A day at Green Hills offers a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages. With nearly 5 miles of paved and unpaved trails, a playground, picnic shelter and two hilltop observation areas this unique park has something to offer everyone.
Park Hours
Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to Sunset
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
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Park News
Upcoming Events
Occasionally, there may be things occurring in the park that could impact your visit. These might include organized volunteer efforts, running or biking events, renovation projects or scheduled closures. Use the button below to view upcoming events.
Job Openings
Green Hills County Park is not currently hiring. You may view part-time employment opportunities at our other Wake County Parks by selecting this link.
Park Information
Park Rules
Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand at Green Hills County Park. The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure a safe and pleasant visit for all:
- NO open flames or fires, NO grills of any kind, NO fireworks, NO smoking and NO model rockets. This innovative park is located adjacent to a recently closed landfill with a landfill gas (55% methane) collection system, and we must eliminate the potential for grass fires.
- Remain on the designated paths around and on the landfill at all times. To prevent injury or damage to equipment, do not walk or ride bikes on the slopes of the landfill.
- Speed limit is 20 mph.
- Clean up after your pets.
- Keep pets on a 6-foot leash.
- Park only in designated areas. No parking on roadsides or outside park gates.
- Model Rocket and Drone use is prohibited. RC vehicle use allowed subject to this policy.
The following are prohibited:
- Open fires
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco and vapor products
- Hunting
- Feeding of wildlife
- Swimming or wading
- Collection or release of any natural material or living organism unless otherwise designated by Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space staff
- Amplified music
- Littering
- Firearms*
- Overnight parking and camping
- ATV’s and other motorized vehicles (E-Bikes and Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices as defined by NC General Statutes are allowed where traditional bicycles are permitted)
*This does not prohibit concealed handgun permit holders from legally carrying a concealed handgun in accordance with N.C.G.S. 14-415.11.
Professional Photography in the Park
With so many picturesque locations in the park, photography continues to increase in popularity. To ensure that all park visitors have an enjoyable experience, registration is required for all professional, client-based photography sessions. To learn more and register your shoot, click the button below.
Metal Detecting
Wake County Parks, Recreation & Open Space has a "No Collection" policy that does not allow visitors to take things (natural or man-made) from the parks. Our parks contain both historically significant structures and documented cemeteries that should not be disturbed.
Metal detectors and magnet fishing may be used to look for an item you have specifically lost, but not to "treasure hunt" in general. The Park Manager must be notified and grant permission in advance of using a metal detector or magnet fishing to search for a personal lost item.
Drones/RC Vehicles/Model Rockets
The use of ALL Unmanned Aircraft (model rockets, drones, RC airplanes, helicopters) is Prohibited except for research, natural resource monitoring, or mapping purposes which MUST be approved in advance by the Park Manager.
Terrestrial Remote Controlled Vehicles are allowed subject to this policy
Geocaching
The hunt is on during this high-tech “treasure” hunting activity! The idea is to use GPS devices to find hidden containers within the park. This activity is self-guided by getting coordinates from Geocaching.com and bringing your own GPS unit or downloading the Geocaching.com cell phone app. Those wishing to establish a new cache must complete and submit a Geocache Form to the park office for review.
Park Picks - Selfie Stations
We want to see YOU in our favorite park spots! Look for the #ParkPicks sign at Green Hills County Park, STOP and SNAP a selfie and SHARE it with us using the hashtag #ParkPicks. We can't wait to see your selfies!
Park Features
Playground
Conveniently located adjacent to the rest room facility, drinking water and covered seating, the playground includes a tot lot (ages 2–5) and kids lot (ages 5–12) within the same footprint. Both are unsupervised, so adult supervision is recommended.
Trails
Paved Trails
One mile of 8-foot-wide, paved walking trails take you across Nance Spring Branch creek, around Nance Spring Loop, and connect all of the park facilities. Additionally, the pedestrian lane around the Big Hill is just shy of 1.5 miles.
Top of Hill Trail
Hike or bike to the top of the Big Hill to enjoy spectacular views! On a clear day you can see the Raleigh downtown skyline and the North Hills district and surrounding communities. You may access the top of this landfill from the "Top of the Hill Trail" – a gravel path located just right of the park entrance – park at the Front Entrance parking lot and walk the concrete road to the right to access the Top of the Hill Trail. *Remain on the designated gravel trail at all times. Use of landfill hill slopes for any activity is prohibited.
Minnie Me Trail
The smaller hill located behind Gate A also has a gravel path you may use to access the top where you'll find stunning views of the surrounding area in a relaxing setting. Bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity! As with the Big Hill, please remain on the gravel path at all times. Use of landfill hill slopes for any activity is prohibited.
Mountain Biking Trails
Green Hills County Park contains 2 miles of mountain bike trails built through a grant from North Carolina State Parks. The trails are designated for beginner and intermediate skill levels.
- A skills area is also provided for those wishing to build their mountain biking skills and comfort level.
- The mountain bike trails are subject to closure during inclement weather, special events and natural recovery.
- All mountain bike trail users must use ANSI- or Snell-approved safety helmets.
Are you a mountain biker interested in giving back?
Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) aids in maintaining these trails and hosts workdays and organized rides throughout the year. Check out their meetup page for upcoming dates.
Picnicking
Free-Standing Tables
There are several picnic tables located around the playground area, adjacent to the smaller hill and even one on top of the Big Hill for that birds-eye view of the surrounding area! All tables are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sycamore Picnic Shelter
Green Hills County Park has one picnic shelter with tables to accommodate groups up to 100 (there are 10 regular tables and 2 handicap accessible tables). The Sycamore Shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Note: There are NO grills at Green Hills County Park. Please do NOT bring grills to the park. No open flames or fires, no fireworks and no smoking. This innovative park is located adjacent to a recently closed landfill with a landfill gas (55% methane) collection system, and we must eliminate the potential for grass fires. Please review Rules and Regulations for additional information. If you are considering an event at GHCP involving 50 or more people, please review our Big Group Trip Guidelines to ensure a successful visit.
Open Play Area
Perfect for flying a kite, playing catch or just enjoying the calm, the open play area adjacent to the Sycamore Picnic Shelter is open to all and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Drone use is Prohibited.
We Want to Hear From You!
If you’ve had the opportunity to visit Green Hills County Park, we’d love to hear about your experience! Please take our online survey to provide your feedback.