Best attractions and places to see around Apex, North Carolina, blend historical landmarks with natural landscapes and cultural sites. The region features a preserved historic downtown, expansive parks, and multi-use trails. Its location provides access to diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, including lakes and greenways.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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This is a super good recreation trail built along an abandoned tobacco railway line. Hence it is aptly named the American Tobacco Trail. It's a 22.6-mile long Rails-to-Trails project that crosses through Durham County, Chatham County, and Wake County. It has a variety of facilities and connector trailheads along the way. Riders routinely ride the entire length of the ATT with a road bike. Gatorskin tires will hold up very well. Especially so if you have 28-32mm tires on. Watch out for runners and other trail users!
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Bond Metro Park is a 310-acre municipal park. It is often described as "an oasis in the middle of Cary." The park offers an amphitheater, a community center, trails, a lake, a playground, restrooms, and a variety of sports fields.
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This trailhead sits along Lake Crabtree at the north end of Black Creek Greenway. There is ample parking, restrooms, water, and a bike station, making it an ideal spot to start your ride or take a break and enjoy the beautiful view.
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This trailhead sits along Lake Crabtree at the north end of Black Creek Greenway. There is ample parking, restrooms, water, and a bike station, making it an ideal spot to start your ride or take a break and enjoy the beautiful view.
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Lots of cool trails. Can be busy. Respect the pedestrians by calling out.
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bike repair tools ,water and warm bathroom
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Apex offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. The American Tobacco Trail is a popular 22.6-mile multi-use path, ideal for cycling and running. You can also explore the Crabtree Creek Greenway around Lake Crabtree, which is great for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing. For more options, consider exploring the trails at Fred G. Bond Metro Park or the extensive Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
Yes, Apex has several family-friendly attractions. Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a 310-acre municipal park with a playground, lake, and various sports fields. Lake Crabtree on the Crabtree Creek Greenway offers amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds along its scenic asphalt trail. Apex Community Park also features a lake, trails, and sports facilities suitable for all ages.
Apex is rich in history, particularly its downtown area. Historic Downtown Apex is a designated Historic District with many buildings from 1870 to 1940, showcasing various architectural styles. You can stroll along Salem Street to see quaint shops and eateries. The Apex Union Depot, built between 1867 and 1873, is a significant landmark symbolizing the town's railroad heritage and now serves as a welcome center with an old caboose exhibit.
Yes, several attractions in Apex offer wheelchair accessibility. Fred G. Bond Metro Park has areas that are accessible for wheelchairs. Additionally, sections of the American Tobacco Trail Boardwalk and Wetlands are paved and wheelchair-friendly, providing a smooth experience through woodlands and wetlands.
Apex offers numerous trails for both hiking and cycling. The American Tobacco Trail is a 22.6-mile multi-use trail perfect for both activities. The Crabtree Creek Greenway, which includes Lake Crabtree, provides over 19 miles of asphalt trails. For more options, you can find easy hikes and road cycling routes around Apex by visiting our guides for Easy hikes around Apex and Road Cycling Routes around Apex.
Apex is surrounded by beautiful natural features. Lake Crabtree is a scenic spot for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, accessible via the Crabtree Creek Greenway. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers extensive opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, and is known for birdwatching, including bald eagles. Apex Community Park and Apex Nature Park also provide natural settings with trails and green spaces.
Yes, the Apex area offers several dog-friendly options. The Reedy Creek Trailhead at Lake Crabtree is a dog-friendly starting point for trails. Additionally, Apex Nature Park features a dedicated dog park, and many of the multi-use trails, like the American Tobacco Trail and Beaver Creek Greenway, are suitable for leashed dogs.
The Halle Cultural Arts Center is a vibrant hub for culture in Apex, hosting art exhibitions, theater performances, concerts, and workshops. It features three galleries and a 150-seat theater. Beyond this, the town's historic downtown itself offers a cultural experience with its preserved architecture and local events.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is an excellent spot for birdwatching, particularly known for sightings of bald eagles. The natural settings along the Crabtree Creek Greenway and within Apex Nature Park also provide opportunities to observe local wildlife and various bird species.
Visitors particularly enjoy the versatility and well-maintained nature of the trails. For instance, the American Tobacco Trail is praised for being a super good recreation trail built along an abandoned railway line, suitable for road bikes with its crushed gravel and asphalt sections. The Crabtree Creek Greenway is appreciated for its scenic route through forested areas, parks, and residential districts, offering various amenities and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Yes, Apex features the Apex Sculpture Walk, an open-air gallery experience with 11 sculptures by various artists, stretching from Hunter Street Park to Downtown. Additionally, colorful murals add character and artistic flair throughout the town, particularly in the downtown area.
Many parks and trailheads offer convenient parking and facilities. The Reedy Creek Trailhead at Lake Crabtree provides ample parking, restrooms, water, and a bike station, making it an ideal starting point. Fred G. Bond Metro Park also has restrooms and other amenities. Along the Crabtree Creek Greenway and American Tobacco Trail, you'll find various access points with facilities.


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