Carolina beach State Park is filled with every coastal hikers dream– Water access, flat trails, active wildlife, and more. This park was North Carolina’s 14th state park, formerly known as Masonboro State Park, and has been a staple in this coastal community ever since.
Carolina Beach State Park, North Carolina’s 14th state park, is 761 acres of coastal bliss. There’s nine miles of sandhill forest to explore with plenty of sites to see. You’ll catch glimpses of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River that can also be paddled. The Carolina Beach State Park Marina has boat docking access and two public boat ramps. The park is home to thirteen natural communities, including the only protected Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest community in North Carolina. The park was established in 1969 to preserve the coastal environment and natural communities.
One of the many reasons this place is so special is because it is a natural habitat for the Venus’ Fly Trap. This species is grown only within 75 miles of the park. Due to poaching, this species has become very vulnerable. Visitors of the park are encouraged to admire and support the efforts to preserve them in their home. The Flytrap Trail, which is ADA accessible, offers a natural surface and wooden boardwalks to make this scene compatible for all.
Additional trails include the Sugarloaf Trail, Snow’s Cut Trail, Sand Live Oak Trail, and more that take you through the sandy forest. If you have an appreciation of wildlife, look for the brown pelicans, ospreys, river otters, and rare eastern corn snakes. There is plenty to enjoy about this park during the day and at night. Campsites are available year round so you can embrace this sandy serenity whenever you want. Don’t let any preconceived notions convince you to only enjoy this park in the summer time. Some of the best hiking, camping, and paddling happens when the temperatures cool down and crowds dissipate.
Expert Picks
Bittu AliAn over-engineered kayak cart that will take anything you throw at it. From rough terrain to oddly shaped hulls to heavy pedal drive fishing yaks to being able to take it apart and stow inside your kayak -this cart is the absolute best available.
Raleigh
Bittu AliThis kayak is amazing -by far the most innovative fishing kayak today. Think of an e-Bike crossed with a Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak. Powered by Minn Kota technology, the propulsion system seamlessly integrates your preferred level of electric assist with human propulsion.
Raleigh
Rich ChisholmBinoculars are great, but most of the time I like just using this Zoom tube instead. It is lightweight, super clear, and is really easy to find what you are looking for.
Chapel Hill
Anna LawrenceThese are a go to through fall and winter! I just throw on socks when it gets colder. So comfortable!
Raleigh
Rich ChisholmWhen I needed a new super light family tent for a backpacking trip to the Tetons, this was the obvious choice. It has enough room and is super light and compact. During the trip, my family loved how easy it was to set up and I loved how easy it was to carry.
Chapel Hill
Rich ChisholmI just got these new shades and have been really impressed with how good they are for only $25. They don’t slip on my nose when I am running and are great for my commute on sunny days.
Chapel Hill
Bittu AliThe Jackson Knarr is more than a coastal Kayak Fishing machine, it also excels in any flatwater environment. The new Mark IV Flex Drive has been totally re-engineered, and the kayak has been stress-tested in some of the harshest environments and performed admirably.
Raleigh
Stewart KnightAn extremely well-designed bag. Easy to carry and stow with multiple large zippered pockets for separating gear. I’ve packed for a week in the Virgin Islands and a week in the Rockies with just this bag. It’s also good-looking luggage to boot!
Raleigh
Peyton HaleThe Freestone is the best bang for the buck of all Simms waders. The build quality and features are designed for long days on the water.
Raleigh
Stewart McLeanLove this wallet! It allows me to easily access my cards individually without having to take all of them out at once. It has every feature I wanted–slim profile, RFID protection and a money clip.
Raleigh
Amy QuinnI love my Arizonas so much, I find myself putting them on everyday when the weather’s warm. I may need another color…or 3! So comfortable!
Raleigh
Johanna BreedI love this pant! I’ve done everything with it from being on a plane for hours to hiking. I think the tapered cut is so flattering!
Chapel Hill
Rich ChisholmWith a brighter light and longer burn time than the nearest competition, I think it is the best value right now. This light is very durable and I can add a rechargeable battery pack in place of the AAA batteries if I want to later.
Chapel Hill
Rich ChisholmThis is a great carry-all bag for those little items you need but don’t have room in your pockets for. I like the over-built design even for something this small – will last practically forever. Detachable crossbody strap so it can convert to a belt bag is awesome!
Chapel Hill
StefkaA comfortable flowy pant, great for the office, traveling, and out on the town. And who doesn’t love an elastic waist and pockets?
Raleigh
Lisa ChisholmI really have enjoyed these trekking poles. They are light, and very easy to adjust in length. I always bring trekking poles along with me on trips now, and these are perfect for everything I do.
Chapel Hill
Alex WoodThese are super comfortable right out of the box, for a boot that’s so rugged and supportive. I’m using them for work, backpacking and hunting.
Raleigh
Lee QuinnThis is my ‘go-to’ bathing suit, but you can really do anything in them, which is great!
Raleigh
Amy QuinnThis boot is so comfortable out of the box. I really like how it keeps my ankle and heel secure and in place without feeling constricting. I also like that the sole isn’t super stiff like a lot of boots I’ve tried.
Raleigh
