Running trails with running water (Raleigh, Durham: extended stay, taxi, relocating)

[Dipdog]

Recently relocated from Cleveland Ohio to Durham NC, specifically Hillsborough. Staying in an extended stay for the next month near Jordan Lake. I spent a lot of time in Cleveland running on the Towpath trail. I was training for the Marine marathon just before relocating and decided to postpone til next year. I've done some reading on RPT running trails, and tried the Tobacco trail today. It's beautiful and much like the Towpath. I can see advantages and disadvantages to both. My question is this:
I'm a sweater. I usually take a 12 ounce bottle with me that will last for at most 6 or 7 miles. Nice thing about the Towpath was that it was flat, immensely long, scenic, paved, well maintained, and, most importantly (to me) had bathrooms with running water (water fountains) every 1-3 miles on certain stretches, so I could refill my bottle and cool down in the summer. For me, that's a necessity in the heat, and I am a little nervous about running in the NC humidity in the summer. I noticed that the Tobacco trail has bathrooms but, at least the one I parked at, didn't have running water
So, can anyhow suggest relatively flat running trails in the area, longer the better, with bathrooms and running water along the way? Really appreciate any advice you can offer!

[Dipdog]

Or.... alternatively, just longest, flattest trails in RTP?

[RedZin]

Have you tried using a Camelbak?

[garnetpalmetto]

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

Have you tried using a Camelbak?

Or a water belt that will allow you to take more than just one bottle of water like the Amphipod RunLite 4 that'll let you tote around 32 oz of water?

That said, offhand you have good bets with Shelley Lake in Raleigh and Lake Johnson in Raleigh. Johnson's got a pair of hills that can be challenging but it's a nice route overall. I'm not familiar enough with the trails in Orange or Durham counties to offer up advice on those but I know there are bathrooms and water fountains at both Johnson and Shelley.

[Dipdog]

Awesome, thank you!
I have tried the camelbak. Couldn't stand the slosh slosh slosh . But, yes, I'll probly try a water belt, or just a 16oz
I'm a wimp, I admit! But it is nice, just mentally, to break things up with a water break/bathroom break every so often.
For now though, just trying to find the best options for training next spring; longest, flattest. Tried Umstead today; it was great, but wow the elevations! Ouch

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by Dipdog

Awesome, thank you!
I have tried the camelbak. Couldn't stand the slosh slosh slosh . But, yes, I'll probly try a water belt, or just a 16oz
I'm a wimp, I admit! But it is nice, just mentally, to break things up with a water break/bathroom break every so often.
For now though, just trying to find the best options for training next spring; longest, flattest. Tried Umstead today; it was great, but wow the elevations! Ouch

Umstead is equally taxing on a mountain bike.

This area is hillier than it looks!

My favorite thing about a Camelbak is that you can spray yourself with it.

[Dipdog]

Hmm, good point!

[Sherifftruman]

There is some sort of facility/mini park/trailhead off the AT Trail with restrooms I beleive. I must be near Chatham Co Wake co line. Not totally sure because I've only seen it on runs and never driven there.

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by Dipdog

Hmm, good point!

I've done it!

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

The new Falls Of Neuse Greenway runs 6.5 miles starting from Falls Dam in North Raleigh. The greenway is relatively flat and 10' paved asphalt. I love running there. There is a bathroom and water fountain at the start of the trail by the dam but nothing along the trail itself.