Cary Reaches 100 Miles of Greenways, Invites Residents to Celebrate

Cary's greenway network crossed the 100-mile mark, and the Town is spending the rest of 2026 making sure residents know it.

Cary now has a greenway system of more than 100 miles, part of a parks portfolio that also includes over 30 public parks and natural areas, seven special-use facilities, and four sports venues. The Town announced the milestone this week and is inviting residents and visitors into a year of celebrations tied to existing community events already on the calendar.

"Cary's greenways are a valued and cherished amenity for the entire community," the Town says. The shared-use trails welcome everyone, whether walking, running, cycling, skating, or using an ADA mobility device, and serve users seeking recreation, fitness, active transportation, or time in nature.

The celebration calendar runs from spring to fall. Upcoming markers include National Trails Day and, in October, Great Trails State Day at Harvest Fest, followed by the 100 Miles of Greenways Photo Contest Exhibition running October 7 through December 13. Earlier in the year, the Town has also tied the milestone to Earth Day Lane at Spring Daze in April, Bike Month in May, and Lazy Daze in August.

The photo contest gives residents a direct way to participate. The Town is looking for photographers to submit images of the greenways and trails that run throughout Cary, with selected photographs going on view at the Bond Park Community Center from October 7 through December 13, 2026. The Town's announcement also notes that selected entries will appear on GoCary buses. Photos taken in any season are eligible, and the submission deadline is September 1.

Cary is also advancing data-driven planning alongside the celebration, installing 10 new Eco-Counters along some of the most heavily used trails, with installations beginning in early March and continuing through April 2026.

The 100-mile figure reflects decades of deliberate investment. In 1976, the Cary Town Council created a Greenway Commission, and after several years of research and planning, the Town began building greenways in 1980 to bring open spaces within easy walking distance of homes. The network has grown considerably since: a 2020 account placed the total at more than 80 miles, and the Town's current announcement confirms it has since surpassed 100.

The greenways connect parks, natural areas, schools, retail areas, employment centers, and neighborhoods across Cary, and they sit within a broader regional network. The East Coast Greenway, a trail network connecting the entire East Coast from Maine to Florida, passes through the Triangle, with its route running through Cary, Durham, and Raleigh.

Full details on the year's celebration events are at carync.gov/greenways.