Cape Fear River Trail

For central access use Clark Park near 511-631 Sherman Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28301. Jordan Soccer Complex and Riverside Dog Park provide other access points with different parking capacity.

Primary parking is available at Jordan Soccer Complex and Clark Park; Riverside Dog Park has limited parking. The trail is not a loop, so long one-way trips require a return plan or pickup.

The trail is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to dusk. Connected parks, restrooms, dog park, soccer complex, and construction areas may use different schedules.

General trail access is free. Programs, events, rentals, and nearby facilities may charge separately.

Restrooms are available at developed park and trailhead locations such as Clark Park, but not continuously across the route. Plan stops before a long trip.

The main trail is ten feet wide and paved with long boardwalk and bridge sections, but some hills are steep and approaches, temporary detours, and connecting paths vary.

The route is more than seven miles one way, with flat and hilly pavement, wooden bridges, a covered bridge, and over 1,000 feet of wetland boardwalk. Cyclists must stay under 15 mph and yield to pedestrians.

Choose a short out-and-back from Clark Park or another developed trailhead rather than attempting the full one-way distance without transportation. Bring water and supervise at slopes and road connections.

Leashed pets are allowed and owners must remove waste. Keep leashes short around bicycles, runners, boardwalks, wildlife, and narrow or steep sections.

Use picnic facilities at Clark Park or another connected park rather than stopping across the shared travel lane. Organized trail events require approval.

Highlights include Clark Park and the Moses Mathis trailhead, river overlooks, covered bridge, wetland boardwalks, Jordan Soccer Complex, mountain-bike access, Riverside Dog Park connector, and East Coast Greenway designation.

Flooding, storm debris, bridge or boardwalk work, river conditions, and construction can interrupt sections. Check City notices before relying on a continuous seven-mile trip.