RankNC – Discover North Carolina's Best: Reviews, Rankings & Insights

Best Hiking In The Topsail Area

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through our links we may be compensated at no cost to you.

Welcome to our guide to the best hiking in the Topsail area, where the allure of coastal charm meets the tranquility of nature’s embrace.

Embark on a journey through lush landscapes and picturesque trails as we unveil the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable adventures. 

From scenic coastal paths to hidden forest trails, Topsail offers diverse hiking options to satisfy every explorer’s passion for nature and discovery.

Enjoy the serenity of wooded pathways or the breathtaking vistas of coastal cliffs.  Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Topsail’s natural treasures. 

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Topsail.

RankNC's Top Picks

The Topsail area offers diverse landscapes perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

The best hiking locations in Burgaw, Jacksonville, Surf City, Swansboro, and Topsail Beach provide scenic trails and natural beauty.

1. Hammocks Beach State Park

Swansboro

Accessible by ferry, Hammocks Beach State Park features unspoiled barrier islands with trails leading through dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests, perfect for nature lovers.

2. Topsail Island Beaches

Topsail Beach & Surf City

Strolling along the sandy shores of Topsail Island Beaches offers a peaceful hike with beautiful ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife, including nesting sea turtles during the season.

3. Pender Memorial Park

Burgaw

Pender Memorial Park in Burgaw provides walking trails that meander through a natural, serene setting, offering a quiet escape and a chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

4. Blue Clay Bike Park

Jacksonville

While primarily designed for biking, Blue Clay Bike Park in Jacksonville also has trails suitable for hiking, winding through a wooded area that offers tranquility and a bit of adventure.

5. Lea-Hutaff Island

Near Topsail Beach

An undeveloped barrier island accessible only by boat, Lea-Hutaff Island offers pristine hiking experiences. Its untouched beaches and coastal habitats are ideal for bird watching and solitude.

6. Soundside Park

Surf City

Soundside Park in Surf City features nature trails along the water, providing picturesque views and a gentle hike perfect for a leisurely day out.

7. Cedar Point Tideland Trail

Near Swansboro

Located in the Croatan National Forest, the Cedar Point Tideland Trail offers a scenic hike through coastal forest and salt marshes, with informative displays about the ecosystem.

8. Hofmann Forest

Near Jacksonville

Hofmann Forest, just outside Jacksonville, is an extensive research and teaching forest with multiple trails for hiking, offering a chance to explore diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

9. North River Preserve

Near Swansboro

The North River Preserve features trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty, including salt marshes, tidal flats, and maritime forests, providing a serene hiking experience.

10. Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Near Surf City

Managed by the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve boasts a network of trails through a beautiful and diverse coastal forest rich in flora and fauna.

Conclusion

The best hiking in the Topsail area offer everything from beach walks and island explorations to forest trails and nature preserves.  The area provides abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of coastal North Carolina.

Picture of The Doirons

The Doirons

Our mission is to get you to encounter the unlimited potential that North Carolina has to offer and experience it to the fullest. RankNC is designed to be a source of research, inspiration, and ideas for those who refuse to settle for anything less than an extraordinary time. On this website, we will openly and passionately share the very best that NC has to offer as my family and I continue to discover this beautiful state.
Editorial Process:


Experts make our reviews before being written and come from real-world experience and research. Read our editorial process here.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which can compensate us at no cost to you if you purchase from our partners. We’ve personally researched, used, and stand behind these products. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

Topsail Area Quick Links
Scroll to Top