The park was constructed on the site of a former municipal solid waste landfill, highlighting modern land reclamation efforts.
The paved trail features a significant elevation gain compared to standard flat park paths due to its location on the landfill mound.
The park's design includes extensive environmental monitoring systems hidden beneath the landscaping to manage the site's history.
It is one of the few parks in the region that repurposes brownfield infrastructure into a primary recreational facility.
Green Hills County Park is a unique recreational space built atop a former municipal landfill in North Raleigh. The park features a 1.5-mile multi-use paved trail that circles the reclaimed site, offering elevated views of the surrounding landscape. It serves as a community hub with a specialized playground and ample open grass areas for recreation. The terrain is notably hilly due to the underlying topography of the closed landfill. It is managed by Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space and provides designated space for public outdoor activities.
The highest point of the perimeter trail, which offers a 360-degree vantage point of the North Raleigh treeline.
Bring extra water as the hilltop location is fully exposed to sunlight with very little natural shade.
Visit during cooler months to comfortably traverse the open, elevated trails.
Use the perimeter trail for a moderate cardiovascular workout due to the consistent incline.
Do not attempt to walk on the grassy slopes off the paved trail, as these are often restricted to protect the landfill cap.
Stay on marked trails to avoid sensitive environmental restoration areas; keep pets leashed at all times.
