Discovering Raleigh: A Cyclist's Paradise for Active Retirees

After three decades of cycling and nearly two decades of multiday adventures across America with my riding companions, I’ve discovered something remarkable right here in my backyard: Raleigh and Wake County offer some of the finest cycling opportunities I’ve encountered anywhere in the country. As a retiree who’s pedaled from Death Valley to Cape Cod, from San Francisco to the Florida coast, I can say with confidence that our local cycling scene rivals destinations I’ve traveled thousands of miles to experience.

A Lifetime on Two Wheels

My love affair with cycling began 30 years ago, but it was 20 years ago that three friends and I started our tradition of annual multiday cycling adventures. We’ve conquered challenging terrain in every corner of America – from the scorching 100-degree heat riding from central Connecticut to Boston in 2011, to the breathtaking descent from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco in 2010. We’ve traced historic routes like our Pittsburgh to Philadelphia ride in 2008, explored iconic destinations like Death Valley and Palm Springs to San Diego in 2013, tackled the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains around Asheville in 2014, and rode the epic San Francisco to Los Angeles coastal route in 2016. More recently, we’ve completed adventures from Richmond to Williamsburg and back in 2022 and most recently, we completed a coast-to-coast Florida adventure in 2024, travelling 250 miles over 4 days.

Each journey has taught me something new about what makes a cycling destination truly special: safe, well-maintained paths, scenic beauty, good infrastructure, and the freedom to explore without worrying about traffic. After experiencing premier cycling destinations across the nation, I’m excited to share why Raleigh and Wake County should be at the top of every cycling enthusiast’s list – especially for retirees seeking both adventure and peace of mind.

The Crown Jewel: Capital Area Greenway System

What sets Raleigh apart is its Capital Area Greenway System, an impressive network of more than 100 miles of bike-friendly, multi-use trails that ranks among the largest urban greenway systems in the Eastern United States. This isn’t just a collection of disconnected paths – it’s a thoughtfully planned network of 28 individual trails that weave through the heart of our community.

The trails themselves are perfectly designed for cyclists of all abilities. At 10-feet wide with paved surfaces, they accommodate everyone from leisurely riders to serious cyclists, while also welcoming runners, walkers, and wheelchair users. Having ridden challenging mountain passes and busy urban streets across the country, I can’t overstate the luxury of having dedicated, car-free paths right at our doorstep.

Beyond Raleigh: A Regional Cycling Paradise

While Raleigh’s 100-plus miles of greenways are impressive, Wake County extends the experience with over 250 miles of interconnected trails reaching every municipality in the county. This regional approach means you can start a ride in Raleigh and find yourself exploring neighboring communities without ever encountering a single car – something I wish we’d had access to during some of our more traffic-heavy adventures in other states.

The integration doesn’t stop at county lines either. These local trails connect with national and regional systems including the East Coast Greenway which is about 3,000 miles and runs from the Canadian border in Maine, to Key West, Florida and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail which stretches across North Carolina, beginning in the Great Smoky Mountains and ending on the Outer Banks. The connections to these other trail systems open up possibilities for the kind of long-distance adventures my friends and I have always loved, but with the comfort of riding on a well-marked network of trails close to home.

The Neuse River Greenway: A Signature Experience

Among all the trails I’ve explored nationwide, few match the Neuse River Greenway Trail for pure cycling pleasure. This 27.5-mile path stretches uninterrupted from the Falls Lake State Recreation Area through Raleigh and continues southeast following the scenic Neuse River corridor to the Johnston County line.

For perspective, this single trail is longer than many rides individuals take on during multi-state adventures, yet it’s completely traffic-free and offers the kind of natural beauty people have to travel hundreds of miles to find. Whether you’re looking for a gentle ride along the water or training for longer adventures, the Neuse River Greenway delivers an experience that rivals some of my most memorable cycling destinations.

Perfect for the Retirement Years

After years of loading bikes onto planes and planning complex logistics for our annual trips, there’s something deeply satisfying about world-class cycling that’s accessible from my own community. The infrastructure here addresses many of the concerns that can make cycling challenging as we age:

Safety First: Dedicated, car-free paths eliminate the stress of sharing roads with vehicles – something that became increasingly important to our group as we’ve gotten older.

Thoughtful Amenities: Public access points, parking areas, restrooms, and even bike repair stations are strategically placed throughout the system. No more wondering where the next rest stop might be.

Flexible Distances: With interconnected trails, you can easily customize ride lengths based on energy levels and interests, from short neighborhood loops to marathon distances.

Year-Round Riding: The mild North Carolina climate means cycling season extends far beyond what I experienced during my northern adventures.

Natural Beauty: The trails follow rivers, creeks, and streams, connecting parks, lakes, and natural areas that provide the scenic rewards we’ve always sought on our travels.

Looking Forward

As my cycling friends and I plan our next adventure, I find myself equally excited about exploring more of my local trail system. There’s something to be said for having premier cycling infrastructure in your backyard – the spontaneous morning rides, the ability to share favorite routes with visiting friends and family, and the peace of mind that comes with familiar, safe paths.

For cycling enthusiasts who are wondering where to spend their active years in retirement, I can’t recommend Raleigh and Wake County highly enough. It offers the cycling infrastructure and natural beauty of America’s premier destinations, as well as a community that welcomes cyclists of all levels. After 20 years of seeking cycling adventures across the continent, I’ve discovered that one of the best destinations was waiting right here at home.

The Capital Area Greenway System trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. For maps, trail conditions, and additional information, visit the City of Raleigh’s Parks and Recreation website. Remember to always wear a helmet and follow trail etiquette to ensure everyone can enjoy these remarkable community resources.