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 23, 2018 - 10:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join a Ranger for an enjoyable hike along the Alder Trail. The hike will start at the Visitor Center at 10:00AM. The Alder Trail is about .8 miles in length and is home to many different species of flora and fauna. The hike is open to all ages. For more information, please call 704-528-6350.
Date of Event:
Saturday, August 25, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am
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:
Saturday, August 25, 2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Meet a Park Ranger at the Baptist church to take a moderate 1/2 mile hike up to the site of an alcohol still. We'll talk about distilling and its history in Wilkes County
Date of Event:
Saturday, August 25, 2018 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Garden Creek Church Parking Area
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 26, 2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Bearwallow Picnic Shelter
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:
Sunday, August 26, 2018 - 11:30am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
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:
Sunday, August 26, 2018 - 3:00pm
Start Location:
Exhibit Room
Meet at the Visitor Center and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area.
Date of Event:
Repeats every month on April, May, June, July, August, September, October on the second Monday until Tue Oct 09 2018. Also includes Mon Jun 25 2018, Mon Jul 23 2018, Mon Aug 27 2018, Mon Sep 24 2018.
Monday, August 27, 2018 - 9:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
This hike is designed for parents and guardians who are looking for a little peace, quiet, and tranquility on the kids' first day back at school in Wake County. Join a Ranger while we hike the Sals Branch Loop Trail starting at the Visitor Center and weaving its way through the forest to Big Lake and back in 2.8 miles.
Date of Event:
Monday, August 27, 2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Visitor Center (Located off Highway 70/Glenwood Ave, Raleigh)
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:
Thursday, August 30, 2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Sound Access Parking Area on W. Soundside Road