While we never grow tired of our magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) on Holden Beach, you don’t have to venture far to discover other hidden gems among the rivers, marshes, swamps, and parks of our area – and many of those are perfect for hikes and walks!
Lace up your hiking shoes and journey through Holden Beach's natural beauty. Discover the hidden gems of our area's nature trails as they transform with the changing leaves. Not only will you enjoy nature’s gifts this time of year, a little healthy living is good for you!
Holden Beach Nature
Holden Beach is very walker-friendly, with a sidewalk system that runs nearly the length of the island (shy of the west and east ends). The beauty of the island is that you have a choice of walking the beach strands all the way to the more remote east and west ends, the back streets along the ICW, or the sidewalks in between the marsh and the ocean, and you’ll be amazed at your immersion experience in nature! Learn more about the wildlife, birds, and vegetation.
For biking enthusiasts, biking offers a different perspective of nature in southeastern coastal North Carolina.
Nature Trails Near Holden Beach
Belville Riverwalk Park | 580 River Road | Belville, NC 28451 | (910) 371-2456
The Belville Riverwalk Park is located across from the western banks of Eagles Island along the Brunswick River, just off Highway 133.
This 150-acre park is situated along four miles of waterfront with a walking trail, a boardwalk, nature trails, and a scenic overlook with river views. It also has picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms when you take a break from hiking. You can even enjoy the coastal setting by kayak, canoe, or a small boat since the park has a boat launch. The handicap-accessible fishing pier provides another vantage point to enjoy the scenery.
Hobbs Tip: Launchers should be aware of the tide cycle.
Boiling Springs Lakes Preserve | 1 Leeds Road | Boiling Spring Lakes | (910) 363-0025
The Boiling Springs Lakes Preserve is a 6,000+-acre preserve located about 30 minutes northeast of Holden Beach. It’s home to a plethora of coastal plants and animals, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the rare Venus Flytrap.
The best way to begin your hike through this beautiful area is the access at the Boiling Spring Lakes Nature Trail, which starts at the Community Center just off Highway 87. The reserve is featured on the North Carolina Birding Trail, owned by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Plant Conservation Program and managed by the Nature Conservancy.
Brunswick Nature Park | 2601 River Road (NC 133) | Winnabow | (910) 253-2670
The Brunswick Nature Park consists of 911 acres of undeveloped wilderness and vistas, with wetlands and waterways that are home to a variety of local plants, flowers, birds, and wildlife.
Located north of Holden Beach just 10 miles from Leland, the park includes walking, biking, and horse riding trails, as well as a kayak and canoe launch site leading to access to a Brunswick County paddle trail to explore the waterways. The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until dusk.
Cedar Grove Park | 750 Cedar Grove Trail SW | Supply
A shared complex with the adjacent Cedar Grove Elementary School, this is a favorite local complex with walking and running trails which weave around the sports courts and fields and are edged by forests and ponds (with alligator caution signs).
Cypress Cove Park | 844 Appleton Way NE | Leland | 910) 408-3092
Cypress Cove Park, formerly known as Sturgeon Creek Park, is located north of Holden Beach in Leland. While it doesn't have hiking trails, the park consists of 27 acres of wetlands and 1.2 acres of uplands with water access to Mill Creek for launching kayaks, canoes, and small Jon boats for exploring nature from the water. Other park amenities include a floating dock, a fixed deck overlook, and a handicap-accessible fishing area.
Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve | 6150 Rock Creek Road NE | Leland | (910) 962-4191
The Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve consists of 175 acres of coastal forest land in northern Brunswick County near Leland. Managed by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), Ev-Henwood is home to seven miles of maintained walking trails.
Visitors to the preserve often enjoy identifying various coastal plant and wildlife species during their walks. It’s also featured on the NC Birding Trail and open daily from dawn to dusk.
Green Swamp Preserve | 673 Green Swamp Road NW (off NC Highway 211) | Supply | (910) 395-5000
This 17,424-acre preserve is located on the mainland not far from Holden Beach up Highway 211, and is a treasure of wildlife – including the red-cockaded woodpecker - and the largest variety of rare plant species in North Carolina like the rare Venus Flytrap. There are thousands of acres of savannas, hunting spots, and hiking trails. Find out more information here.
Some of the Green Swamp consists of open longleaf pine savannas, while nearly 13,000 acres of the preserve are dense evergreen shrubs. Coastal plants and wildlife include orchids, insectivorous plants, the American alligator, the fox squirrel, Hessel’s hairstreak butterfly, and a variety of bird species. It is recommended that you call before visiting for the most current site information.
Shallotte Riverwalk | 146 Wall Street (West Gazebo) | 159 Cheers Street (East Gazebo) | Shallotte | (910) 754-4032
The Shallotte Riverwalk is located along the waterfront of the Shallotte River and offers beautiful views from the gazebos and a .25-mile boardwalk.
Visitors to the park may catch glimpses of blue herons, eagles, spots, flounder, alligators, and more. The park is handicap-accessible and open from dawn to dusk.
Vereen Memorial Gardens | 2250 SC Highway 179 | Little River, SC | (843) 249-4157
Vereen Memorial Gardens is located just across the South Carolina border, south of Calabash. Visitors to this lovely natural outdoor space appreciate the variety of hiking trails and boardwalks traversing several small islands and salt marshes. Walkers can take a break to enjoy the views from the gazebo that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.
Also called the Vereen Botanical Gardens, this park has been offering beautiful views and adventures to outdoor enthusiasts for over 30 years. A collection of wildlife, plant life, and history are found throughout these woodlands and wetlands, which are open from dawn to dusk.
See You Soon
Autumn is an amazing time to enjoy the Brunswick Islands. The crowds have dispersed, the lines are shorter for those favorite seafood spots, and the weather is perfect for enjoying the many nature trails in our area.
Search our user-friendly Holden Beach NC Rentals portfolio to find the ideal place for your fall getaway. You’re more likely to find better deals this time of year, so be sure to look out for specials and discounts we tend to offer. And if you need a little extra assistance or local expertise, please contact our Hobbspitality Team today at (844) 846-4885!
We hope to see you soon... at the beach!