Explore These Hiking Trails Near Wrightsville Beach

While North Carolina is often associated with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, the lesser-known hiking trails near the coastline offer a unique and diverse experience. Wrightsville Beach trails will unveil North Carolina’s stunning shoreline, wildlife-filled woodlands, secluded island reserves, and historic parks, providing a fresh perspective on the state’s natural beauty.

Vacation homes by Sea Scape Properties are conveniently located near popular hiking trails in the coastal North Carolina area. Explore the coastal landscape on these exciting hikes.

Carolina Beach State Park

Hiking Carolina Beach State Park is one of the best ways to see the diverse landscape. It covers 761 acres, stretching from the coast to the interior of Pleasure Island. It’s a lesson in nature trekking the park’s popular trails. You’ll witness various ecosystems while stumbling upon rare plant life.

Watch your step on the Flytrap Trail (0.5-mile loop) to spy on the carnivorous Venus Flytrap growing in the wetlands on the sides of the trail. On Snow’s Cut Trail (0.75 miles), navigate a route through pine forest linking the Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River. March through a shady cypress swamp and marshlands on the Swamp Trail (0.75 miles). Climb Sugarloaf Dune on the Sugarloaf Trail (3-mile loop) for coastal views overlooking the ocean.

Masonboro Island Reserve

Hikers join an exclusive club after hiking Masonboro Island Reserve. It’s the longest natural barrier island off the North Carolina coast and not as accessible as the other hiking locations on this list. You can only reach Masonboro Island by boat. Hikers lucky enough to trek this island will see how nature thrives when undisturbed by human activity.

Masonboro Island Reserve Nature Trail circles the island. It’s 8.4 miles in total length. Keep an eye out for an abundance of wildlife inhabiting the island. Red Foxes, sea turtles, diamondback terrapins, and migratory birds are commonly found here.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Hike through history at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This historic site sits on five miles of coastline. Not only will you get to appreciate the area’s natural beauty, but you’ll also have a chance to see landmarks left behind in time.

The Basin Trail, or Hermit Trail, is a 2.2-mile trail through the park’s most noble section. Hikers pass an abandoned Fort Bunk from WWII before reaching an observation deck overlooking the Cape Fear River and Zeke’s Island. Bring appropriate footwear because the trail runs through plenty of sand.

Abbey Nature Preserve

If the vast oceanfront at Wrightsville Beach doesn’t make you feel small, walking at the foot of giants will. Abbey Nature Preserve is a dense pine forest located adjacent to the Poplar Grove Plantation (approx. 20 minutes away from WB). The trail takes you up close and personal to these massive coastal trees.

The trail traces a historic route enslaved people took to escape from the plantation. It’s part of the Gullah Geechee National Heritage Corridor. As you make your way to the site’s dam and pond, see how the trees help conceal runaways. Bring binoculars for birdwatching in the high canopy, or stare at the ground to find native plants to the coastal North Carolina area.

Halyburton Memorial Park

There are so many trees lining the main trail through Halyburton Memorial Park that you’ll have to shuffle your way through the leaves on the ground, even during the spring and summer.

This park is 60 acres of largely undeveloped land. The trail hugs the perimeter of the park. It’s an easy hike with mainly paved ground. The trail is shared with cyclists, so stay alert on the path.

In addition to the perimeter trail, you can connect to the Cross City Trail on a pathway leading through Wilmington.

Pages Creek Park Preserve

Hike to one of the many water systems dotting New Hanover County. Pages Creek Park Preserve is a small nature preserve that protects an ecosystem rich in plant life and wildlife.

The Pages Creek Park Preserve trail is an easy trek through the preserve. The one-mile route starts through a coastal forest before arriving at a creek lookout. The experience is designed to be educational, and there is a lot of signage along the way. Read the information plaques for information about the preserve, the marsh birds inhabiting it, and a map of the hiking route.

You’ll see dozens of bird species during the hike—but they’re not the only animals you’ll encounter. This is a fun park to hike with your pets if they’re accompanying you in one of our pet-friendly vacation homes.

Best Time for Hiking Wrightsville Beach

Hiking in Wrightsville Beach is a fun way to get away from the beach and explore more of the North Carolina coast. Because of the mild climate, it’s a year-round hiking location.

When visiting Wrightsville Beach during the summer, plan your hikes in the morning. This helps you avoid the mid-day heat. Daytime hikes during the winter are an excellent alternative to the beach during the low season when it’s cooler during the day. Low season is also the best time for fewer hikers on the trails.

A place to recharge in Wrightsville Beach

Kick up your feet and relax in a cozy Wrightsville Beach vacation rental after your hike. You’ll have the perfect amenities to help you unwind after a trek and be just a short drive away from your next adventure. Step into adventure when you book your stay today,