New Bern offers a variety of parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, providing numerous outdoor adventures and recreational areas.
Whether you prefer a walk by the water at Union Point Park or exploring the paths of the Neuse River Trail, with its scenic views and diverse wildlife, there is something for everyone.
Learn about the best parks and trails in the area, find exciting outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and discover how you can help preserve these beautiful spaces and their natural beauty through eco-tourism and environmental conservation.
Join us as we explore the outdoor treasures and historical landmarks of New Bern!
What Are the Best Parks in New Bern?
New Bern has many parks that offer outdoor activities for everyone, making it a great spot for recreation lovers, families, and adventure seekers.
With green spaces, scenic waterfronts, and walking paths, these parks are perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, these parks are key places for community gatherings and outdoor enjoyment, with facilities for all ages and interests.
1. Union Point Park
Union Point Park in New Bern is a beautiful spot to enjoy scenic views, walking paths, and engage in various outdoor activities.
The park has winding walking paths perfect for casual strolls or brisk walks, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings. Families can relax in the picnic areas, providing a great place to share meals, enjoy time together in a peaceful setting, and utilize the park facilities including restrooms and playgrounds for children.
For those seeking more active pastimes, the park offers recreational facilities for various interests. Visitors can kayak on the calm waters or try fishing, hoping for a good catch, while ensuring they have the necessary fishing licenses.
With its wide range of activities, Union Point Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Glenburnie Park
Glenburnie Park is a family-friendly spot with beautiful hiking trails, nature trails, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife observation in a natural setting.
The park offers a variety of well-marked trails for all skill levels, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely walks, guided hikes, or more challenging hikes while taking in stunning landscapes.
Its diverse flora features native plants that thrive throughout the year, offering a colorful backdrop for outdoor education.
Families can enjoy spotting various animals, including birds and small mammals, making it a great outing for children to learn about nature firsthand.
Glenburnie Park encourages recreational activities and helps foster an appreciation for the environment, making it a great place for families to bond and explore together.
3. Lawson Creek Park
Lawson Creek Park offers extensive trails for hiking and biking, and a calm waterway for kayaking and fishing. Visitors can use well-maintained picnic areas, ideal for family gatherings or relaxed afternoons in nature.
The park’s lush environment supports diverse wildlife, making it great for birdwatching and nature photography. Canoeing on the calm waters provides a peaceful escape and a chance to explore various aquatic habitats.
With plenty of space for outdoor sports like disc golf and frisbee, Lawson Creek Park is an inviting and versatile destination for an active day outside.
4. Creekside Park
Creekside Park is a lively outdoor area with walking paths and facilities for community activities.
Visitors can join various group activities, making it a great place for families and friends to gather. Throughout the year, the park hosts seasonal events that showcase its natural beauty, offering activities like hiking, picnicking, and outdoor challenges.
To keep the area safe and enjoyable, guests should follow park rules, including using designated sports areas and following pet guidelines.
Whether for a weekend trip or a community event, these features make for an enriching experience.
What Are the Best Trails in New Bern?
New Bern features excellent trails for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic routes for hiking, biking, and leisurely walks.
These trails allow you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty while providing great spots for exercise and fitness.
Detailed trail maps help you navigate the diverse landscapes and appreciate the region’s plants and wildlife.
1. Neuse River Trail
The Neuse River Trail is a beautiful path along the river, ideal for biking, walking, and enjoying nature.
Stretching over 30 miles, the trail features the region’s breathtaking landscapes, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Along the route, adventurers will find landmarks such as the historic Oakwood Cemetery and several lush parks that offer spots for rest and relaxation.
The well-maintained paths are great for trail running, and the diverse ecosystem provides opportunities for bird watching, attracting various species throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run, this trail has something for everyone.
2. New Bern Battlefield Park Trail
The New Bern Battlefield Park Trail combines historical significance with outdoor adventure, making it a great destination for history enthusiasts and hikers.
Set against the Civil War’s Battle of New Bern, the trail winds through a beautiful landscape with markers explaining key events and figures of that era. Visitors can explore the trail’s historical aspects by visiting landmarks like Union encampments and other notable sites from the time.
The park also offers educational workshops on skills like foraging and shelter building, helping visitors connect with the area’s natural resources. Nearby community parks add to the experience by offering picnic spots and spaces for outdoor activities, making it perfect for family outings or group gatherings.
3. Greenway Trail
The Greenway Trail is an easy-to-access path where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks in scenic nature reserves, suitable for all ages.
The trail features smooth surfaces and resting spots, making it ideal for families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges. Along the way, walkers will see colorful wildflowers and tall trees that host various bird species and small mammals. Educational signs along the path promote conservation awareness, offering eco-friendly insights.
Visitors can also join outdoor workshops on sustainable gardening and wildlife preservation, deepening their connection to nature while learning the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
What Activities Can You Do in New Bern’s Parks and Trails?
New Bern’s parks and trails provide various outdoor activities for both adventure seekers and families. Whether hiking scenic routes, paddling in calm waters, or having a picnic in nature, there’s something for everyone.
These activities promote leisure and fitness while creating lasting memories in beautiful natural settings.
1. Hiking and Walking
Hiking and walking in New Bern let you enjoy nature while getting healthy outdoor exercise.
With trails for all skill levels, you can go for relaxed riverside walks or take on challenging hikes in lush forests. The Neuse River Trail, for example, offers beautiful waterfront views and wildlife sightings, including migratory birds and playful otters.
For a more challenging experience, Croatan National Forest features rugged terrain with tough routes, rewarding hikers with stunning views and the chance to see deer or wild turkeys.
New Bern offers easy paths perfect for families and more demanding trails for experienced hikers, providing plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature and seek adventure.
2. Biking
Biking is a popular activity in New Bern, thanks to its well-kept biking trails for all skill levels.
The scenic routes wind through beautiful landscapes, allowing riders to enjoy nature while facing various outdoor challenges. One notable spot is the Neuse River Trail, which is over 30 miles long and offers stunning views along the riverbank.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, events like the annual New Bern Bike Fest attract enthusiasts from many places, blending adventure with a lively community atmosphere. Plus, biking trails throughout the area provide scenic routes for all to enjoy.
It’s a great chance to explore new trails, meet other biking fans, and see the local wildlife that makes this region special, all while promoting fitness and outdoor activities.
3. Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing in New Bern let you explore beautiful waterways, including rivers, streams, and creeks, and enjoy exciting outdoor adventures.
From the calm Neuse River to the winding creeks of the coast, paddlers can experience nature, spot native wildlife, and see stunning scenery, making it a great eco-friendly activity.
Local outfitters offer guided tours for beginners, ensuring a safe and informative experience while showcasing the area’s unique ecosystems and providing necessary outdoor gear.
Rental services provide options from single kayaks to family-sized canoes, making it easy for both beginners and experienced paddlers to enjoy a memorable trip.
For added excitement, twilight excursions offer a magical view of the starlit sky reflected on the water, creating unforgettable experiences for adventurers of all skill levels, with local guides leading the way.
4. Fishing
Fishing in New Bern is a fulfilling outdoor activity for both newcomers and seasoned anglers looking for relaxation or excitement, and a chance to enjoy the local waterways and aquatic habitats.
With its scenic waterfront and mix of ecosystems, there are many fishing spots to explore, like the Neuse River, home to species such as striped bass, catfish, and flounder. Anglers often have success here, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Staying updated on local fishing rules, including size and bag limits, is important for sustainable fishing and environmental conservation.
Connecting with the local fishing community can enrich the experience, providing helpful techniques and building bonds with other outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Picnicking
Picnicking in New Bern’s parks is a great way to enjoy food and nature with family and friends, making use of picnic spots and park amenities.
Union Point Park offers scenic waterfront views, while James R. McGowan Park provides lush greenery. Both parks have picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and access points for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing to enhance your outdoor visit.
Many parks also host community events like outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals, making each picnic a chance for fun, social gatherings, and community connection.
Whether enjoying homemade snacks at picnic spots or joining guided nature walks, these parks offer outdoor education, eco-tourism opportunities, and create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
How Can You Support and Preserve New Bern’s Parks and Trails?
Supporting and preserving New Bern’s parks and trails is crucial for maintaining their scenic views, wildlife habitats, and accessibility for future generations.
By volunteering, donating, and using these outdoor spaces responsibly, we can keep these natural areas vibrant, support environmental conservation, and ensure they remain welcoming for everyone.
Participating in conservation efforts helps the environment and builds a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Volunteer
Volunteering in New Bern’s parks and trails offers a great chance to support outdoor education, community involvement, and learn about local flora and fauna.
This effort enhances personal experiences, fosters fitness and relaxation, and builds a sense of belonging.
Through various programs, you can help with park maintenance to keep local green spaces clean and accessible. Educational workshops on outdoor skills, eco-friendly practices, and biodiversity provide an opportunity to learn about the ecosystem and understand it better.
Organized clean-up events help maintain the parks’ beauty while promoting teamwork and responsibility. Each of these volunteer activities is important for preserving the natural environment, promoting sustainable tourism, and strengthening community connections.
2. Donate
Donating to support New Bern’s parks and trails is important for conserving natural resources, preserving the environment, and enhancing recreational areas.
These donations can greatly improve the quality and accessibility of recreational spaces, enabling upgrades like new signage, better pathways, educational programs on outdoor survival skills, and eco-friendly practices.
These programs teach community members about local flora and fauna, responsible outdoor activities, and sustainable living techniques. Regular maintenance funded by donations ensures that hiking trails, biking trails, and other paths remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
By investing in these areas, donors help protect the environment, promote outdoor activities, and encourage a community that values nature and healthy lifestyles.
3. Follow Park Rules and Regulations
Following the rules and regulations in New Bern’s parks and trails is crucial for preserving them, ensuring safety, and enhancing enjoyment for all visitors. These park regulations protect the natural environment and improve the outdoor experience.
When visitors follow regulations like staying on designated hiking trails and disposing of waste correctly, they help maintain the ecosystems that support wildlife. Community involvement through participation in park clean-ups or educational programs helps individuals connect with the environment and encourages responsible use of resources.
This shared commitment protects the environment for future generations, promotes a healthy and sustainable relationship with nature, and fosters eco-tourism.
4. Leave No Trace
Following Leave No Trace principles is crucial for keeping New Bern’s parks and trails beautiful and preserving their historical sites and scenic routes for the future.
By adopting these guidelines, nature lovers can greatly support the environment. The principles focus on reducing waste, respecting wildlife, and staying on marked paths and nature trails to protect delicate ecosystems.
Understanding these practices helps build a stronger connection with nature and encourages environmental education. When people prioritize sustainability during activities like hiking, biking, and camping, they not only improve their own experiences but also motivate others to care for the environment.
This dedication to conservation ensures New Bern’s natural sites remain available for everyone to enjoy and appreciate, supporting both family outings and local tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parks and trails can I explore in New Bern?
There are several parks and trails in New Bern that offer a variety of outdoor adventures, recreational areas, and scenic views. Some popular options include Union Point Park, Lawson Creek Park, and Croatan National Forest for activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Is there a guide available for these parks and trails?
Yes, the “Outdoor Adventures: The Complete Guide to New Bern’s Parks and Trails” provides detailed information on each park and trail, including difficulty level, distance, and activities available.
Are these parks and trails suitable for all ages?
Yes, there are options for all ages and abilities, making them family-friendly. Some parks and trails have easy, paved walking paths while others offer more challenging terrain for experienced hikers.
Are pets allowed on these parks and trails?
Most of the parks and trails in New Bern allow pets, but be sure to check the specific rules and regulations for each location. Some may require leashes or have designated pet-friendly areas, such as playgrounds and picnic spots.
Do I need to pay an entrance fee for these parks and trails?
Most of the parks and trails in New Bern are free to enter and explore. However, some may have a small parking fee or require a permit for certain activities like camping or boating, and may offer amenities like boat rentals and fishing licenses.
What other outdoor activities can I do in New Bern besides hiking?
Along with hiking, these parks and trails offer a variety of other outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The guide provides information on the available activities at each location, including map and safety tips.