Lake Benson Park in Garner NC is an unbelievable site in southern Wake County that is truly what you can call a hidden gem.  What is so amazing about this place is it seems like no one knows it exists because it is NEVER crowded....except during the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.  I usually run the trails there 2-3 three times a week and it is always a peaceful escape.

Located at Aversboro and Buffaloe Roads, you will find an incredible 64 acres of grass, trees, flowers, running trails, picnic areas and a shoreline to gaze at the lake.  This property was part of an 840 acre land grant from King George II of England.  In 1990 the Town of Garner purchased the land from the Buffaloe family and developed it into the family oriented park that it is today.  The Inland Trail is 1.2 miles and there is a Woodland Trail of .6 mile which also contains a few playgrounds and grilling sites.  One thing that you may notice off to the side of the trail on the northern end of the park is a memorial dedicated to PFC Henry Charles Sanchez, USMC.  Henry was a 2003 graduate of Garner High School and use to run these trails to prepare to become a Marine.  In July of 2006 Henry was killed in combat in Iraq serving his country. 

If you live in the Raleigh area, Garner is 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh and is worthy of your visit to the park.  Bring your dog, running shoes, blankets or whatever you usually do at a park and have a good time.