Local Excursion: Smith Creek Trail + Dairy Depot

This is a very simple outing that I wanted to share. For me, going for a walk or hike in the area is often my preferred activity with kids. It gets us out of the house, we can explore a new area, and have fun for relatively little or no cost.

For years, I've had it jotted down in my planner that there is a paved trail (Smith Creek Trail) within walking distance to an ice cream spot in the town of Wake Forest. Eating ice cream is another favorite activity of mine, so I knew this would be good motivation to seek out some place new. 

One Saturday in early July, we had no plans so I suggested eating dinner in Wake Forest and then visiting this little trail for a bike ride and ice cream afterwards. Even though it was hot and there were storm clouds gathering in the distance, we ended up having a perfect evening with the kids.

For parking, I chose to park at Smith Creek Soccer Center in Wake Forest. The short, paved walking trail goes beside the fields and through a wooded area that exits on Rogers Road. With just one stoplight crossing on Rogers Road, the Dairy Depot is then up on a hill. (Note: Another option that is almost the same distance would be to park at Heritage High School and walk to the Dairy Depot. Fortnight Brewing is at the same intersection if you prefer having a post-walk beer instead of a dessert).

In total, the Smith Creek Greenway is approximately 1.15 miles within the larger Neuse River Greenway trail system. It was easily marked, flat, and very easy to do with kids. Cam rode his bike and Brooke was in the stroller. 

There was a small playground by the soccer fields that we stopped at on the way back to the car so that Brooke and Cam could play. Brooke was very happy to go down the slide several times. 

In the car on the way home, Cam was already asking to do this again. I told him I could probably find more kid-friendly trails and short hikes closer to our house in Raleigh, but I think he is mostly interested as long it ends with ice cream! :)

*Cam chose Beach in a Bowl!