Join Holly for 2.8 mile hike on Sal's Branch. Sal's branch leads down to Big Lake and loops back to the Visitor Center. Along the way, you can observe what plants are doing in during the winter and who's nested in the trees.
919-571-4170
Take A Hike
Take A Hike
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. - John Muir
I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. - G.M. Trevelyan
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way. - Dr. Suess
Backpack Tips
According to an REI article, packing can be broken down into three zones, plus peripheral storage:
Visualize stacking cordwood. You’re laying down rows, not building columns: Fill nooks and crannies until you have a solid, stable load—and be sure weight is equally balanced on each side. Tighten compression straps to streamline your load and prevent it from shifting as you hike.
Guided Hikes
Date of Event:
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Visitor Center (Located off Highway 70/Glenwood Ave, Raleigh)
Meet in the Visitor Center lobby for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. Hike will cover both trail and beach.
Date of Event:
Repeats every month on January, February, March, April on the third Thursday until Fri Apr 19 2019.
Thursday, February 21, 2019 - 10:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Enjoy a hike in the dark among the longleaf pines. Please bring one flashlight per family. Co-sponsored by the Southern Pines Recreation Department.
Date of Event:
Friday, February 22, 2019 - 7:30pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join a Park Ranger at 10:00 a.m. in the Flytrap Trail Parking Area for a hike along the trails. Learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. For more information, call 910-458-8206.
Date of Event:
Repeats every week every Saturday until Sun Feb 24 2019.
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 10:00am Start Location:
The end of Nature Trail Lane in the Flytrap Trail Parking Area
The Trail Sisters program is aimed at bringing women of all backgrounds together for companionship and exploring the outdoors. Join Ranger Purvis as she leads a 2.7-mile moderate-level hike through mixed hardwood pine forest with views of the lake. Please dress in layers for the weather, bring water, and wear hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Start Location:
New Hope Campground- parking lot, near the trailhead.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Hemlock Nature Trail, and learn about some of the many plant species that stay green all year long. Meet at the Jacob Fork Parking Area at 11:00 am for this easy one mile walk.
Date of Event:
Repeats every week every Saturday until Sat Feb 23 2019.
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 11:00am Start Location:
Jacob Fork Parking Area
Join park staff as we hike the basin trail through maritime forest, back dune, and salt marsh habitat. The trail is approximately two miles and will pass the historic World War II bunker. We will take many stops along the way to learn about all the plants and animals that call this area home! Don't forget to bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Call 910-458-5798 to make reservations.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Exhibit Room
Join a Ranger and enjoy a short hike at Lake Norman State Park. We will hike the .8 mile Alder Trail which follows the shorelines of Norwood and Hicks Creek. Participants can expect to discover different flora and fauna which call the park home. The hike will start at the Visitor Center. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. For more information please call 704-528-6350.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Do you like navigating through a forest with a compass and map--or have never done so but would like to try? If so, join Ranger Fields and learn about pacing, compass reading, using a map to navigate to various points, and more around the Rockefeller House. Please wear hiking shoes, pants, and long sleeves for this event. You must sign up for this free event by calling the park office.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Welcome Center
Park Ranger Earl Weaver will be meeting a group of adventurous hikers to the Old Catawba River to search for aquatic plants, animals, insects and birds. The wetland habitat in this area is rich in biodiversity and rarely visited by humans. Meet Ranger Weaver at the Canal Bridge Boat Access on NC 126 at 1:45 p.m. for a 2 p.m. carpool caravan to the site.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 1:45pm to 3:00pm
Start Location:
Canal Bridge Boat Access