The best running trails in Guilford County

The Greensboro Country Park loop via Auto Tour Road offers a refreshing jogging experience on mostly paved paths, winding through tranquil wooded areas and open green spaces. This moderate 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route features a gentle 154 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 38 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy picturesque views of the park's two prominent fishing lakes, making it a scenic and accessible option for a quick workout or leisurely run.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple parking lots available for easy access to the Greensboro Country Park jogging trails. The Auto Tour Road is specifically designated for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience away from traffic. It's a great spot for families, with amenities like dog parks and playgrounds, and generally suitable for all skill levels.

Beyond the jogging route, the park is integrated into the Battleground Parks District, offering a chance to explore historical monuments from the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Its proximity to the Greensboro Science Center also provides additional attractions like an aquarium and animal exhibits, making the area a versatile destination for a full day out.

The Hamilton Lakes Park Trail offers an easy jogging experience through a natural wooded environment. You'll find yourself surrounded by mature trees and a thick understory as you follow the route, enjoying picturesque views of Hamilton Lake. This pleasant 3.0-mile (4.9 km) route involves a gentle 84 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy 33-minute jog perfect for a refreshing outdoor workout.

Accessing the trail is straightforward, as it's conveniently located within Greensboro, North Carolina. You'll find ample parking available directly within Hamilton Lakes Park, making it easy to start your jog. The path itself is wide and well-maintained, welcoming joggers, walkers, and families alike. It's a popular spot, so consider an early morning or late afternoon visit if you prefer fewer people.

Beyond the pleasant jogging, the route is notable for its abundant wildlife. As you move along, keep an eye out for various water birds near the lake. You might also spot nesting owls and hawks among the mature trees. This makes the trail a great location for wildlife observation, adding another layer to your outdoor experience.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail through the Richardson-Taylor Preserve offers a serene and scenic jogging experience, winding through shaded mature forests and alongside vibrant wetlands. You'll encounter diverse ecosystems, from rich woodlands to beaver marshes, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, including various bird species near the dedicated wildlife-viewing platform. The highlight for many is the impressive beaver dam, a unique natural feature that provides a picturesque spot to pause and take in the surroundings.

This moderate jogging route covers 8.3 miles (13.3 km) with a gentle 293 feet (89 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete. The trails are generally accessible and family-friendly, though they are unpaved and natural, so be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain. As a "passive use park," the preserve focuses on low-impact activities, and no special permits are required for your visit.

Established in 2013 as Guilford County's first County Nature Preserve, the Richardson-Taylor Preserve spans over 440 acres, playing a crucial role in protecting the Greensboro Watershed. This section is part of a future alternative route for North Carolina's nearly 1,200-mile state trail. Beyond the jogging routes, the preserve also features picnic areas and an outdoor education classroom, making it a great destination for a longer outing in nature.

The Great Blue Heron Loop Trail offers a delightful jogging experience through scenic woodlands in Haw River State Park. You'll follow a well-groomed singletrack path, mostly shaded by pine and mixed hardwood forests, with occasional clearings providing views of distant wetlands. The route is primarily flat with gentle hills, making it a very user-friendly option for a quick workout.

Access the trail via the Iron Ore Belt Access, which is a separate entrance to Haw River State Park. From the parking area, a short 0.2-mile connector trail leads you to the start of the loop. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a leash, so plan accordingly if you're bringing your furry friend.

This moderate 3.7-mile (5.9 km) loop, with a gentle 127 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 43 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic choice for a refreshing jog, offering a peaceful escape and opportunities for wildlife sightings in a convenient location near Greensboro.

Jog the Bicentennial Greenway, a moderate 7.7-mile (12.3 km) route in Guilford County with varied terrain and scenic views.

The Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork Trail Loop offers a dynamic jogging experience through Greensboro's natural beauty. You'll traverse single-track paths, navigating roots and rocks, as the route winds through woodlands, past an abandoned barn, and into a striking bamboo forest. Enjoy views of Lake Brandt and the Reedy Fork Creek, with bluffs providing scenic overlooks, making it a great option for wildlife viewing, especially for birders.

This moderate 6.8-mile (11.0 km) loop, with a gentle 129 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes to jog. You can access the trail from multiple points, including trailheads off Lake Brandt Road and Church Street, so finding Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork Trail Loop parking is generally straightforward. It's a good choice if you're wondering how long to jog Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork Trail Loop and want a satisfying, yet not overly strenuous, outing.

What sets this trail apart is its interconnectedness; it's a segment of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail and part of the larger Greensboro watershed system. While the Laurel Bluff Trail section is exclusively for foot traffic, the Reedy Fork Trail does accommodate mountain bikers. This blend of dedicated running paths and shared-use sections, combined with unique features like the bamboo forest, makes it a notable local gem.

Jog this moderate 7.1-mile loop along the Bicentennial and High Point Greenways, featuring diverse scenery and High Point Lake.

The Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a mosaic of forests, wetlands, and open fields. You'll find yourself jogging on a smooth, paved surface that follows an old rail bed, providing a gentle grade with occasional small hills. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including various bird species like bald eagles and blue herons, especially around the scenic Lake Brandt. The route is lined with native plants and wildflowers, making for a visually engaging experience as you pass through mixed hardwoods and pines.

This moderate 4.6-mile (7.5 km) jogging route, with its 164 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 46 minutes to complete. It's easily accessible, connecting to several key parks such as Bur-Mil Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, which offer convenient parking options. The greenway is a fantastic choice for a refreshing run or a leisurely walk, suitable for most fitness levels, and can be enjoyed throughout the year, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions.

What truly sets the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway apart is its origin as Greensboro's only current rail trail, repurposing the historic Atlantic-Yadkin railroad bed. This multi-use pathway not only provides a substantial length for varied jogging distances but also serves as a vital connector between neighborhoods and businesses. It offers access to a wider network of trails, including the Nat Greene Trail and Owl's Roost Trail, allowing for expanded exploration if you're looking to extend your run.

Jog the Big Loop Trail in Bur-Mil Park, an easy 3.0-mile route with 119 feet of elevation gain, offering views of Lake Brandt.