; watch footing after rain.
• Safety basics: wear a helmet when biking, use lights or reflective gear near dusk, and wrap up before closing time.

Projects to watch

Apex continues to expand its network through phased work. Beaver Creek Greenway is advancing in segments funded in part by town bonds and grants, with the goal of connecting Apex Nature Park to the American Tobacco Trail and completing links through neighborhoods and retail areas. Middle Creek Greenway is a multi-phase corridor that will strengthen the Apex–Holly Springs connection; check the project page for the latest construction status. For broad funding and phasing context across town projects, review the Town’s major projects summary.

• Town summaries: Major Projects and Expenditures

Your first visit: simple plans

• Start easy near Kelly Road Park or Apex Nature Park. Aim for a 1 to 3 mile out-and-back on Beaver Creek for a smooth, paved route with parking and restrooms nearby.
• Bringing a dog? Greenways require leashes. For off-leash time at the fenced dog parks in Apex Nature Park and Hunter Street Park, register for the Town’s annual dog-park pass at the John M. Brown Community Center. Bring proof of rabies vaccination.
• Parking and amenities: check the relevant park page for restroom details and maintenance closures, or call 919-249-3402. Arrive with water, especially in summer.
• After storms: boardwalks and bridges can be slick or temporarily closed. Obey posted signs and detours.

Resources and maps

• Town greenway overview, maps, and maintenance issue link: Town of Apex Greenways
• Beaver Creek trailheads: Kelly Road Park, Apex Jaycee Park
• Middle Creek updates: Middle Creek Greenway
• Regional trail context: American Tobacco Trail on TrailLink

Ready to align your home search with the parks and paths you’ll use most? For curated guidance on Apex neighborhoods and a seamless move, connect with Michelle Mundra for a thoughtful, local plan.

FAQs

Are dogs allowed on Apex greenways?

• Yes. Leashed dogs are permitted on all public greenways, while off-leash use is limited to the Town’s fenced dog parks with a valid pass.

What are Apex greenway hours?

• Greenways are open from sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset; plan to finish your activity before closing time.

Where can I park for Beaver Creek Greenway?

• Use Kelly Road Park or Apex Jaycee Park for convenient parking and direct trail access to Beaver Creek segments.

Will Apex greenways connect to the American Tobacco Trail?

• Yes. Town plans prioritize linking Beaver Creek and related connectors to the American Tobacco Trail to expand long-distance options.

How do I report a maintenance or safety issue?

• Go to the Town of Apex Greenways page and use the “Report a Greenway Maintenance Issue” link; for emergencies, call 911.