3 Best Hiking Trails in Wilmington, NC

“Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve is a perfect area for horse riding, walking, jogging, and hiking. If you are planning on spending quality time with your family and friends, you can go hiking at this place. Many reptile species are also found, including tiger snakes, Children's pythons, and dugites. The place has the most pleasing, greenery environment. The most diverse collection of native plants found anywhere on campus. Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve offers a daily dog walking experience with multiple features to enjoy.”

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“Summer Rest Trail provides many beautiful views and is a sanctuary for some of the rare flora and fauna in the region, such as birds, squirrels, wildflowers, and mushrooms. The trail begins at the Port City Chop House parking lot and ends overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway on Summer Rest Road. The place offers spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway. There is a 7-mile multi-purpose trail where you can go hiking with your friends, go on sunrise walks, and walk your dog. There are many trails in the area, providing good options to extend or shorten your adventure. This trail is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and walking. The trail is open year-round and offers free parking.”

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“James E.L. Wade Park is a surprise and exciting location for locals and visitors who want to enjoy the Great Outdoors of the Cape Fear region. This 17-acre park, which is also one of the newest public parks in the Wilmington area, offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and many opportunities to explore the surrounding and low-lying landscape. The park features a 12-mile walking track with many bridges over a nearby creek, an open play area for active visitors, benches for parents, and an additional and separate playground. The park also has a shaded picnic area for informal meals and group outings and a few vantage points to observe the local wildlife, ranging from migrating or local wading birds and waterfowl to fiddler crabs and small fish.”

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