Join a Park Ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will discuss the different types of carnivorous plants we have including the Venus Flytrap. Also, 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.
Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
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
Get out and explore with a ranger our 1-mile loop hike along the Soundside Nature Trail. NC State Park's educational theme this year is "The Year of the Tree!" Learn more about the park's natural world. "Take Root and Grow!"
Join the Naturalist for a game of Birding Bingo along the Cole Mill Trail. We'll mark birds off of our bingo cards as we see and/or hear them. We'll cover ~1.5 miles over fairly mild terrain. Though they are curious, the birds may not always cooperate - bring binoculars for a better chance to see the ones that keep their distance!
Spring has arrived, come learn about the different tree species that can be found in the park and learn the ways to identify them. Take part on this guided hike starting at white pines picnic area.
Join a ranger at Pilot Creek Access to learn about insects. We will explore their anatomy and hike to find our six-legged friends. Then we will try out different techniques of catch and release. Please bring water and wear proper outdoor attire. Email maggie.miller@ncparks.gov to reserve a spot.
Join a ranger on a hike along and off of pump station trail as we talk about some of the spots that mushrooms can grow, what types are out, and we give a shot at identifying some of the local mushrooms and whether they may be edible or not! Side note you can only eat some mushrooms once so we will not do that!
Get out and explore with a ranger our 1-mile loop hike along the Soundside Nature Trail. NC State Park's educational theme this year is "The Year of the Tree!" Learn more about the park's natural world. "Take Root and Grow!"
Help us celebrate World Turtle Day with a program all about turtles! We will go over some of the local turtles you may see at the park and then go on a short hike to look for some of our turtle residents. Be sure to bring water!
Join a Park Ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will discuss the different types of carnivorous plants we have including the Venus Flytrap. Also, 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.
Join a ranger on Bear Island and explore the beach with this walk to see evidence of past storms, fossil rock outcrops, geology, and barrier island migration… in real time!
NOTE: Meet at the Bear Island Bath House. (Ferry ticket purchase is required to attend this program).