Take a Hike
Brunswick County Parks and Recreation
Get outside and take a hike at one of our many beautiful parks, walking trails, arboretum and botanical gardens that are located throughout Brunswick County. Explore our many nature preserves and observe sea turtles and alligators as well as more than 200 species of birds in their natural habitats. To learn more about Brunswick County’s many parks, visit https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/gis/parks/
Leland Community Park
Village Road NE, Leland, NC | 910-371-9606
Lockwood Folly Park
Green Swamp Road, Supply, NC | 910-754-8414
Northwest District Park
Andrew Jackson Hwy NE, Leland, NC | 910-371-9222
Shallotte District Park
5550 Main Street, Shallotte, NC | 910-754-7710
Smithville District Park
8340 River Road SE, Southport, NC | 910-457-9105
Town Creek District Park
Ocean Highway East, Winnabow, NC | 910-253-4610
Waccamaw Park
5855 Waccamaw School Road NW, Ash, NC
Bird Watching & Sea Turtle Sanctuaries
More than 200 species of birds can be seen in the area, including the wood stork. Visit the Twin Lakes Section of Sunset Beach or Bird Island for prime bird watching and sea turtles in their pristine sandy white beach sanctuaries.
This 174-acre area is located near Winnabow and features 15 trails. Ev-Henwood is open to the public for hiking, photography, bird watching, nature appreciation, and research. Visit https://uncw.edu/physicalplant/arboretum/ev-henwood/
The Green Swamp
This area is 15,000 acres preserved by the Nature Conservancy and is known for dense vegetation and wildlife. The Swamp is home to endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers and black bears. You can also find 14 species of carnivorous plants, including the Venus flytrap. For a trail map and driving directions, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/green-swamp-preserve/
The Nature Center offers an animal observation area, movies, games, activities, walking trails, a floating dock, a T dock, and a sheltered picnic area. The Ocean Education Center features information about the Sea Turtle Protection Program, additional educational information and creating your own Pet Rock.
The Preserve encompasses 6,600 acres, including a three mile nature trail. This area is owned by the State of North Carolina and managed by the Nature Conservancy. For a trial map and driving directions, visit https://www.visitnc.com/listing/YUAz/boiling-spring-lakes-preserve
The Brunswick County Botanical Garden has extensive collections of Hollies, Azaleas, and Crape Myrtles. Specialty gardens are highlighted by a waterfall and reflecting pond – Roses, Sunny Perennials, Southern Live Oak Shade, River Birch Natives, a secret garden, and an Edible Landscape Demonstration Garden. All of the plants in this ‘Plants Man’ (CPP) garden are labeled and care for by Master Gardener Volunteers. The Botanical Garden is located in the Government Center off Old Ocean Highway (17 Business), outside of the NCSU Cooperative Extension Office Building N. The garden is open everyday and free to the public. For more information, visit: https://bcmastergardenerva.org/brunswick-county-botanical-garden/