The Triangle is consistently rated one of the best places in the nation to live and work. Its rapidly growing population has generated a need for housing, shopping centers, and infrastructure--and for recreational facilities. Trails of the Triangle describes over 400 trails within a 50-mile radius of the Triangle, whether on federal, state, city/county, or private property. Trails range in distance from a few yards, such as the 92-yard Honeysuckle Lane Trail in Fuquay-Varina to the 50-mile Falls Lake Trail. There are residential trails such as Shelley Lake Trail, which is so popular that it has a speed limit of 10 miles per hour and a centerline to separate traffic. There are trails in remote forests, such as the Summit Loop Trail, where you may not see another person. You can find trails for equestrians, in-line skaters, cyclists, and even the differently abled.

Before his death, Allen de Hart hiked more than 53,000 miles in 46 states and 18 foreign countries. He is the author of nine books and trail guides for the Carolinas and other Southeastern states. He built his first trail with his two brothers to create a shortcut from their family's farm to the local school. After earning a master's degree from the University of Virginia and serving nine years in the United States Army, de Hart moved with his wife to Louisburg, NC, where he taught history and served as director of public affairs for Louisburg College.