Trail Towns: Smithfield, Clayton, Four Oaks, Benson
Smithfield’s location along the Neuse River, where the Piedmont gives way to the Coastal Plain, makes it an ideal location for soft adventure – visitors will find pine trees, mostly flat topography and trails accessible all four seasons. Smithfield is at the apex of multiple trail systems in Johnston
County with the Neuse River Blueway, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which runs east-west across the county, and the East Coast Greenway, which runs north-south along US Hwy 301. In the Northwest area of Johnston County, the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse trail links to a vast trail system that stretches more than 80 miles across Raleigh and Durham. Johnston County is committed to trail development and maintaining open, natural public spaces as the region grows. Plans are in place to connect JoCo’s greenways and existing trails in Benson, Four Oaks and Clayton, with Smithfield at the heart of the network.
in the Smithfield Area
The Smithfield area’s rural beauty and agricultural heritage create diverse trails that visitors can walk, cycle or drive to experience. Johnston County is home to many paved greenways and flat, hard-packed trails, making our recreation experiences accessible and approachable. From hiking through history at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site to exploring JoCo’s food culture along the BBQ Trail or Beer, Wine and Shine Trail. The area also offers unique habitats that make it a national destination for birding enthusiasts.
Important note: Accessible trails are highlighted in blue!
Trail name
Trail town
Activities
Buffalo Creek Greenway
Smithfield
Neuse River Blueway
Clayton, Smithfield
Howell Woods Environmental
Learning Center
Four Oaks
Bentonville Battlefield
State Historic Site
Four Oaks
Clayton River Walk on the Neuse
Clayton
Smithfield Bentonville Cycling Loop
Smithfield, Benson
Historic Smithfield Walking Tour
Smithfield
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
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