Greenways

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Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation maintains a system of approximately 17.6 miles of urban greenways and trails. The greenway system enables Chapel Hill citizens to enjoy recreational benefits as well as alternative transportation to residential areas, community parks, and shopping centers via an aesthetically pleasing interconnected system of linear open spaces. Our greenways include both natural surface trails and paved trails, and are great for pedestrian transportation as well as bicycle transportation.

Update on Damaged Trails

OCTOBER 9, 2025

During the next several weeks, Town of Chapel Hill Public Works and Parks Maintenance staff are taking the first steps to repair and reopen greenways damaged during Chantal.

We’re closing sections of damaged trails with barricades while we make repairs. This is to keep you safe and give staff space to work.

We’re sharing timeline updates through Our Town – the Town’s weekly email newsletter. Sign up here to receive it every Thursday.

We recognize that our greenways are the only way for walkers, bikers, and rollers to travel well away from cars. This damage is a significant disruption to daily routines, and we appreciate everyone’s patience.

Phase 1 - Bolin Creek Trail

We’re starting repairs the week of October 13. Staff will begin with the section west of Umstead Drive to Umstead park, then from Umstead Drive east toward the Community Center – reopening the trail one section at a time. We expect this work to last three weeks – weather permitting.
Part of this initial repair work will be to temporarily narrow the width of the trail where the damage is most extensive – between Umstead Drive and Bolinwood Drive. This will allow this part of the trail to be used while the longer-term repair/restoration work can be designed and constructed.

Phase 2 - Fordham Side Path (east side of Fordham between Cleland Dr. and Ridgefield Rd.)

We’re making temporary repairs to the pedestrian bridge and side path. We expect these repairs to begin as we wrap up work on the Bolin Creek Trail. This work is expected to last two weeks – weather permitting.
We’ve added long-term repairs to an existing, upcoming project. We already had plans to extend the path to Willow Drive. Now, we’re creating a new, more resilient project. Design work is happening now, and we expect construction to begin in Summer 2026.

Phase 3 – Morgan Creek Trail

We expect to begin repair work after completing our temporary repairs on the Fordham side path. This work is expected to last two weeks – weather permitting.

Benefits of Trails and Greenways

Promote the health and well-being of Chapel Hill citizens by providing various recreational opportunities such as hiking, bicycling, and quiet contemplation in nature.
Preserve the natural environment by providing buffers between developed areas and open green spaces.
Provide a safe and pleasant transportation alternative that connects neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, and parks.
Chapel Hill StoryWalks® along Tanyard Branch Trail, Pritchard Park Trail and Homestead Park Trail, feature environmentally-themed children’s picture books and provide fresh opportunities for kids to develop as readers and learners, while being outdoors.

Greenways and Bike Maps