The trail is a 10-foot wide paved path for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and others utilizing non-motorized
transportation. It winds for nearly 5.5 miles, one-way, through a beautiful blend of trees, plants and wildlife with spectacular views of the river. The terrain can be flat or slightly hilly. In addition to the wooden bridges,
including one covered bridge, there is over 1,000 feet of boardwalk through the marsh and wetlands along the trail.

Along the trail are interpretive signs explaining the wildlife and plant life found in the area. There are more than 700 species of plants and trees, and 150 species of birds. The River Trail area is also home to an  unusual combination and diversity of hardwood trees. Frogs, lizards and turtles are common sights, with an
occasional deer.

A trail head named in honor of Moses Mathis was constructed at the start of Phase 2B, located at Clark Park and officially opened in December, 2014. The trail is designated as part of the East Coast Greenway. The Greenway is a series of urban trails and greenways that will eventually connect from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida, similar to the Appalachian Trail.

Just under five miles of the Cape Fear Mountain Bike Trail is accessible off of the CFRT. Access is located 1 mile north of Clark Park traveling towards Methodist University, not far from the intersection with Eastwood Avenue. Additional details on the Cape Fear Mountain Bike Trail are provided in the next column.