Highlight • Lake
Apex Community Park
Running
5.0
(2)
Apex Community Park is a sprawling 160-acre public park located on the eastern end of Apex, North Carolina, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities. At its heart lies a beautiful 50-acre lake, sometimes known as Apex Lake or Lake Pine, which serves as a central feature for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated at an elevation of approximately 115 meters, the park is bordered by Laura Duncan Road to the west and Lake Pine Drive to the east, making it a prominent landmark in the region.
Visitors consistently praise the park for its well-maintained facilities and the serene atmosphere around the lake. The easy, 2.0-mile paved loop trail that encircles the lake is a particular favorite, providing a scenic pathway for walking, running, and biking. Beyond the tranquil waters, the park offers an extensive array of amenities, including numerous athletic fields, courts for various sports, and multiple playgrounds, ensuring there's something for every age and interest.
Before your visit, it's helpful to know that the park operates year-round, typically from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Parking is available at the main entrance at 2200 Laura Duncan Road, with a dedicated lake trail entrance at 1808 Lake Pine Drive. For those planning to enjoy non-motorized water activities like kayaking or fishing, a vessel permit and a town of Apex fishing license are required, and boats must be hand-carried to the designated launch area. Swimming and wading are strictly prohibited in the lake for safety reasons.
The park is ideal for year-round enjoyment, with each season offering its unique charm. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures for exploring the Apex Community Park lake trails, while summer is perfect for water sports. The lake is open for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and other non-motorized watercraft. The paved greenway around the lake is excellent for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run, and a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock ensures broader access for all.
The most popular route within the park is the easy 2.0-mile loop trail around the 50-acre lake. This paved greenway offers a smooth surface suitable for walking, running, and cycling, with benches strategically placed to enjoy the views. For those seeking a more natural experience, a one-mile natural walking trail also winds through the area, providing a different perspective of the lake's surroundings.
Many visitors delight in spotting the local wildlife, with blue herons, turtles, and deer often seen along the lake's shores. The park's commitment to providing a comprehensive recreational experience is evident in its diverse offerings, from the peaceful fishing opportunities to the energetic "Elevate Fitness Course." Families particularly appreciate the multiple playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a day out.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, an active day of sports, or a family outing, Apex Community Park offers a wealth of options. You can discover various routes for hiking, cycling, and trail running around the lake and throughout the park. Explore the possibilities and plan your next adventure with komoot to make the most of this vibrant community hub.
Tips
June 24, 2025
Running
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Apex Community Park
2.5
(2)
31
runners
3.55km
00:22
20m
20m
The Apex Community Lake Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, circling the picturesque 50-acre Apex Lake. This 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop is mostly paved, providing a smooth surface for jogging, and features gentle inclines with only 65 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain. You'll pass through natural wooded areas, enjoy scenic lake views, and might even spot blue herons or turtles near the Fishing Dock, making it a serene experience that takes around 22 minutes.
Part of the larger Apex Community Park, this trail is highly accessible and multi-use, welcoming strollers, cyclists, and leashed dogs. While it's an excellent choice for beginner joggers or a quick, refreshing run, it can get busy during peak morning and early afternoon hours. The park also provides amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it convenient for a family outing.
What makes this trail a local gem is its blend of accessibility and natural beauty within an urban setting. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife spotting and offers a consistent, pleasant environment for exercise. The park's extensive facilities, including sports fields and playgrounds, mean you can easily combine your jog with other recreational activities, making it a versatile destination for all ages.
1
runners
9.10km
00:57
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
runners
9.66km
01:00
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 110 m
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Tuesday 11 August
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68 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apex Community Park suitable for a winter hike or visit?
While the park is open year-round, winter can offer a different experience. The 2.0-mile paved loop trail around the lake remains accessible, but natural walking trails might be muddy or icy depending on conditions. It's advisable to check local weather and trail conditions before heading out and dress in layers. Water activities are generally not available in winter.
How crowded does Apex Community Park get, especially on weekends?
Apex Community Park is a popular community hub, so it can get quite busy, especially on pleasant weekend mornings and afternoons. The athletic fields and playgrounds attract many families. For a quieter experience on the lake trail, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays. Parking can also fill up quickly during peak times.
Are dogs allowed on the trails and in other areas of Apex Community Park?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome at Apex Community Park. They must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Please be mindful of other visitors and wildlife, especially around the lake and athletic fields.
What are the parking options at Apex Community Park, and do they fill up quickly?
The main entrance at 2200 Laura Duncan Road offers parking, as does a dedicated lake trail entrance at 1808 Lake Pine Drive. Parking lots can become very busy, particularly on weekends and during athletic events. Arriving early in the day is recommended to secure a spot, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours.
Are there any public transportation options to reach Apex Community Park?
Public transportation options directly to Apex Community Park are limited. The park is primarily accessed by car. Visitors relying on public transport may need to consider ride-sharing services or local taxi options from nearby transit hubs.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted around Apex Community Park lake?
The lake and surrounding natural areas are home to various wildlife. Visitors often report seeing blue herons, turtles, and deer. Keep an eye out for different bird species, especially near the water, and other small mammals that inhabit the park's wooded sections.
Are the trails at Apex Community Park lake suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the main 2.0-mile loop trail around the 50-acre lake is a paved greenway, making it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and individuals with mobility aids. Additionally, there is a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock available for public use.
What is the terrain and difficulty level of the lake trails at Apex Community Park?
The primary 2.0-mile loop trail around the lake is paved and generally flat, making it an easy and accessible route for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all skill levels. There is also a one-mile natural walking trail that offers a slightly more varied, unpaved surface, but it is still considered easy.
Are there cafes, pubs, or accommodation options near Apex Community Park?
Apex Community Park is located within the town of Apex, which offers a variety of dining and accommodation options. You'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs within a short driving distance from the park, particularly in downtown Apex. For overnight stays, there are hotels and other lodging choices available in the surrounding area.
What non-motorized water activities are permitted on Apex Community Park lake?
The 50-acre lake is open for a variety of non-motorized water activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailboarding, john boats (not exceeding 14 ft in length), and rowing skulls. A vessel permit is required for boating, and boats must be hand-carried to the designated launch area. Swimming and wading are strictly prohibited.
Are there specific viewpoints or scenic spots around Apex Community Park lake?
The entire 2.0-mile loop trail around the lake offers scenic views of the water and surrounding nature. Benches are strategically placed along the path, providing ideal spots to pause, relax, and enjoy the tranquil scenery, observe wildlife, or simply take in the lake's expanse.
What facilities are available for families with children at Apex Community Park?
Apex Community Park is very family-friendly, offering multiple playgrounds designed for children aged 2-12. There are also picnic areas with grills, making it ideal for family outings. The paved lake trail is perfect for strollers, and the park features various sports courts and fields for older children and adults.