Beginning March 9, 2026, a section of the MST/Neuse River Trail will be closed near Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve (EB Miles 6.6-8.8; WB Miles 58.5-60.7) due to a private development sewer project. The closure is expected to last through May.

We have developed two possible detour routes for use during the closure. The primary route incorporates all open trail. The alternate route, shown in a lighter weight line on the map below, is more direct for a thru-hiker, but bypasses approximately a mile of open trail.

Eastbound Directions

0.0            At Mile 6.6, instead of turning left at trail junction, continue straight to enter WRAL Soccer Park.

0.1            Continue through parking lot and onto sidewalk paralleling driveway. Note: The soccer park has restrooms and a concession stand open during park activities, as well as water fountains and drink vending machines.

0.2            Just past small parking lot on right, turn left into larger parking lot.

0.3            Continue straight onto driveway next to lake.

0.6            Turn left on Perry Creek Rd.

1.3            Cross US 401, Louisburg Rd., then turn left onto sidewalk paralleling road. There are several restaurants, a grocery store, convenience stores, and a drugstore at this intersection. Alternatively, continue straight on Perry Creek Rd. and rejoin the guide route by turning left on Midtown Market Ave. at Mile 10.3.

1.6            Take first right on Trailhead Ln.

1.7            Continue through parking lot and onto access trail leading to Neuse River Trail greenway.

1.8            At T-intersection, turn right onto greenway, to rejoin the guide route at Mile 8.8.

Westbound Directions

0.0            At Mile 58.5, after crossing bridge #228, turn left on trail leading to Trailhead Ln. instead of going straight. Alternatively, back at Mile 57.0, you can turn left instead of right on Perry Creek Rd. and continue to US 401, crossing there and joining this detour route at Mile 0.5.

0.2            Continue through parking lot and onto Trailhead Ln.

0.3            Turn left on sidewalk paralleling US 401, Louisburg Rd.

0.5            At traffic light, turn right on Perry Creek Rd.

1.3            Turn right into entrance to WRAL Soccer Park.

1.5            Continue straight through parking lot.

1.6            At T-intersection, turn right on soccer park driveway.

1.7            Continue straight through parking lot and onto greenway. Note: The soccer park has restrooms and a concession stand open during park activities, as well as water fountains and drink vending machines.

1.8            Continue straight at trail junction to rejoin the guide route at Mile 60.7.