Shrink and stretch this loop as your time and legs allow. The interesting part of this route is the Raleigh Blvd., Skycrest, Southhall link between the Crabtree Creek Greenway and the Neuse River Trail.
For a little hill work, and as an alternative to taking Crabtree Creek Trail out east to the Neuse River Trail, this route follows Raleigh Blvd to Skycrest, then down Southhall to Castlebrook Dr., reaching the Neuse River Trail via the entrance off Arlington Ln. near Hedingham Community Park. These roads can be on the busy side of comfortable, but at off hours, the traffic is usually light. The Neuse River Trail, and Walnut Creek Trail get you back to Dix Park without fuss. On a hot day, a short detour to Trophy Maywood is a great way to start your rehydration process.
The Link
The road link between the Rocky Branch Trail and the Crabtree Creek Trail is a good one for traveling north-south near downtown Raleigh. From Dix, neighborhood streets are used to West St. where it heads north on a stretch with a protected bike lane. North of Peace street, the area is light industrial, but usually not busy. After crossing under Wade Ave., neighborhood streets wind through 5 Points to Kiwanis Park and the Crabtree Creek Trail.
