Forest Ridge Park

Welcome Center

• Get up-to-date information on what Forest Ridge has to offer by visiting us at the Welcome Center.
• Check out our loaner equipment including explorer and art backpacks.

Programs

• Forest Ridge Park offers a variety of outdoor and adventure recreation programs that focus on fitness and nature education. Browse and register for programs and classes at Forest Ridge Park on RecLink.
• Learn more about the Outdoor Recreation program.

Loaner Equipment

The Welcome Center at Forest Ridge has a selection of loaner equipment available for use! All loaner equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A RecLink account is required to check out items. Learn how to create an account online.

Available equipment includes:

• Youth explorer backpacks 
• Art backpacks
• Adult binoculars
• Youth fort building kit
• Balance bikes
• Fishing equipment

Learn more about the explorer backpack program.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed during park hours. Check out our loaner fishing equipment free of charge. A RecLink account is required to check out items. Learn how to create an account online.

Plan for your trip; bank fishing areas are subject to environmental conditions, infrastructure is minimal, and bait is not available at the park office.

• Bank fishing is available in designated areas.
• Fishing is subject to State fishing regulations.

Questions? Call the park office for up-to-date conditions at 919-996-5800.

Playgrounds

Adjacent to the picnic shelters, our playgrounds feature adventure elements for ages 5–12. Multi-element design engages both younger and older children.

• Features include zip line, slides, swings, and climbing elements with rubber surfacing.

View other playground locations.

Outdoor Amenities

Wildlife Garden

The garden is designed for pollinators and wildlife food sources and habitat. It was installed in the winter of 2017. It is focused on native plant species, is selected for deer resistance, and is part of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) Wildlife Habitat and North Carolina Butterfly Highway, created and maintained by the volunteers of Neuse River Hawks.

Learn more about the volunteer program.

Trails

Forest Ridge Park has trails for everyone. Both paved and unpaved trails are available. Check out the newly designed single-track mountain bike trail. 

Single-track trails may close because of adverse weather and environmental conditions, typically after rain events. Please view the trail status or contact the park office for trail conditions.

• 3 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, including both a 2-mile loop and a 1-mile loop
• 1.25 miles of unpaved multi-use trails
• 4 miles of natural surfaced hiking trails
• Paved trails

View interactive map

View trail status

View other trail opportunities with the City of Raleigh

Disc Golf Course

Our seasonal disc golf course is currently closed and will open in October 2021.

Why does the course close seasonally? Closing the course allows time for the trees and plants to repair and grow without sustaining impacts from discs and foot traffic. This practice helps maintain a healthy and sustainable course and ecosystem. Thank you for assisting us in keeping this course sustainable.

Enjoy the seasonal 9-hole disc golf course when open mid-October through mid-March during regular park hours. The first tee box is located just south of the main parking lot. Please follow all course guidelines to ensure the enjoyment and sustainability of the course. Loaner discs are available at the park office.

Rentals

Request your rental online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility. 

Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Meeting Room

• Reserve this space for your next meeting, party, or gathering
• Tables, chairs, and kitchenette provided
• Capacity: 47 people
• Audio/visual (AV,) wifi, and setup options available; additional fees may apply
• $65/hr. with a 2-hour minimum

Picnic Shelters

• Use our picnic shelters for your next gathering. Shelters are first-come, first-served. However, if you would like to reserve a shelter for your next party, contact the Welcome Center office.
• View all Forest Ridge Park site rental information.
• Request your rental online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility.
• Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Shelter 1

Open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved in advance. Reservations can be made by contacting the park office at 919-996-5800.

• Capacity: 96 people
• 2 grills
• 16 tables
• Rental fee: $15 per hour with a two-hour minimum

Shelter 2

Open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved in advance. Reservations can be made by contacting the park office at 919-996-5800.

• Capacity: 72 people
• 2 grills
• 12 tables
• Rental fee: $15 per hour with a two-hour minimum

Hours

Park gates will close promptly at the closing time listed below. Please plan your visit accordingly.