Wake County officials announced that a portion of the popular American Tobacco Trail will be fully closed beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2, to address damage caused by a landslide during Hurricane Helene in 2024. The closure affects the segment between the White Oak Creek Greenway and the Wimberly Road parking area and is expected to remain in place through the end of October.
Why the closure is necessary
The landslide destabilized the trail’s bank, washing away soil and creating unsafe conditions for hikers, cyclists and runners. County Commissioner Shinica Thomas said, “Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore this section of the trail. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we complete these necessary repairs and look forward to reopening the trail as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
What the repair work will involve
Contractors will remove and replace unsuitable soils, rebuild the eroded bank with native trees and vegetation, and install a new drainage pipe to divert excess stormwater to a ditch on the opposite side of the trail. These measures are intended to prevent future erosion and protect the trail’s long‑term stability.
Alternative access points for trail users
While the closure is in effect, trail users heading south from the north will need to turn around at the closure point. Those traveling south can still access the White Oak Creek Greenway to continue toward Cary. The Wimberly Road parking lot will also be closed, and parking along the road shoulder is prohibited.
County officials have provided several alternate parking locations:
- New Hill–Olive Chapel Parking Area, 1309 New Hill–Olive Chapel Road, Apex
- White Oak Church Road Parking Area, 1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex
- New Hope Church Road Parking Area, 2584 New Hope Church Road, Cary
- White Oak Creek Greenway entrance, 8232 Green Level Church Road, Cary
These sites will allow residents and visitors to continue enjoying the trail network while repairs are underway.
Timeline and community impact
The county originally planned to begin the closure in early August, but the start date was pushed back to give crews additional time to prepare. The projected reopening date is late October, contingent on weather and the successful completion of the stabilization work. In the meantime, the county encourages the public to use the alternate access points and to respect the temporary parking restrictions.
Local outdoor enthusiasts have expressed appreciation for the county’s swift response and transparent communication. The American Tobacco Trail remains a cherished recreational asset for Apex, Cary and the broader Wake County community, supporting healthy family activities and outdoor fellowship.
Looking ahead
County officials say the repairs will not only restore the trail but also improve its resilience against future storms. By using native vegetation and modern drainage solutions, the project aligns with Wake County’s broader commitment to preserving natural resources and providing safe, family‑friendly outdoor spaces.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
