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.
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 Saturday until Sat Feb 29 2020.
Saturday, February 8, 2020 - 10:00am Start Location:
The end of Nature Trail Lane in the Flytrap Trail Parking Area
New to hiking? Or never hiked the Dunnagan trail? Join the Naturalist for this 3 mile loop hike.
3 miles, moderate
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Bring water.
Date of Event:
Sunday, February 9, 2020 - 10:30am
Start Location:
Cole Mill Parking Lot
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.
Date of Event:
Sunday, February 9, 2020 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Exhibit Room
Join a ranger on this 1.5-mile hike to find out what North America's largest rodents are up to at Weymouth Woods. Be prepared to hike off the beaten path to get up close to the active beaver dam.
Date of Event:
Sunday, February 9, 2020 - 3:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Meet at the Visitor Center and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area.
Date of Event:
Repeats every month on January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December on the second Monday until Tue May 12 2020. Also includes Mon Sep 23 2019.
Monday, February 10, 2020 - 9:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join us to count and identify birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count (which takes place February 14-17). Bring your binoculars for a 2-mile leisurely walk with the Naturalist to see what birds we can find at the Eno River State Park. All birding levels are welcome!
2 miles, easy
Ages 6 and up
Bring water and binoculars.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 15, 2020 - 8:00am
Start Location:
Fews Ford Parking Loop
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:
Saturday, February 15, 2020 - 10:00am
Start Location:
The end of Nature Trail Lane in the Flytrap Trail Parking Area
This hike is a repeat because we had to turn so many people away last month. Join Ranger Billy and discover a different part of the park where virtually no one goes and no one knows about. This will be a relatively short hike (2 1/2 miles) entirely off trail with minimal terrain changes.
Date of Event:
Saturday, February 15, 2020 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Family Campground off Glenwood Ave Entrance
With about a month left in winter we'll talk about how many artists have been inspired by snow and take a short hike to the Eno River for ideas. The Naturalist will show you a few ways to make your own snow art and then you can decide which ones you want to try out.
1/2 mile, easy
All ages welcome
Bring water.
Please call 919-383-1686 to register!
Date of Event:
Sunday, February 16, 2020 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Park Office
Enjoy a ranger-guided boat ride to Bear Island and learn about one of North Carolina’s hidden treasures. You will be able to explore and discover about some of nature’s wonders in the winter and maybe even collect some beach souvenirs! DRESS FOR THE WEATHER! Subject to cancellation due to the weather.
Date of Event:
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center