Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Creek Trail

Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.0 (2)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …Raleigh - Durham Metro Area
  4. …Raleigh
  5. Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A lovely trail that offers the best views of Swift Creek and the spring wildflowers along its banks. ”

Matthew Rutledge
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Point to Point

301' 92 m

High

299' 91 m

Low

1' 0 m

Up

3' 1 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trail is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. The trail can flood in heavy rains.

Description

The Creek Trail traverses the floodplain of Swift Creek through a mature hardwood forest, offering the best views of the creek and the spring wildflowers along its banks. Connect with the Stairway Loop to create a longer loop that will allow you to continue your journey around the park. This route is quite mellow, with no significant elevation gain. This relaxing trail is a perfect escape for those seeking the restful quiet of the floodplain.

Flora & Fauna

Spring ephemerals are numerous at Swift Creek, including trout lilies and spring beauties.

Contacts

Local Club: Triangle Land Conservancy

Apr 8, 2026: Reading the Landscape: The Shortleaf Pine on TLC Preserves

Mar 24, 2026: TLC’s Eighth Public Preserve Nears Opening 

Mar 18, 2026: Triangle Land Conservancy Announces Two Conservation Easements in Chatham County 

Land Manager: TLC - Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve

Shared By:

Matthew Rutledge
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#2

in Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve

#14406

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Swift Creek Bluffs Nat…

#582

in North Carolina

#14,406

Overall
2 Views Last Month
268 Since Dec 21, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
50%
0%
50%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Swift Creek
Jan 4, 2016 near Apex, NC
Boardwalks allow you to cross the bottomland floodplains without getting your feet too wet though still expect some water on the trails throughout the year.
Jan 5, 2016 near Apex, NC
A boardwalk at Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve in July.
Jan 5, 2016 near Apex, NC
Atamasco lilies in the swampy area.
Mar 31, 2018 near Apex, NC
Hepaticas on the hill sides
Mar 31, 2018 near Apex, NC
Wild Geraniums
Mar 31, 2018 near Apex, NC

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Dec 13, 2018
Don Childrey
0.3mi
Apr 11, 2017
Private User
May 1, 2016
Justin Paul

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started