Forest Ridge Park

Use the main park entrance at 2100 Old North Carolina 98 Highway. The Welcome Center lot has two accessible spaces, while the playground and picnic-shelter area has four. Park near the facility that matches your visit rather than assuming every attraction begins at the same trailhead.

Navigate to the City's listed address, 2100 Old North Carolina 98 Highway in Wake Forest, and enter through the signed park drive. Start at the Welcome Center for current trail conditions, maps, programs, and loaner equipment; continue to the separate playground and shelter parking area for the shortest family route.

Yes. Restrooms with accessible features are located at the Welcome Center and at the playground. Because this is a large 587-acre park, use them before starting a longer natural-surface trail or heading to a minimally developed fishing area.

Hours change seasonally: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. November through February; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in March and October; and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. April through September. Plan to be back at your vehicle before closing and check current alerts when weather may affect trails.

General entry, parking, playground use, the wildlife garden, trails, and designated bank-fishing access are free. Fishing equipment and other selected loaners are free with a RecLink account, while organized programs, meeting-room rentals, and reserved uses may charge.

The park provides six accessible parking spaces: two at the Welcome Center and four at the playground/shelter area. The Welcome Center has push-button entry; accessible restrooms are at both primary facility areas; and shelters have accessible tables and grills. Natural trails and fishing banks vary considerably by surface and conditions.

The adventure playground beside the picnic shelters is designed primarily for ages 5-12 and includes a zip line, slides, swings, climbing elements, and rubberized surfacing. Restrooms and accessible parking are in this area, making it the most convenient starting point for a family play visit.

The City lists 3.25 miles of single-track mountain-bike trail, 1.85 miles of unpaved multi-use trail, 6.5 miles of natural-surface hiking trail, and a half-mile paved loop. Choose a route for your mobility and experience level, carry a map, and check status before using single-track after rain.

The City's current alert lists the mountain-bike trail as closed. These trails frequently close during or after rain to prevent erosion and may reopen as conditions improve, so check Raleigh Parks Alerts or call 919-996-5800 on the day of your ride rather than relying on an older status.

Yes, from designated bank-fishing areas during park hours and under current North Carolina fishing regulations. Infrastructure at the banks is minimal and bait is not sold at the office. Free loaner fishing equipment is available first-come, first-served with a RecLink account; call ahead when shoreline conditions matter.

The 18-hole course is seasonal, normally operating from October 15 through March 22 during regular park hours, with the first tee south of the main parking lot. It closes for the growing season so vegetation can recover. Loaner discs are available at the park office when the course is operating.

Yes. First-come, first-served loaners at the Welcome Center include youth explorer and art backpacks, adult binoculars, a youth fort-building kit, balance bikes, fishing equipment, and seasonal disc-golf discs. A RecLink account is required for checkout, so create one before arriving if a loaner is central to your plan.