Things to do in NC: A Troll-Tale Walk Through Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, NC
If you’ve ever wanted a day in Raleigh where whimsy meets wide open fields and every turn feels like a storybook page, then Dorothea Dix Park should be your next destination. This 308-acre urban green space just southwest of downtown is all about big skies, friendly art, and the kind of landscapes photographers dream about.
Begin your visit out on the Big Field, a broad, rolling meadow that seems to stretch forever under Carolina skies. Early morning light casts gentle shadows over the grass, and when the sun starts to drop toward sunset, the field becomes a sea of gold ideal for wide-angle shots and silhouette photography. Even if you aren’t chasing the perfect sunset, just watching clouds race over the skyline makes for a great story to share.
Walking from the Big Field toward the trees, you’ll begin one of the park’s newest charms: the Thomas Dambo Trolls. These are not your classic fairytale creatures but giant, whimsical sculptures built from recycled wood, each with a unique presence among the pines and paths. Danish artist Thomas Dambo has created a global “Trail of Trolls,” placing giant troll figures in forests and parks around the world to spark exploration and wonder — and Dix Park now hosts five of them.
From the moment you step into the woodland trails, the trolls feel like secret friends waiting to be discovered. Each one has its own personality and position in the park’s landscape — from the watchful parent figures to their playful children hidden among roots and mossy wood. Seeking them feels a bit like a treasure hunt, and that sense of discovery brings out the joy in every photograph.
Dambo’s own journey as an artist started with recycling and creation. Growing up in Denmark building treehouses and toys out of discarded materials, he learned to see beauty in what others might throw away. His larger-than-life trolls — including those now at Dix Park — carry that spirit forward, reminding visitors that nature and art can be playful and meaningful at the same time.
While searching for the trolls, don’t forget to explore other photographic highlights in the park. The Sunflower Field blooms each July into a golden maze just begging for macro shots and portraits framed by tall blossoms. Nearby, the Stone Houses stand as a lovely contrast — their historic textures and shaded nooks make great subjects for architecture and detail photography.
Once you’ve trotted through tall grass and leafy trails, pause at Gipson Play Plaza. Its playful structures and lively moments makes it ideal for capturing candid smiles, motion shots, and colorful compositions. Whether it’s kids playing or families relaxing on benches, this space is full of life and joyful energy.
But the trolls are the heart of this park’s current lore. Not only do they stand tall among the shadows of oak and pine, they connect to a larger tale involving symbols and the mystical “Grandmother Tree” hidden somewhere in the Piedmont. Some visitors enjoy noting each troll’s symbol — a fun, almost puzzle-like experience that adds another layer of curiosity to your walk.
By day’s end, Dorothea Dix Park feels like a place where the world slows just a little and invites you to be delightfully curious. Whether chasing golden fields or tracking down each troll’s secret nook, you’ll leave with shots that tell stories — of trees, tails, smiles, and the joy of discovery.
So pack your camera, grab comfortable shoes, and bring your sense of adventure. From towering fields to gentle troll guardians, Dorothea Dix Park is Raleigh’s secret open-air gallery just waiting to fill your lens with wonder.
See the full gallery below - or purchase your prints at https://whispering-yak.com
Download the guide I put together to help guide you through the park and photograph the trolls for yourself
Read more here:
