Wake County Seeks Public Input on Haleys Branch Trails Concept Plan

Wake County is presenting its concept plan for the Haleys Branch Trails today, Tuesday, March 10, inviting bikers, hikers and nature lovers to a drop-in community meeting in Downtown Cary to shape the future of a 400-acre trail network near Lake Crabtree County Park.

The trail system takes its name from Haleys Branch, the stream that forms the western boundary of the trail area. The network combines two parcels: a 151-acre property formerly known as 286 East and approximately 250 acres of adjacent land that Wake County will lease from William B. Umstead State Park, bringing the total to roughly 400 acres.

"We know how important high quality recreation opportunities, especially biking and hiking, are to our community," said Safiyah Jackson, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. "This is a great chance for residents to get involved and help shape what these new trails will become."

The meeting is structured as an open house, allowing attendees to drop in at any point to view the concept plan, share feedback and learn about next steps. Wake County staff and consultants, CLH design, p.a. alongside International Mountain Biking Association Trail Solutions, will be on hand to answer questions. IMBA Trail Solutions brings national expertise in mountain biking trail design to the project.

The concept plan presentation is only the beginning of the planning process. After the community meeting, staff and consultants will incorporate public feedback alongside findings from a site review to produce a detailed plan. That plan will be presented at a future public meeting and posted online for review.

Updates and information are available at wake.gov/HaleysBranch.