Falls Lake from Forest Ridge Park

Forest Ridge Park


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Accessibility Information Welcome Center Playgrounds Outdoor Amenities Rentals Hours

Opened 2017

Contact

 

919-996-5800

Joel Bateman Park Manager
joel.bateman@raleighnc.gov

Matthew Scheffel Assistant Park Manager
matthew.scheffel@raleighnc.gov 

Get Directions
Know Before You Go

Address

Forest Ridge Park
2100 Old North Carolina 98 HWY
Wake Forest, NC 27587

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Accessibility Information

Accessibility
Forest Ridge Park has an assortment of accessible amenities in the park.  See our park map for general wayfinding and facility locations. 

Parking
Forest Ridge Park has 2 accessible parking spaces located in the parking lot in front of the welcome center and 4 accessible parking spaces at the playground and shelter area.    

Access to the Welcome Center
The accessible entrance to the Welcome Center is located at the front of the facility.  There is push-button access to the front door of the welcome center for your convenience.    

Restroom Facilities and Other Park Features 
Restrooms with accessible features are located at the Welcome Center and at the playground.  There are handicapped-accessible tables and grills at both picnic shelters.        

For more information about access at the park please call the 919-996-5800

Welcome Center

An exterior shot of the outside front part of the Forest Ridge community 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.
Three young kids participating in a bird watching program and learning about nature

Programs

One of the Explorer Backpacks for children with binoculars, compass, and bug viewing boxes.

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.

Some of the fishing rods available to be checked out

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

Part of the playground which includes zipline, slides, swings, climbing elements with rubber surfacing.

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

Entrance to the wildlife garden which is designed for pollinators and wildlife food source and habitat.

Wildlife Garden

The garden is designed for pollinators, wildlife, and people to enjoy. It was installed in the winter of 2017 and has undergone numerous transformations to address stormwater issues, to be more accessible, and to provide more sustainable habitats and food for wildlife.  There is an emphasis on establishing NC native plants, plants that can withstand deer browsing and maintenance that supports a variety of food sources and habitat year-round.  Contact the Forest Ridge Park office to learn more about our maintenance strategies or how you can incorporate wildlife-positive landscapes in your own yard.

Learn more about the volunteer program.

Forest ridge natural trail area

Trails

Forest Ridge Park has trails for everyone. Both paved and unpaved trails are available.

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.

  • 3.25 miles of single-track mountain bike trails
  • 1.85 miles of unpaved multi-use trails
  • 6.5 miles of natural surfaced hiking trails
  • .5 mile paved loop trail
  • View interactive map
  • View trail status

View other trail opportunities with the City of Raleigh

Disc Golf Course

Our seasonal disc golf course is open for the season.

Disc Golf Course Map

Enjoy the seasonal 18-hole disc golf course through March 15 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.

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.

Rentals

Request your rental online using RecLink

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.

A large meeting room with a table, chairs, a white board and TV

Meeting Room

  • Reserve this space for your next meeting, party, or gathering
  • Tables, chairs, and kitchenette provided
  • Capacity: 47 people
  • Audio/visual (AV,) wi-fi, 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. 
  • 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.
One of two picnic shelters with multiple seating and two grills

Shelter 1

  • Capacity: 96 people
  • 2 grills
  • 16 tables
  • Rental fee: $15 per hour with a two-hour minimum
A second slightly smaller picnic shelter with a dozen tables and two grills

Shelter 2

  • 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.

October

 
Monday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.

November–February

 
Monday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.

March

 
Monday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.

April–September

 
Monday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Tuesday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Wednesday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thursday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.

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