E. Carroll Joyner Park Trails

Location

E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road

Trail Type

Paved

Length

3 miles of paved trails for walking, bicycling, and in-line skating

View/download the Joyner Park trails map & brochure

Parking

Parking and restrooms are available at this park during normal park hours.

Amenities

Joyner Park amenities and features

History

The Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department received $750,000 in grants for Phase 1 development of E. Carroll Joyner Park, in addition to $3.5 million in bond proceeds. Phase 1 was completed in July 2009, and the park was opened to the public in August. Amidst the beautiful scenery of the park loop three miles of paved trails for walking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Leashed dogs are also welcome to enjoy the trails. A map of trails is posted in the sheltered trailhead kiosk near the parking lot; choose one of the designated loops or create your own. The loop system of paved trails are contained within the Park, but offer access along Harris Rd. and W Oak Avenue.

Trails

The Garden Loop (Flower) - 0.5 mile

Perfect for a short stroll, this half-mile route takes you around the landscaped center of the park. Enjoy the sounds from the amphitheater and enjoy a grilled meal overlooking the forest. Enter the shady canopy of the pecan grove and watch for busy squirrels in the fall and daffodils in the spring. Gaze over the stone wall at the east meadow where wildflowers grow in abundance. Take a detour and visit the formal gardens.

Field & Garden Loop (Donkey) - 1 mile

This gentle one-mile loop takes you to the highest spot in the park where on a clear day you can see the tall spire of Binkley Chapel (located at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) rising above the tree tops in the distance. As you enter the shade of the pecan grove, let the stone wall be your guide as it leads you along the meadow's edge to the high spot in the west meadow. Watch for butterflies and rabbits crossing your path between the meadow and forest.

East Meadow Loop (Deer) - 1.4 miles

Wrapping around the eastern edge of the park, this 1.4 mile loop provides a first-hand view of the east meadow. Enjoy a great view across the pond as the trail passes over the dam. As you approach a tributary of Richland Creek, look over the bridge sides to see stream life. Pass through the ever changing landscape of the ephemeral creek and admire the magnificent beech tree at the northeastern corner of the property.

West Meadow Loop (Bird) - 1.6 miles

The West Meadow Loop circles the farm buildings and allows you an up-close view of the stunning stone wall. Enjoy shaded stretches of the trail through the mixed forest where many species of birds can be observed. The trail follows the western edge of the park offering peek-a-boo views of the pond. Pass through a pine grove before exiting the shelter of the woods into the west meadow.

Farm Loop (Chicken) - 2.2 miles

Circling the perimeter of the property, the park's longest trail allows you to experience a variety of spectacular views. Pass through the streamside woodlands, along the southern edge of the pecan grove, across the high meadows and through the heavy tree canopy of the mixed forest while sneaking views of the pond. This trail shows you the magnificent natural beauty of E. Carroll Joyner Park.

Future Plans

The Town of Wake Forest plans to extend the Richland Creek Greenway to connect greenways within the park and beyond.

Park Reminders

Park open daily from dawn to dusk

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited

Smoking is limited to parking areas only

Use of personal grills (gas and/or charcoal) is prohibited