Cary is home to more than 30 public parks, but a handful fly under the radar. Everyone knows Bond Park and Hemlock Bluffs, yet smaller neighborhood gems and specialty parks are worth a visit too. Here are a few hidden Cary parks that you should check out if you haven’t already.
Sears Farm Road Park
5077 Sears Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27519
Located in west Cary, Sears Farm Road Park is a quiet retreat with wide open fields, swinging benches, tables, and a playground. The park’s loop trail is perfect for a short walk or beginner run, and the open space makes it popular for kite flying and pickup games. Parking is easy, and the lack of crowds gives it a laid-back feel.
Heater Park
400 S West St, Cary, NC 27511
Tiny but charming. A small creek flows through the middle of the park, and you’ll often hear the sounds of many birds singing as you sit on one of the benches. There is no parking lot for Heater Park, but you can park on the side of the road, or, if you want to get some extra steps in, it is about a ten-minute walk from the downtown Cary parking garage.
Ed Yerha Park
1216 Jenks Carpenter Rd, Cary, NC 27519
Ed Yerha Park, located near NW Cary Parkway and Chapel Hill Road, is connected to the White Oak Creek greenway. It features a (shaded) playground, pickleball courts, and picnic areas, along with open lawn space for casual play. The park is compact and easy to navigate, making it a convenient stop for families looking for a quick outing or a quiet spot to unwind close to home.
Dorothy Park
720 Griffis St, Cary, NC 27511
Dorothy Park is a hidden pocket near the Higgins greenway that looks like a fairytale with a small creek running through it. It is smaller than many of Cary’s community parks and not much of a destination, but that just adds to the charm. Because it is not heavily used, it can be a nice and quiet place to have a picnic.
Walnut Street Park
1420 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511
Walnut Street Park is a centrally located spot that many people drive past without noticing. It features pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, and a nice little trail looping around the park.
Annie L. Jones Park
1414 Tarbert Dr, Cary, NC 27511
This neighborhood park off Tarbert Drive offers tennis courts, baseball fields, and a playground shaded by mature trees. Its size and location make it easy to miss, but it’s a favorite for locals who want a no-frills place to get outside. It also connects to the Annie Jones greenway which is a lovely 1.2 mile stroll (and Cary’s first greenway!).
Why These Parks Matter
Hidden parks like these give Cary residents more quieter options than the big ones. They are easier to access, less crowded, and many tie directly into the town’s extensive greenway network.
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