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Apex grew up in the 1860s around a watering stop on the Chatham Railroad, at the highest point on the line between Raleigh and the coal fields of Chatham County. Railroad workers called the spot the apex of the grade, and the name stuck when the town was incorporated in 1873. A fire in 1911 destroyed most of the business district, and the brick buildings that replaced it now make up one of the best-preserved railroad towns in North Carolina.
Salem Street is the heart of it all, lined with local shops, cafes and restaurants, with the restored Apex Union Depot at its center and the Halle Cultural Arts Center, built as the town hall in 1912, hosting plays, concerts and exhibits. Each May, PeakFest closes downtown for a huge street festival with more than 200 vendors.
Apex has grown quickly as a suburb of Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, but it keeps plenty of green space. Apex Community Park circles a quiet lake, greenways link neighborhoods to the American Tobacco Trail, and the wide waters of Jordan Lake are a short drive west for boating, swimming and bald eagle watching.
WiserMap travel guideApex North Carolina Salem Street and American Tobacco TrailPlan an Apex, North Carolina trip with historic Salem Street, the Apex depot, Apex Community Park, the American Tobacco Trail, Jordan Lake and local food tips.Read the guide
The main street of Apex's historic downtown, lined with brick storefronts from the early 1900s that now hold cafes, restaurants, boutiques and antique shops. The whole district is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is pleasant on foot, and free parking is available in lots behind the shops.
The 1914 railroad depot at the top of Salem Street gave the town its name, as Apex sits at the highest point on the old rail line. The restored depot now houses the Apex Chamber of Commerce and visitor information. It is a good starting point for a downtown walk; trains still pass on the active line beside it.
Set in the restored 1912 Apex Town Hall building on Salem Street, the Halle hosts art exhibits, live music, theater, film screenings and classes in its galleries and small theater. Gallery visits are free. Check the town's event calendar for shows, which are often affordable and sell out on weekends.
Apex's largest annual street festival takes over downtown Salem Street on a Saturday in early May, with more than 200 arts, crafts and food vendors, live music stages and children's activities. It draws big crowds, so arrive early, use the free shuttles from outer lots and bring cash for some vendors.
A large town park built around Apex Community Park Lake, with a paved and wooded trail loop around the water, fishing, ball fields, tennis courts, a playground and picnic shelters. The lake loop is about 2.5 miles and popular with walkers and runners. Arrive early on weekends, when parking fills up.
A 160-acre park on Apex's west side with wooded walking trails, a large dog park, a seasonal amphitheater, a disc golf course and open fields. It also has an off-leash area and stream crossings along the trails. It is a quiet, shady escape on warm days; bring insect repellent in summer.
Apex's newest major park opened in 2023 on the town's southwest side, with a large inclusive playground, athletic fields, pickleball and basketball courts, a disc golf course and walking trails. It is popular with families and sports teams. Weekends are busy, so visit on a weekday morning for a calmer time.
A neighborhood park in Apex with a playground, a pond with a short walking loop, a splash pad, a community garden and picnic shelters. It also connects to the town's greenway network. It is a good place for young children on hot days when the splash pad is running, usually from spring through early fall.
B. Everett Jordan Lake, a large reservoir west of Apex, offers beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds and trails within the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. It is known for one of the largest summer gatherings of bald eagles in the eastern United States. Park entrance fees apply at swim beaches in summer.
A 22-mile rail trail on a former tobacco railroad line linking Durham with the area near Apex. Its southern sections pass through quiet woods and farmland, with a gravel surface suited to walking, running, horseback riding and cycling. Several trailheads near Apex have parking; bring water, as facilities are few.
A paved greenway in Apex that follows Beaver Creek through wooded stream corridors and past neighborhoods, linking to other sections of the town's trail network. It is flat and shaded, good for walking, running and easy bike rides. Look for small bridges and creek views, and bring water on hot days.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
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