Activities

Hiking

Nearly 9 miles of trails wind through a variety of distinct habitats at Carolina Beach State Park. Relatively flat and easy to walk, the trails offer an opportunity to observe the diversity of plant and animal life in the park.

Status of park trails

Insects may be plentiful during the warmer months; insect repellent is recommended. To avoid becoming lost, stop by the visitor center or marina for a trail map. Pay close attention to trail markers. Horses are not allowed on the park's trails.

Pets are permitted on park trails. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please pick up after your pet when you are at the park; pet waste is not fertilizer and can put plants, other animals, and visitors at risk for disease. Please dispose of pet waste in garbage bins and do not throw waste bags in the woods or leave them on the ground. When sharing a trail, hikers with pets should yield to all other trail users, including bicyclists.

Biking

The park's Fitness Trail, located off of 7th Street, is a multi-use trail that allows bikes. Parking is available at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center. Bikes are prohibited on all of the other trails.

Status of park trails

When sharing the trail, bicyclists should yield to hikers.

There is also a town-maintained bike path and greenway accessible just outside the park gate.

Paddle NC is a private concessionaire located at the park that offers bike rentals. Their rental rates and availability can be found on the Paddle NC website.

Attention: Bike Trail Users

Bike trails are closed at times for construction, poor trail conditions due to weather, or other reasons, for both visitor safety and protection of the trail and natural resources. Trails are expensive to construct, maintain and repair. Disregarding trail closures results in:

  • Delaying or prolonging construction or repair;
  • Damaging the trails, incurring significant costs and further closure time for additional repair; and
  • Endangering yourself, state park staff and EMS staff who would work to get you out of harm's way if you are lost or hurt.

Thank you for respecting our park's natural resources, facilities and fellow park visitors.

Boating

Carolina Beach State Park offers access to a variety of waters. The fresh waters of the Cape Fear River, the estuarine waters of Myrtle Grove Sound, and the salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean are all only moments away.

A 54-slip marina with two public boat ramps is located at the junction of Snow's Cut and the Cape Fear River. Fuel and snacks, along with fishing and camping supplies, are available at the marina store. Restrooms and a laundry room are also available. Showers are provided for boat slip renters. Please visit the marina page for more information on fees or contact the marina at 910-458-7770.

Tidal waters may be rough at times; exercise cautious seamanship. You can check the tidal currents at Orton Point from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration website and the North Carolina drawbridge schedule from the N.C. Department of Transportation website.

Paddlers can bring their own watercraft. There is a $7 fee to launch a boat.

Paddle NC is a private concessionaire located at the park that offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. Their rental rates and availability can be found on the Paddle NC website.

Fishing

Fish from the riverbank or the wheelchair-accessible fishing deck, or launch your boat at the marina. Flounder spot, sheepshead, and speckled trout are waiting.

A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required to fish in the park. N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries fishing regulations are enforced.

Picnicking

The Carolina Beach State Park picnic area is located near the bank of Snow's Cut, between the campground and the marina. Under the shade of large oak trees, tables, and grills supply all the necessities for dining.

A wheelchair-accessible site is also available. Water, restrooms, and parking are conveniently located nearby.

Picnic tables are free to use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Birdwatching

Carolina Beach State Park is a great place for birdwatching. Brown pelicans thrive in the coastal environment, and warbles, finches, and woodpeckers fill the woods. In the summer, painted buntings, yellowthroats, and prairie warblers can be seen in the forest, while ospreys populate Snow's Cut. In addition to providing habitat for resident land birds during the winter and summer, the park is located along an important migration corridor and attracts many birds during their migrations.

Birdwatching checklist

No Swimming Access

Swimming is prohibited throughout the park due to dangerous currents and sharp drop-offs near the shores. The park does not have beach access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Fees

There are no fees to access the park for most day-use activities, including hiking, biking and fishing.

Picnic tables are free to use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is a boat launch fee of $7. Other fees for marina use can be found on the marina page.

Paddle NC is a private concessionaire located at the park that offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and bike rentals. Their rental rates and availability can be found on the Paddle NC website.