Meet in the Visitor Center lobby for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. Hike will cover both trail and beach.
252-726-3775
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:
Repeats every week every Thursday until Fri Aug 31 2018.
Thursday, August 16, 2018 - 10:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join us on a guided hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, Rainbow Falls. Learn about the area’s history, its trees and plants, and waterfall safety all while enjoying the Horsepasture River, a nationally designated wild and scenic river.
Date of Event:
Friday, August 17, 2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Join us on a guided hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, Rainbow Falls. Learn about the area’s history, its trees and plants, and waterfall safety all while enjoying the Horsepasture River, a nationally designated wild and scenic river.
Date of Event:
Saturday, August 18, 2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Join us on a guided hike to the Dodgen Cemetery to learn about three of the earliest families to settle in these rugged mountains, the Fishers, the Chappells, and the Dodgens.
Date of Event:
Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Learn about the different species of pines that can be found in the park and how to tell them apart on this guided hike from the visitors’ center to the White Pines picnic area.
Date of Event:
Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 1:30pm
Start Location:
Bearwallow Picnic Shelter
*MEET AT 555 E. CONNECTICUT AVE. at Weymouth Center* Join a Ranger on a 1-mile hike around the Boyd Round Timber Trail , see one of the oldest stands of Longleaf Pine and learn about the parks efforts to restore the area using prescribed fire.
Date of Event:
Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 3:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join park staff for a leisurely walk along our Soundside Nature Trail and discuss the interesting habitats of barrier islands. Meet at the sound access parking area on W. Soundside Rd.
Date of Event:
Monday, August 20, 2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Sound Access Parking Area on W. Soundside Road
Join us on a guided hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, Rainbow Falls. Learn about the area’s history, its trees and plants, and waterfall safety all while enjoying the Horsepasture River, a nationally designated wild and scenic river.
Date of Event:
Monday, August 20, 2018 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Join park staff for a leisurely walk along our Soundside Nature Trail and discuss the interesting habitats of barrier islands. Meet at the sound access parking area on W. Soundside Rd.
Date of Event:
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Sound Access Parking Area on W. Soundside Road
Join us on a guided hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, Rainbow Falls. Learn about the area’s history, its trees and plants, and waterfall safety all while enjoying the Horsepasture River, a nationally designated wild and scenic river.
Date of Event:
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead