House Creek Greenway

The three-mile House Creek Greenway was completed in 2013 to link the longer Crabtree Creek and Reedy Creek Trails. Like many city greenways, it serves multiple uses. Some like to use it to jog or cycle for exercise, while others use it as a pedestrian walkway to get from one city neighborhood or amenity to another. It's also pawsome for dog walkers!

One of the best places to start your walk on the House Creek Greenway is the Glen Eden Pilot Park. It's only 0.25 miles from the greenway's northernmost point and has ample parking and many amenities, including bathrooms, grassy areas for your dog to explore, sports facilities, and a community center. You can head north along the greenway to get to the Crabtree Mall, which features a couple of dog-friendly restaurants, or head south to pass through more parks and natural areas.

The House Creek Greenway feels surprisingly wild to be in such a dense urban environment. As you walk south, you'll pass through thick forests, over beautiful timber bridges, then span shady sections of House Creek, and by ample wildflowers. Plant species you'll spot along the trail include Loblolly and Virginia Pine, Blackjack Oaks, Flowering Dogwood, Wild Quinine, Birdfoot Violets, and Pineywoods Goldenrod. Benches provide nice spots to sit and take in this floral bonanza.

If you take the Reedy Creek Trail west from the southern terminus of the House Creek Greenway, you'll soon arrive at the North Carolina Museum of Art's trail system. The museum's grounds and trails provide a unique opportunity to browse world-class art with your canine companion by your side. Pets are welcome in this outdoor art arena, which features sculptures by Rodin and Miró, the museum's iconic Gyre Rings by Thomas Sayre, and many other temporary and permanent installations.

One of the best things about life in the city is being able to enjoy such a diverse range of activities in the same day. It's even better when you can bring your pup along!