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

Matthew Rutledge
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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

Jul 2, 2026:  Why Moth After Midnight? 

Jun 25, 2026: TLC Permanently Protects 800 Acres of Rare Neuse River Wilderness

Jun 16, 2026: Land Management Through Prescribed Fires

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

#14515

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
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50%
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Swift Creek Bluffs Nat…

#583

in North Carolina

#14,515

Overall
2 Views Last Month
268 Since Dec 21, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
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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

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

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

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