Wilmington, North Carolina offers a variety of family-friendly walking trails, providing the perfect opportunity for outdoor recreation and quality time together. Adventure through paths that wind through scenic parks with lakes, beaches and nature preserves, suitable for walkers of all ages. Families can explore local flora and fauna while strolling along the picturesque Cape Fear River. Wilmington’s trails offer a mix of natural beauty and urban charm, ensuring a delightful and active experience for families in Wilmington. Here are our favorite 10 family-family walking trails in your neighborhood.
Smith Creek Park
Smith Creek Park offers a serene escape into nature for residents of Wilmington. The park is characterized by a large lake with well-maintained trails that wrap around edge, providing a peaceful environment for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Picnic areas equipped with tables and benches provide an ideal setting for families and friends to gather. Smith Creek Park is also dog friendly, making it a great place to bring your furry family member.
Summer Rest Trail
The Summer Rest Trail is a versatile 0.7-mile pathway stretching from the former Port City Chop House to Summer Rest Road, offering breathtaking vistas of the Intracoastal Waterway. This mostly shaded, paved trail commences at the free parking lot of the Port City Chop House and concludes at Summer Rest Road, providing a flat terrain with several benches for resting. As it winds alongside residential areas, a tall privacy fence lines one side of the trail. Cyclists and dogs are both welcome to enjoy this scenic route.
The Loop at Wrightsville Beach
The Wrightsville Beach Loop is a picturesque trail that circles the town of Wrightsville Beach. The loop encompasses approximately 2.5 miles, guiding walkers, joggers, and cyclists through a captivating blend of coastal landscapes and neighborhoods including Harbor Island, Lee’s Cut and Banks Channel. The Wrightsville Beach Loop provides an ideal blend of exercise and relaxation, making it a favored destination for locals and families.
Pages Creek Trail
Pages Creek Trail is a 1 mile loop trail in Ogden, NC. Regarded as an easy walk, the creek trail is favorite among birding, fishing, and hiking enthusiasts, the trail also offers moments of tranquility during less busy periods. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you on this enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Greenfield Park
Greenfield Park spans 250 acres and features a scenic lake with paddleboat rentals, making it a popular spot for leisurely boating. The well-maintained trails provide opportunities for walking, jogging, and birdwatching, while the expansive open spaces are perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. The park also includes playgrounds for children, making it a family-friendly destination. With its lush greenery, serene atmosphere, and various amenities, Greenfield Park provides a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park offers a diverse natural environment for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 750 acres, the park features a mix of maritime forest, marshes, and the renowned Venus flytrap habitat. Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails, including the popular Flytrap Trail, providing an opportunity to witness the unique carnivorous plant in its native setting. The park is also home to a marina with boat ramps, making it a hub for boating and fishing activities.
Long Leaf Park
Long Leaf Park is a vibrant recreational area that spans 115 acres, the park features well-maintained trails, open green spaces, and a range of amenities for visitors of all ages. The park’s playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas make it an ideal destination for families, while the walking and biking trails offer opportunities for fitness enthusiasts to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Ogden Park
Ogden Park encompasses 125 acres, the park boasts expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it a popular destination for families and sports enthusiasts alike. The well-maintained walking trails wind through scenic landscapes, providing a serene environment for leisurely strolls or invigorating jogs. Additionally, Ogden Park offers picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for outdoor gatherings and community events.
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Carolina Beach Lake Park is a dog friendly park located around the serene Carolina Beach Lake, the park features a scenic walking path that allows visitors to soak in the natural beauty and enjoy peaceful moments by the water. The park provides a perfect setting for picnics with shaded areas and benches along the lakeside. Boasting playgrounds and open spaces, it’s an ideal spot for families to engage in recreational activities. The park also hosts events and festivals, adding a vibrant and communal atmosphere to this charming lakeside oasis in Carolina Beach.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, located at the southern tip of Pleasure Island, offers a coastal haven for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers. Spanning over six miles of pristine shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, this expansive recreation area provides a scenic escape surrounded by sand dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the miles of unspoiled beaches, enjoy fishing in the surf, or embark on hiking trails that showcase the coastal landscape.