1500 Glen Eden Dr, Raleigh, NC 27612
Glen Eden Pilot Park is a little unknown park a few roads back behind Crabtree Valley Mall. From driving by and peering at the unsuspecting parking lot. you wouldn’t expect much. But if you take the time to explore you will find a little hidden oasis of green tucked back next to a small pond, plus a neighborhood center, playground, walking trails, and basketball courts!
Neighborhood Center
The neighborhood center is the only thing you can see from the parking lot, but if you walk past the building you will find some steps heading down to the walking trail. On your way down you can marvel at the large outdoor deck that overlooks a natural pond area. This would be a great space for a party venue!
view of the neighborhood center from the parking lot 
steps behind the neighborhood center 
outdoor deck
The neighborhood center at Glen Eden hosts a variety of programs (not during a pandemic 🤣), including dance and art classes. You can register and find more about these programs using the Raleigh RecLink.
House Creek Trail
At the bottom of the stairs you will find House Creek Trail, which is a 1.5 mile long trail that runs from behind Crabtree Mall almost to the NC Museum of Art. It’s a nice paved trail and I saw a lot of walkers and runners out while we were there.
walking trail 
walk across the bridge
Picnic Shelter
Once you cross over the bridge to your left, you will see a large green space with a covered picnic shelter. This can be rented out for events and there’s also a small fishing pond located right behind it. I was so surprised to find this space since it’s completely out of sight from the parking lot. It’s a great hidden gem in the Raleigh Park system!
photo thanks to Raleigh Parks 
picnic shelter
Basketball Courts
If you continue on past the picnic shelter you will find the outdoor basketball courts. It’s tucked back in the trees, so grab a ball and shoot some hoops!
Playground
Finally you will make your way to the playground! It’s a sand surface and older metal style playground structure. There are a few fun bouncers scattered throughout the space and a separate smaller structure for the little ones. You’ll also find a couple swings available for high flying fun!
playground at Glen Eden Pilot Park 
smaller structure and bouncers
Once I made it to the playground, I realized that there’s a second entrance and parking lot at Carlow Ct and Eden Croft Rd that will let you park right at the playground without having to take the stairs. This is a better option for those of you with strollers!
I’ve also been told there’s some tennis courts hidden somewhere back in this park as well, although I didn’t find them during this visit! Glen Eden Park is right down the street from it’s much more well-known neighbor, Laurel Hills Park, home of the Sassafras All Children’s Playground. If you’re looking for a bigger playground then definitely pay it a visit!