NEUSE RIVER RECREATIONAL AREA

12 miles south of New Bern along US 70, part of the Croatan National Forest, half beach half wooded retreat, great for hiking and camping.

Hiking: Includes several trails including Beede Loop Trail & Wright Loop Trail 
Beac.:
Access to Flanner’s Beach by stairway, enjoy swimming in the Neuse River. Facilities include changing room with showers, toilets, picnic area. Flanner’s Beech has a safe, shallow bottom. 

Camping: 42 campsites for tent & RV camping. Each site included picnic table, grill, tent pad, lantern poles. 14 sites also include electrical hook-ups. 
$12 for camping sites without electrical hookups, $17 for sites with electrical hookups.
Has public restrooms & bathhouses with showers, water, and dump station.

RACHEL CARSON COASTAL ESTUARINE RESERVE

Totaling 2,315 acres, this reserve includes Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Middle Marsh, Bird Shoal & Horse Island and is located close to downtown Beaufort. The only want to reach the reserve is by ferry, kayak/canoe or by your personal boat. (Several ferries depart from downtown Beaufort).

Hiking: From Town Marsh, you can explore a hike through the chain of islands with boardwalk located at Carrot Island. There are 2 trails, Outer Loop Trail (1.1 mile, can only access at low tide) and Inner Loop Trail (.9 mile, usually accessibly year round). There are trail markers from Town Marsh to guide you through. Enjoy seeing the wild horses, but please stay 50 ft. Away from them! Bring bug spray, water, sunscreen, snacks, and be prepared to not have bathroom facilities!
To learn more visit online here:Click Here

ISLAND CREEK TRAILHEAD
3.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that is located near Pollocksville. Surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, it is perfect for any skill level of hiker our mountain biker.
There is also a half mile self-guided trail with numbered posts. There is an info box at the trailhead with a pamphlet with a map of the trail.
Directions: Take US 70 south of New Bern and turn at the Burger King by Trent East Crossing Shopping Center. Go to the stop sign and take a left onto SR1004 and continue 7.5 miles. The trailhead is on the right.

PINECLIFF RECREATIONAL AREA, Havelock

Main entrance located off of the small Hwy 306 on Pine Cliff Rd.
Great for picnics, casual stroll or a mile long hike through sections of the Croatan Forest. 
Has one of the best long-range hiking trails in North Carolina with over 22 miles of winding trail that leads through maritime forests, marshlands and breathtaking Neuse Riverfront beaches with boardwalks, small camping sites, all part of the “Mountain to Sea Trail”
The Pine Cliff Recreation Area can certainly serve as a lovely picnic venue, a wide open area to take the pets out for a well-deserved walk, or simply a scenic locale to take a mile hike through sections of the Croatan National Forest.
For more information visit https://www.newbern.com/pinecliff-recreational-area.html

LATHAM-WHITEHURST NATURE PARK

1095 Broad Creek Rd, near Fairfield Harbour in New Bern

133 acres of preserved pristine coastal land. This is Craven County’s first nature park offering hiking, nature observation, bird watching & access to Broad Creek by way of a really awesome 2000 ft. boardwalk. There is also a picnic shelter, canoe, kayak and boating dock, restrooms & nature walking trails.

HOOP POLE CREEK NATURE TRAIL

1010 W Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach,
Small half mile trail with beautiful waterfront views, shaded year-round and great for any skill level. The path winds through the forest with boardwalks allowing you to see the great estuary ecosystem of the area, bird watching and a peaceful escape. The trail will drop you out of the Hoop Pole Creek off of the Bogue Sound.
You can find more information about the trail, access and history by visiting here Click Here

NEW BERN CIVL BATTLEFIELD PARK

300 Battlefield Trl, New Bern 

30 acres of the original battlefield, with a self-guided tour with markers. Lots of shade and an overlook of a water area. Perfect to escape the sun. Bring bug spray!