New Hanover County, a region in North Carolina, features a diverse landscape suitable for outdoor pursuits. Its geography includes coastal environments, unique ecosystems, and inland sandhill habitats, providing varied terrain for activities. The county is situated on the Cape Fear Arch, contributing to a higher native plant and animal diversity. This environment supports several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling.
New Hanover County offers a range of outdoor activities for various interests. The region provides more than 100 routes across several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. For those interested in exploring on foot, Hiking in New Hanover County guides users through diverse trails, from coastal paths to preserves with unique plant life. Cyclists can find routes suitable for both leisurely rides and more challenging road cycling, with resources like Cycling in New Hanover County detailing options like the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail or the River to Sea Bikeway. More than 1,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars for routes in New Hanover County.
67
Routes
4.7
(37)
Average rating
1058
People visited

5.0
(1)
17
hikers
6.94km
01:45
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
hikers
2.12km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
2.09km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
1.77km
00:27
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
2
riders
38.7km
02:13
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
18
riders
26.3km
01:30
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
13
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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134
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

96
runners
5.91km
00:36
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

93
runners
6.15km
00:38
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

25
runners
4.71km
00:29
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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42
riders
33.1km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

29
riders
71.8km
02:48
130m
130m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(3)
19
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
29
riders
34.9km
01:25
40m
40m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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New Hanover County offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. The region features more than 100 routes across these sports. These activities take place in diverse landscapes such as coastal environments, unique ecosystems, and inland sandhill habitats.
Yes, New Hanover County provides numerous hiking opportunities, ranging from coastal paths to trails through preserves. Notable locations include Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Carolina Beach State Park. For more details, refer to the Hiking in New Hanover County guide.
New Hanover County features several cycling routes, including the 15-mile (24 km) Gary Shell Cross-City Trail and the 11-mile (18 km) River to Sea Bikeway. Blue Clay Bike Park offers approximately 8 miles (13 km) of trails for various skill levels. Further information can be found in the Cycling in New Hanover County guide.
Yes, New Hanover County offers several easy and family-friendly options. The 4.5-mile (7.2 km) paved trail at Greenfield Lake and the 1.3-mile (2.1 km) paved trail at Halyburton Park are suitable for all ages. The Easy hikes in New Hanover County guide provides additional suggestions.
The county is known for its diverse habitats, including the Venus flytrap at Carolina Beach State Park. Other features include three limesink ponds, each supporting distinct plant communities, and Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot (15 m) dune. The Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve also showcases unique flora.
Outdoor routes in New Hanover County are highly rated on komoot, with an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars. More than 1,500 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to 57 ratings. The region offers 103 routes across various sports.
New Hanover County provides extensive walking and running trails in both city and county parks. The 4.5-mile (7.2 km) paved trail at Greenfield Lake and the 1.3-mile (2.1 km) paved trail at Halyburton Park are popular choices. More details are available in the Running Trails in New Hanover County guide.
Yes, New Hanover County offers several road cycling routes. The River to Sea Bikeway, an 11-mile (18 km) on- and off-road route, connects Wilmington's Riverwalk to Wrightsville Beach. For more specific road cycling information, consult the Road Cycling Routes in New Hanover County guide.
The Gary Shell Cross-City Trail is a 15-mile (24 km) multi-use trail in Wilmington, primarily off-road. It connects various recreational, cultural, and educational destinations. The trail allows for cycling from Wade Park to the Intracoastal Waterway, passing through urban and natural scenery.
Many parks and trails in New Hanover County are dog-friendly, though specific regulations may vary by location. Visitors should check local park rules regarding leash requirements and waste disposal. Always ensure pets are under control and practice Leave No Trace principles.
The official website for New Hanover County is nhcgov.com. This site provides comprehensive information regarding county services, parks, and natural areas. It serves as a primary resource for residents and visitors.
The general phone number for New Hanover County is +1-910-798-7311. This contact can be used for inquiries regarding county services, including information about parks and recreation. Specific department numbers may vary.

