Wake County Exploring 400-Acre Trail Project Near RDU

Mar 23, 2026 | News

Wake County is considering a 400-acre hiking and mountain biking trail system near Lake Crabtree, called Haley Branch. The project aims to replace trails lost as part of RDU Airport development.

Key points:
• Early planning stage with public input underway
• County hopes to bid the project this year
• 8–10 month construction timeline once approved
• Designed to offset the 140+ acres of trails removed for airport expansion

Why it matters for property owners & businesses:

• Quality-of-life amenities drive tenant demand
• RDU-area development pressure continues
• Parks & greenways influence location decisions

For owners and operators around Cary, Morrisville, and the RDU corridor, projects like this can quietly shape property values, tenant attraction, and long-term demand.

https://www.wral.com/news/local/wake-county-haley-branch-trails-public-meeting-march-2026

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.