Carolina Beach State Park

Map of TRACK Trail at Carolina Beach State Park

The Carolina Beach State Park TRACK Trail follows the Snow’s Cut Trail. This out-and-back trail is an easy 0.9 miles round-trip, connecting the picnic area and campgrounds.

The trail features scenic views of Snow’s Cut and some of the largest pine and hardwood trees in the park. Have fun as you travel the trail, exploring the park and discovering its wonders!

With a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats - not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world's most unique carnivorous plants - it's no wonder Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction. Located in an area steeped in both history and natural diversity, the park includes a visitor's center with exhibits depicting the wonders of its environment. Visit Carolina Beach State Park to relax, enjoy nature or embark on an eye-opening adventure.

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for Carolina Beach

Location Details

Recreational Features: Paved Bike Path, Canoe / Kayak, Camping, Picnic Tables, Fishing, Interpretive Programs, Birding
Amenities: Restrooms, Visitor Center, Food Service
ADA Compliant: Partial
Seasonality:
Sandy path along water
A group of hikers listening to a ranger talk
Sunset over water
Venus flytraps
Ranger leading hikers through the forest
Path along the trail
Trail through the woods
View along the coast line

Adventures for Carolina Beach State Park

Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.90
The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.
Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.90
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Hiking

Animal Tracks and Traces

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.90
Every animal leaves "Tracks and Traces" of its presence when they pass through an area. From footprints, to scat (poop), to other traces like food scraps, animals leave clues of their presence everywhere. The "Tracks and Traces" brochure was designed to help you identify the various tracks and traces animals leave behind.
Hiking

Hikin' to Find Lichen

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.90
This brochure-led adventure takes kids deep into the mysterious world of lichen. Kids will discover the three different forms lichen can take, and some of the features that make the lichen lifestyle unique. Kids will also read the Lichen story about Alice Algae and Freddy Fungi to help them remember how lichens work.
Hiking

Let's Explore - ecoEXPLORE

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.90
Scientists need your help! Use this brochure to learn how to be an ecoEXPLORER and share your nature observations with real scientists.

Directions

1010 State Park Road
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Latitude: 34.042893900000
Longitude: -77.896597000000

Carolina Beach State Park is located off US 421 in New Hanover County on Dow Road, 10 miles south of Wilmington. From Raleigh, take Interstate 40 east. After approximately 122 miles, the interstate turns into NC 132. Continue south on NC 132, driving through Wilmington. US 421 will join NC 132; continue south on US 421. After driving across Snow's Cut Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, turn right at the second stoplight onto Dow Road, and follow the signs to the park entrance, which is on the right on State Park Road.

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with North Carolina State Parks, Carolina Beach State Park, and with funding provided by the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation.