Anderson Point Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Anderson Point Park distinguishes itself as an exceptionally expansive outdoor destination, offering direct access to over 30 miles of paved sections of the Neuse River Trail, and linking to the Crabtree Creek trail, making it a premier cycling and hiking hub. It uniquely features a massive sandbox, described as the 'HUGEST in all of Raleigh' and comparable to a beach experience, which is ideal for young children. The park also provides vast open spaces perfect for various sports, informal play, and hosting large family gatherings like cookouts.
Key Highlights
- ✓Direct access to the Neuse River Trail, offering 30+ miles of paved trails suitable for cycling, hiking, running, and walking.
- ✓Functions as a central 'cycling hub' and the middle point of the Neuse River Trail, connecting both north and south routes.
- ✓Features a unique and 'massive sandbox' (dubbed the 'HUGEST in all of Raleigh') perfect for younger children (five and under).
- ✓Offers expansive, 'huge' open spaces that are ideal for outdoor events, family cookouts, playing ball, soccer, or frisbee.
- ✓Equipped with clean and stocked restroom facilities.
- ✓Provides nice shaded areas with bench and porch swings, particularly located near the playground.
- ✓A picturesque setting, often noted for its beauty and suitable for photographers.
- ✓Wildlife sightings are common, adding to the natural experience.
Standout Features
- ⭐Direct and extensive access to the Neuse River Trail (30+ miles paved) and an intersection towards Crabtree Creek.
- ⭐The 'HUGEST sandbox in all of Raleigh', offering a unique play experience for young children.
- ⭐Ample bench swings and porch swings located in shaded areas, perfect for relaxation.
- ⭐Vast, open fields providing plenty of space for informal sports, large gatherings, and exploring.
- ⭐Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities.
- ⭐The expansive paved trail system, accommodating bikers, runners, and walkers of all levels.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →To minimize freeway noise, plan to venture deeper into the trails where the sound significantly subsides.
- →Be vigilant and carefully watch children's steps due to the widespread presence of fire ant hills throughout the park.
- →Bring bikes or scooters to fully utilize and enjoy the 30+ miles of paved Neuse River Trail directly accessible from the park.
- →Consider the park for hosting outdoor cookouts or large family gatherings, as it offers 'absolutely huge space' for such events.
- →If visiting with toddlers or preschoolers, be prepared for a long stay at the 'massive sandpit' and consider bringing sand toys.
- →Be aware of and appreciate the opportunity to spot various wildlife, including potential snake sightings.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Significant car noise from a nearby freeway is audible, especially near the park entrance, though it reportedly subsides as one goes deeper into the trails.
- ⚠Numerous fire ant hills are present throughout the park, requiring visitors to 'watch where you step'.
- ⚠Sightings of wildlife like black snakes were reported, which might be a concern for some parents.
- ⚠The playground, while 'decent', is described as 'nothing big to write home about' for older kids and is primarily recommended for children five and under, implying it lacks advanced features for older age groups.
Price & Value
No admission fees or specific pricing details were mentioned in the reviews, strongly suggesting it operates as a free public park.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The park features extensive paved trails (30+ miles) which are likely accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. No specific accommodations or features for other special needs were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •The mention of 'came here for a graduation cookout' strongly implies that outside food, drinks, and picnic setups are not only permitted but actively encouraged given the vast open spaces available for events.
🚗Parking Info
- •Reviews indicate the park is 'off by itself' but not 'too far', suggesting dedicated and likely ample parking is available and convenient, though no specific number of spots or costs were provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No specific information regarding crowd levels or peak times was provided in the reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features, such as staff supervision of play areas, wristband systems, or first aid stations, were mentioned in the reviews beyond general observations of park cleanliness.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Parents highly sensitive to consistent background freeway noise, especially if planning to spend most of their time near the park entrance.
- • If children are prone to wandering off designated paths unsupervised, due to the reported presence of fire ant hills.
- • If you are expecting an elaborate, highly themed, or large playground specifically designed for older children, as its playground is considered basic and best for under-5s.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Art On The Greenway Ride Series - Ride #3
Oct 11, 10 a.m. • Saturday
📅Booking Policy
- • Request rentals online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility.
- • Requests will be subject to staff approval.
- • Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation.
- • Reservation is not finalized until confirmation of payment is received.
🚗Parking Information
- • BEAM solar-powered EV charger available.
- • Parking is limited when multiple areas of the park are in use.
- • Overflow parking available in the lot before crossing the bridge.
- • Parking in the main lot is not guaranteed during rental of the Large Picnic Shelter.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 7 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Nancy C.
11 months agoI've been wanting to visit this park for ages and I'm so happy I did. It is beautiful, expansive, and easy access to the Neuse River Trail, and I love the bench swings. I didn't rate it 5 stars because, unfortunately, it is right by the freeway, and the car noise is quite loud. It's worth a trip, though, and as you go deeper into the trail, the noise does subside.
Shaniece
2 years agoCame here for a graduation cookout and I was truly surprised. It an absolutely huge space to host an outdoor event with family and friends. It’s off by itself but not to far that if you need assistance that it would take to long so I loved that. It has a nice play area for kids, a nice bike/hike trail for bikers, runners, and walkers. It’s a nice area for a date or picnic 😊. I think you’d be very pleased to visit this outdoor space .
Dan Thompson
3 years agoOne of the first park playgrounds we ever visited here in Raleigh. Huge park with tons of open space, for walking on trails, bike riding, jogging, playing ball, soccer or frisbee. Cute little playground area. Nothing big to write home about but, a decent playground for kids five and under, in my opinion. There’s a few slides, ten swings, a “cable slide” runner, bridges , monkey bars, and thee HUGEST sandbox in all of Raleigh! So, if ya don’t wanna drive to the beach, just come here for the sand instead! LoL
Paul Seiler
2 months agoCycling hub! This is the middle point of the Neuse River Trail. It runs about 15 miles north AND south of Anderson Point Park, about 30+ miles of paved trail in total. There is an intersection here towards Crabtree Creek. On top of all that, it’s very picturesque for photographers. I absolutely love this park.
Allie Thurkill (Sock Thief)
a year agoBeautiful park with lots of walking trails that connect to the greenway. The playground is decent, with a massive sandpit. There's also a nice shaded area with porch swings by the playground. Saw lots of wildlife as well (including three black snakes). I took off one star because there are a ton of fire ant hills all over the park, so you really have to watch where you step. The bathrooms were clean and stocked also.