The following Environmental Education Centers help you improve your health by offering an exercise-friendly outdoor environment:

Agape Center for Environmental Education
Trails:
Cascade Trail - 1 mile - unpaved, moderate hills;
Hickory Trail - 0.2 mile - unpaved, easy;
Holly Trail - 0.26 mile - unpaved, easy, wheelchair accesible;
Loblolly Trail - 0.18 mile - unpaved, moderate hills;
Maple Trail - 0.18 mile - unpaved, moderate hills;
Meditation Rock Trail - 0.27 - unpaved, moderate hills;
Oak Trail - 0.11 - unpaved, easy hill;
Parker's Creek Trail - 2 miles - unpaved, moderate hills;
Pond Trail Loop - 0.26 - unpaved, moderate hill;
River Trail - 0.27 - unpaved, moderate hill;
Swamp Trail - 0.34 - unpaved, easy;
Sweetgum Trail - 0.35 - unpaved, moderate hills;
Note: Actual walking distance is longer than stated in most cases, because one needs to walk to get to the trailhead.

Airlie Gardens
Trails
There are three walking trails in the gardens varying in length (yellow 1.2 miles, blue .7 miles, and red .5 miles). There is little change in elevation in the garden, so none of the paths are strenuous. The paths are made with different materials such as asphalt, gravel, grass, and mulch. The trails are ADA compliant.
Other Exercise: Airlie will provide guided public kayak eco tours using the access of our dock into Bradley Creek. Please check with the environmental education program for the schedule of these tours. Airlie Gardens is not a public boat ramp.

Health Programs
The guided kayak eco tours will integrate the rigors of paddling in tidal waters as well as the educational opportunities of observing the organisms of the marsh such as waterfowl, fish, arthropods, and plants.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Creef Cut Wildlife Trail, an easy, handicap accessible 1/2 mile, paved trail with informational kiosks and Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail, an easy, handicap accessible 1/2 mile unpaved trail with a boardwalk and informational kiosks are both available for easy hiking. There is also a 7 mile gravel road for bikers. Fishing can be done throughout the refuge, and there is a handicap-accessible platform available. There are also 15 miles of canoe/kayak trails. Canoe tours are available, but boats are not available for rent. Reservations are required for boat tours.

Broad River Greenway
Trails
Downstream Trail easy approximately 2 miles unpaved natural material, realatively smooth (1900 linear feet is wheelchair accessible trail bed is compacted gravel fines.) Upstream Trail is moderate to strenuous 2.5 miles one way with various spurs to increase length up to approximately 15 miles. Upstream trail is unpaved natural material with a more rustic feel(roots, rocks and other obstacles).

Other Exercise: Upstream trail is open to bikes, pedestrians and equestrians.

The Greenway is the starting point of Broad River Canoe Trail leading down into South Carolina. Canoe maps are available in PDF format online at www.broadrivergreenway.com.

Health Programs
Scavenger Hunt sends participants scouring trails for information located on several educational signs or native trees, etc. Spirit Walk is a co-sponsored event with Cleveland Regional Medical Center to encourage walking.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Trail Information
Cape Fear Botanical Garden includes approximately 2.5 miles of walking trails. Approximately half are easy, meandering paths through landscaped gardens, while the remaining trails are moderately difficult along the Cape Fear River. These are natural, sandy trails that are maintained and are 3 feet wide on average.

Our paths are accessible to scooters with wide wheels. Due to the sandy paths, standard indoor wheelchairs may experience difficulty*. Golf carts are available for rental with prior arrangements (2 days notice). We encourage visitors with disabilities to call the Garden for further information.

* We are in the process of ordering a Landeez all-terrain wheelchair for visitor use.

VOTED FAYETTEVILLE'S BEST PLACE TO COMMUNE WITH NATURE 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

Cape Lookout National Seashore
Trails
Behind the Harkers Island visitor center is the Soundside Trail. This 0.9 mile long trail is flat but has some rough surfaces and soft soil. About half of the trail is a wooden boardwalk.
Other Exercise
The Shell Point picnic area across from the Harkers Island Visitor Center is the launch point for kayaks/canoes wishing to paddle the 3 miles across the open waters of Core Sound to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Carolina Raptor Center
The Carolina Raptor Center has a half mile, mulched surface, easy grade trail. There is a fee for admission.

Catawba College Center for the Environment
Trails
Unpaved, easy-level trails are maintained in the ecological preserve. Trails connect to the Salisbury Greenway.
Exercise Opportunities
Can bike, walk, run and bring dogs on a leash
Programs
Various walks are led in the preserve (Birds, Creepy Crawly Herps program, etc.)

Clark Park Nature Center
Trails
Clark Park includes three unpaved trails that are all an easy level. The Bear Trail is a 0.6 mile loop that winds through the woods down to an overlook of the Cape Fear River. The Wetlands Trail is a 0.6 mile wooded trail that crosses over creeks and a small wetland. The Laurel trail is a 0.3 mile trail that winds through the woods. Clark Park also serves as an access point for the 4.2 mile Cape Fear River Trail. The Cape Fear River trail is a paved, easy to moderate trail that stretches from Clark Park to Methodist College along the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Exercise Opportunities
Bikes are welcome to use the 4.2 mile Cape Fear River Trail.

Clemmons Educational State Forest
Clemmons Educational State Forest has the following trails for hiking and jogging:

Talking Trees Trail - .6 mile, bark surface, easy to moderate

Talking Rocks Trail - .8 mile, bark surface, easy to moderate

Forest Demonstration Trail - 2.2 miles, bark and packed soil/gravel surface, moderate to difficult with elevation changes of 100 feet or more on long grades. Clayton High School uses this trail for their cross country course.

Forest Road Trail - 3.2 miles, gravel and dirt surface, moderate to difficult (similar to Forest Demonstration Trail, but with more hills)

More trails are planned for the state forest's new property that will provide 5-10 more miles of trail!

Colburn Earth Science Museum
Join geologists from the Colburn Earth Science Museum every third Saturday each month for an enjoyable stroll through downtown Asheville while observing the natural building stone used in some of the city’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Discussions will include the many geologic features seen in the granite, marble, and limestone from across the country that was used in Asheville’s buildings and monuments. Hear about the history of these buildings and the architects and stone artisans that traveled to Asheville to build them. Created from the early 1800’s up through the Art Deco period of the 1920’s, the natural stone facades and carvings in downtown Asheville have helped shape the character of this beautiful city. The walk takes place on paved streets and sidewalks. Depending on the size of the group, it takes about 90 minutes to complete. It is an easy walk in which everyone can participate. The cost of the Geology walk is free for Colburn Museum members and $5.00 for non-members. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required. The Colburn Museum also hosts a "Geologic Whitewater Rafting" trip on the French Broad River every summer.

Crowder District Park
Crowder District Park has a mile of paved walking trails in a landscaped setting. The trails are considered low difficulty with some mild hills. Walking trails are also suitable for joggers, dog walkers, baby strollers, roller blading, and youth bicycling.

Eno River State Park
Trails
Combined, Eno River State Park and Occoneechee State Natural Area have nearly 30 miles of hiking trails. The majority of the trails follow along the river and loop up the ridges. Terrain and trail conditions vary greatly, so please call ahead or visit the park website for more information. Currently, there are no wheelchair accessible trails.
Exercise Opportunities
Trail running and canoeing/kayaking the river are also popular health activities. Please call or visit the park office to learn more about paddling the river. The park does not have rentals. Horseback riding trails are available yet extremely limited, but they will be extended as land aquisition continues. Unfortunately, mountain biking is not allowed at this time.
Programs
Most of the park programs include a hike or activity in the river, and require some level of fitness to completely enjoy. Occassionally, park rangers provide recreational skills programs such as backpacking, hiking awareness and canoeing.

Frank Sharpe Jr. Wildlife Education Center
Trails
*Owl's Roost Trail, hiking and biking trail, 5.2 miles, unpaved, difficult for bikers
Recently voted the "best urban mountain biking trail" in the country by Bicycling Magazine, the dips, twists, turns, and hops on the Owl’s Roost Trail make it a regional favorite for single-track riding. This trail is rugged compared to some of the other watershed trails and is the most technical ride in the system. The additional 1.5 miles of old fire lanes that have been converted to trails add an extra benefit to the trail.

*Lake Brandt Greenway, 2.6 miles, paved, easy difficulty
Pedestrians can access the Lake Brandt Greenway next to the Wildlife Education Center. The Greenway is a paved trail that leads to the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. There is a great view of Lake Brandt from the H. Michael Weaver Bridge. Many different native plants, wildflowers, pines, and mixed hardwoods make this trail quite scenic. If you wish to take a detour off of the paved Greenway, you can venture onto one of the unpaved Watershed Trails.

*Big Loop Trail, Hiking & Biking, 3 miles, unpaved, moderate difficulty

*Little Loop Trail, Hiking & Biking, .8 miles, unpaved, moderate difficulty

Other Exercise
Bike Trails- see above
Aquatic Center
Golf Course
Tennis Courts 

Health Programs
Dasani Blue Bikes Program- Bikes are loaned for adult riders to use on paved trails.

Grandfather Mountain
Trail Information
Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. It is in the backcountry that you come up against the more challenging hikes.

Grandfather has a number of gentle paths that can be accessed from the summit road. Designed to offer a low-impact foray into nature, these paths allow guests to get out in the woods without requiring a long and strenuous commitment.

Please visit our Web site, www.grandfather.com, for more information regarding our 13 miles of hiking trails.

Halyburton Park
Halyburton Park in Wilmington, NC offers a 1.3 mile paved trail for walking and biking around the perimeter of the park. This park was newly constructed in 2004, and the trail is in excellent condition. Several sandy walking trails, about 1/2 mile in total length, run through the interior of the park. In addition, Halyburton Park offers the Adventures Pathways program with trips around the state that include hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and climbing. The Adventure Pathways Web site, www.adventurepathways.com, offers a current listing of programs.

Harris Lake County Park
Trails (These trails are designed for walkers and joggers only)
The Peninsula Trail is comprised of four loops approximately 0.25, 0.5, 1.75 and 5 miles in length. They will lead the user through a variety of forest habitats, around old farm ponds and along the shores of beautiful Harris Lake. Learn about the history of the Womble family that lived on this property before it became a park. The history trail is a trail section off of the Peninsula Trail and is a total of .46 miles. The Peninsula Trail is a natural surface trail with an easy to moderate difficulty level. The trail head to the Peninsula Trail can be accessed from the Longleaf/Loblolly shelter side of the open play field adjacent to the picnic area. Orange blazes with hiker image mark the route of the Peninsula Trail. Single blaze indicate main trail route and double blaze indicates loop off of main trail. Please be aware that hiking the 5 mile loop of the Peninsula Trail takes the average hiker 2 hours to complete. Please plan accordingly and note park closing times before heading out on the trail.

Exercise Opportunities
Disc Golf Course - This course offers 18 challenging par 3 holes including water hazards. Each hole has long (blue) and short (white) tees to accommodate players of varying ability. Course closes 15 minutes before park closes. Scorecards are available in the mailbox on the 1st hole.

Canoe/kayak launch - This launch site is located near the Peninsula Trail head. No watercraft with trailers can be launched from the park.

Mountain Biking Trails - Harris Lake offers a total of 8 miles of mountain biking trails to accommodate all skill levels. Mountain bike trails require proper equipment including bikes that can handle uneven terrain. All mountain bike trail users must wear ANSI or Snell approved safety helmets. Please call the park office to check trail conditions before you plan to ride at (919) 387-4342.

Beginner loop is .7 miles long(identified with blue circles)
Intermediate loop is 2 miles(identified with yellow circles)
Advanced loop is 5 miles (identified with red circles)

Geocaching - Multiple geocaching opportunities exist throughout the park.

Fishing - Harris Lake offers a fishing pond stocked with chanel catfish and a fishing pier with handicap accessibility. The fishing pier is located on Harris Lake near the picnic area.

Health Programs
Harris Lake offers a variety of environmental programs with an emphasis on fitness. Some of these programs include: disc golf nature scavenger hunts, orienteering programs, nature hikes, and canoe programs.

Hatcher's Bridge Tree Farm
Trails
Two miles of walking/hiking trails - a nice loop for jogging. All trails are grass or hard-pack sand. Mostly level trails that are not difficult.
Other Exercise
Kayak rental available or bring your own. No charge for access to the Little River. Conditions vary - call for information.

Haw River State Park
Trails
HARP at Haw River State Park has a variety of trails ranging in length from 50 meters to 2 miles. Some are paved, while others are more challenging, weaving down to wetland areas and up hills to rolling meadows. The majority of the trails can be considerate easy to moderate and are unpaved.
Other Exercise
Groups may canoe in our lake, bike, as well as use our disc golf course, gymnasium, and tennis courts.
Health Programs
HARP runs programs that include yoga, stretching, challenge course, walking, hiking, and ecological games.

Highlands Botanical Garden
The Highlands Botanical Garden serves as a refuge and demonstration garden for the diverse flora of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Over 500 species flourish in natural forest, bog, and wetland plant communities. Trails and boardwalks lead to display gardens for native azaleas, carnivorous plants, butterfly-pollinated plants, edible/medicinal herbs, and examples of native plant landscapes for homes and businesses.

The Garden also includes natural areas, such as the Coker Rhododendron Trail, an old-growth hemlock-hardwood forest. The Garden covers approximately 11 acres on the shores of 4-acre Lindenwood Lake.

Nature Center Trail
The Nature Center Trail connects the Nature Center with the Botanical Garden, passing the Heart Garden, the Azalea Garden, the Amphitheater, the Vernal Herb Garden, and ending at the Howell Garden. Easy walk, some stairs.

Woodland Loop
The Woodland Loop begins at the Howell Garden entrance to the Botanical Garden and winds through a hardwood-dominated forest, typical of the Highlands Plateau. It passes a variety of woodland wildflowers and understory trees and shrubs. Average walk, few stairs.

Foreman Trail
The Foreman Trail also begins at the Howell Garden entrance to the Botanical Garden, crosses a bridge through a hemlock-hardwood forest, and continues along a shaded stream, passing Mary’s Garden and ending at the Falls Loop Trail. Average walk, some stairs and roots.

Falls Loop Trail
Falls Loop begins at the end of the Foreman Trail and circles a small cascade at the border of the Botanical Garden property. Somewhat difficult, rocks and stream to navigate.

Fern Trail
The Fern Trail is a bypass option between the Foreman Trail and Lower Lake Trail. It passes across silty soil hosting some wetland species and an array of ferns native to the Southern Appalachians. Easy walk, sometimes saturated.

Lower Lake Trail
The Lower Lake Trail begins at the Foreman Trail and follows the stream through riparian hardwood forest, crossing a boardwalk over a Southern Appalachian bog, and ending at the Upper Lake Trail. Easy walk, level.

Upper Lake Trail
The Upper Lake Trail forks from the Foreman Trail and winds through a heath forest along the eastern shore of Lindenwood Lake, across a boardwalk through a wetland/bog complex, and eventually ending on Lower Lake Road. Average walk, some roots and stones.

Coker Rhododendron Trail
The Coker Rhododendron Trail begins on Lower Lake Road, near the junction with the Upper Lake Trail. This trail leads through a gorgeous old-growth hemlock-hardwood forest, nestled in a rhododendron covered cove, overlooking a stream complete with musical cascades. The trail ends at a stream crossing. Hikers should turn around and hike back towards Lower Lake Road. Average to challenging, steep inclines and roots.

Visitors should walk back to the Upper Lake Trail, through the Botanical Garden to the Nature Center, or follow Lower Lake Road and cross the dam. This will pass the Biological Station, weather station, main offices, and the Butterfly Garden. Look for posted maps of the entire grounds on the dam, at the end of Upper Lake Trail, behind the Nature Center, and at the entrance near Howell Cottage.

Historic Yates Mill County Park
Trails
- Mill Pond Trail - Creek crossing temporarily closed - one mile in length - unpaved surface - easy hike -
- Upper Ridge Trail - 7/8 mile in length - unpaved surface - moderate difficulty - non accessible
- Creekside Trail - Currently under construction - 1 mile in length (one way) -unpaved surface - moderate difficulty -
  non accessible

Holmes Educational State Forest
Trails
Holmes Educational State Forest features approximately 5 miles of trails in varying degrees of difficulty. All trails are accessed from the main parking area.

Very Easy
Crab Creek Trail .5mi. This relatively easy one-half mile trail meanders in part along Crab Creek and through a young white pine stand. It was built in 1995-96 as part of an ongoing effort to improve trail accessibility. Educational sites include a fire tower, fire plow, and helicopter exhibits, each with an audio station. An amphitheater for "Fire Control" classes is located nearby. Wheelchair accessible.

Easy
Talking Tree Trail .5mi. This one-half mile trail features seven audio stations. Each of these "Talking Trees" provides information about itself and the forest ecosystem. The trail is a great introduction to an Educational State Forest and a great place to view spring wildflowers.

Strenuous
Forest Management Demonstration Trail 3.5mi. This 3.5-mile trail was designed to provide educational opportunities as well as enjoyable hiking. The primary educational focus is on proper natural resource management. There is a brochure available at the trailhead, which provides hikers with information about points of interest along the trail. Hikers with less time can take advantage of the short cut.
Soil and Water Trail .5 mi. This one-half mile trail features a wetland boardwalk, amphitheater, and exhibits. The exhibits include a Soil Profile, which provides a vertical view of soil strata.

Very Strenuous
Wildcat Rock Trail .5mi. This very strenuous one-half mile trail climbs amidst large hardwoods and pristine Hemlocks. It intersects the Forest Management Demonstration Trail just past a large rock out cropping, which has been used as a Bobcat den.

Horizons Unlimited
Trails
Hiking trails are constructed of wooden platforms in the wetland areas of the hardwood swamp. The trails are unpaved with a steep entry and exit from the swamp. The trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Health Exhibits
Horizons Unlimited houses the Learn & Live Health Museum.
Health Programs
Health Explorers

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
The following are trails at Howell Woods for general nature viewing, bird watching, and family day hikes. All of the trails listed are within walking distance of the Learning Center

There are numerous other, more remote roads/trails (an additional ~15 miles, some are dead ends) to explore. You may choose to walk to some of these remote trails but vehicle access to trail heads requires access through gates by a staff member. Reservations required for vehicle access to these trails. Weather conditions may limit access (rubber knee boots recommend!). There are two small picnic/rest shelters with first-aid kits located at both ends of Reedy Marsh Trail on River Loop Road.

Trail Condition Codes (Depending on weather conditions)The first code listed is the primary condition of the trail, the second/third code(s) pertains to one or more sections of the trail.

Dr = Trail surface well drained. Good access during most any weather conditions.

Dp = Trail surface maybe damp, slightly soggy/muddy depending on weather conditions.

Wt = Sections of the trail maybe extremely soggy, muddy or under shallow water during wet conditions.

There are also about 15 miles of marked/labeled roads and trails for bike riding. All roads and trails are flat. Cost is $5 per bike. Reservations are required.

Jones Lake State Park
Trails
Hiking Trail (six miles of trail graveled)
The trail is moderate in level and some difficulty for wheelchairs.
Other Exercise
Canoes and paddleboats
Health Programs
Canoe programs

Jordan Lake Visitor Assistance Center
Trail Information
-Jordan Dam Loop - 0.54 mile around the loop, paved, wheelchair accessible. This loop is currently the only trail that is wheelchair acccessible.
-Highland Trail - 3500 feet or 0.66 mile, cleared, unpaved loop through typical Piedmont forest
-Midland Trail - 1500 feet or 0.28 mile, cleared, unpaved trail that meets up with Highland Trail on both ends
Exercise Opportunities
Bike riders may utilize the Jordan Dam Loop trail that crosses over the dam.
Health Programs
Water safety programs include Buddy the Beaver puppet show amd Water Safety Measures.

Kathleen Clay Edwards Library
The library is located in a 98-acre passive park with walking trails. There are some unpaved trails as well as some paved trails that are wheelchair accessible. All are easy-level trails.

Lake Crabtree County Park
Lake Crabtree County Park has the following trails:

The Lake Trail - 5.2 miles This extensive trail, by blue blazes, forms a complete pedestrian loop around the shoreline of Lake Crabtree. The trail can be accessed from the floodplain or from the kiosk across from the Manager's Office. Plan ahead! This trail can take 2-3 hours to complete. Please be aware that sections of the lake trail are sometimes flooded.

Old Beech Nature Trail - 0.6 miles This short, self-guided loop is an footpath marked with white blazes. Interpretative signs highlight points of interest such as a massive Beech tree, a tree identification center, and an old saw mill site. Walking time is 30
minutes.

Paved Access Trails - These trails connect all of the main park facilities, including the Boat Rental Complex, gazebo, restrooms, fishing pier, picnic shelters, individual picnic areas, and boat ramp. This handicap accessible, five-foot wide asphalt trail is convenient and easy for everyone. It gently winds through the trees and leads to
several waterfront locations. No bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades are allowed on the paved trails.

Mountain Bike & Hiking Trails - These trails consist of a series of loops marked by yellow blazes with connectors marked by red blazes. These trail loops, designed for the beginning to intermediate bike rider, are used by mountain bikers, joggers and walkers, each of whom shares responsiblity of the safety for one another.

Sailboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent on the park's waterfront from mid April through the end of September. All rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis and by the hour. A $20.00 cash deposit is required. For seasonal hours of operation please call (919) 460-3398.

There are many programs offered at the park that include hiking, biking, and canoeing. Visit our website at www.wakegov.com/county/parks/ for up to date program information.

Lake Higgins Environmental Education Center
Trails
- Lake Higgins Trail: O.3-mile unpaved easy nature trail used for interpretive hikes.
- Unnamed Nature Trail: 0.5-mile unpaved easy nature trail under construction.
Other Exercise
- Bald Eagle Trail: 4.6-mile unpaved moderately strenuous bike/hiking trail.
- Kayak Rentals: All day, tandem and solo kayaks
- Canoe Rentals: All day
- Rowboat Rentals: All day
Health Exhibits
Greensboro Water Resources maintains an exhibit showing the water quality in our city lakes.
Health Programs
- Interpretive Hikes: Whether for snakes, lake ecology, or plants, you have to get out and walk a trail!
- Tracking: What better way of learning about animal gaits than by getting down on all fours and practicing! Learn about hopping, pacing, galloping, and diagonal walking.

Lake James State Park
Trails
- Fox Den Loop Trail, unpaved, moderate, 2 miles
- Sandy Cliff Overlook, unpaved, moderate, .25 one-way
- Lake Channel Overlook, unpaved, moderate, .75 one-way
Other Exercise
Seasonal Canoe Rental

Lake Rim Park
Trails
Lake Rim Park has a walking/running trail called the "Border Trail". The Border Trail is a mile in length. There are alternate routes to take in order to customize your distance. The trail is a crush and run surface, with boardwalks on occassion. The trail is wheelchair accesible.
Other Exercise
Lake Rim Park is a participant in the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. This program is free and Lake Rim Park lends you a fishing pole and reel for 24 hours. Lake Rim Park offers kayak river trips and kayak classes.
The park also has tennis courts, sand volleyball, soccer, football, and softball fields, and two age appropriate playgrounds.
Health Programs
Lake Rim Park offers summer camps, where the emphasis is on outdoor adventure. The campers participate in fishing(CATCH), kayaking(upper body) and indoor rock climbing(mind and body).

Lake Waccamaw State Park
The following trails are available for hiking at Lake Waccamaw State Park:
Lakeshore Trail (5 mi.) non-paved, easy
Sand Ridge Trail (.75 mi.) non-paved, easy
Pinewoods Trail (2.5 mi.) non-paved, easy
Loblolly Trail (1 mi.) non-paved, easy
An accessible boardwalk w/ 2 sun shelters is available and is reached via short (.25mi) paved loop that starts at the Lake Waccamaw Visitor Center

Swimming is allowed from the pier at the picnic area.
Guided nature hikes are often offered which may give participants the chance to walk/hike up to three miles. These programs are available to the general public and to organized groups.

Lumber River State Park
Trails
Griffin's Bluff Trail - 0.5 mile, 0.2 mile is paved and accessible, moderate difficulty
Naked Landing Trail - 0.4 mile, unpaved, easy
The Mill Hole Trail - 0.7 mile, unpaved, moderate
Piney Island and Buck Landing, which are park canoe-in campsites, have 2-3 miles of unpaved access roads usable as hiking trails. Difficulty level is easy.
Exercise Opportunities
The Lumber River is a 120-mile long river that is a premier paddling river not only for NC but the nation. The upper Lumber was the first official canoe trail in NC. The entire river is in the NC Natural and Scenic River System. The upper and lower portions are in the National Wild and Scenic River System.
Health Programs
The park offers Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips, Nature Hikes, and Night Hikes for the general public and for organized groups. These incorporate levels of physical activity from easy to moderate.

Mayo Park
Trails
Red tail hawk trail- 1.92 miles
Rocky Trail-.90 miles
Beaver Trail- 1.15 miles
Eagle Trail- .22 miles
Wild Turkey Trail- .52 miles
Bridge trail Loop- .26 miles
Lake View Trail- .29 miles
Sappony Spring Trail- .10 miles
Wood Duck Trail- .58 miles

Merchants Millpond State Park
Trails
Merchants Millpond has over 9 miles of hiking trails.
Cypress Point Trail: Easy Handicap accessible .33 miles
Lassiter Trail: Easy 6.7 miles
Coleman Trai: Easy 2.0 Miles
Other Exercise
Merchants Millpond provides canoeing trails with a year round canoe rental concession.

Museum of Life and Science
Trails
Explore the Wild/Catch the Wind Trail: 0.5 miles, paved, easy, wheelchair accessible
Health Exhibits
Investigate Health

New Hanover County Arboretum
Trails
One half mile of flat, concrete paths that are wheel chair accessible guide visitor's through the Arboretum's gardens. A wheel chair and motorized scooter are available for visitor use during office hours, 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.
Health Exhibits
Health and Wellness classes, such as Move It and Lose It, are periodically offered through Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences program.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Trails
A short, flat, bicycle trail connecting DOT's trail to the Fort Fisher ferry runs trough aquarium property. This paved trail, opened in 2006, is approximately .5 miles through maritime forest. There is an observation deck along the trail which offers excellent bird watching. The bicycle trail is accessible to walkers, bicyclers, and wheel chairs.
Other Exercise
Through the aquarium's Special Activities programs visitors can register for a canoe trip in a nearby estuary, a salt marsh exploration including crabbing and fishing, or surf fishing. All of these programs require some physical exertion and provide opportunities for vigorous activity.
Health Exhibits
A small exhibit on an outdoor deck focuses on water quality and the health of our waterways. This interactive exhibit focuses on how a healthy environment effects human health.
Health Programs
Canoeing the salt marsh
Salt marsh exploration
Surf fishing
Salt marsh and crabbing

North Carolina Arboretum
Voted the "Best Place to Bike" and the "Best Place to Walk/Run" in Western North Carolina by Mountain Xpress readers!
Some trails are restricted to hiking/foot traffic only while other trails can be used for both hiking and cycling. Those trails which only permit hiking are marked with the "hiker" symbol while those which permit multiple uses are marked with the "cycling" symbol. 

Bent Creek Road and Trail 
Easy
The Bent Creek Road is a gravel-surfaced corridor shared by pedestrians, pets on leashes and cyclist. The 12 foot wide road follows Bent Creek for the length of the Arboretum with several adjoining roads leading off the property into the Pisgah National Forest. Bent Creek Trail, for foot traffic only, parallels the road in several places, running closer to the creek.  One favorite attraction along Bent Creek Road is the National Native Azalea Repository.  Bent Creek Road is 1.4 miles in length.
Note: The Azalea Repository is currently not accessible due to flood damage.

Carolina Mountain Trail 
Easy to Moderate
The Carolina Mountain Trail connects our Horticulture Support Facility (greenhouse and nursery) with the Visitor Education Center and Core Garden areas and Bent Creek Road.  This trail winds through three different forest types, pine, mixed hardwood and ericaceous.  Along the trail is an overlook where hikers can rest and listen to the murmurs of Bent Creek.  You'll also pass the peaceful ripples of the Wolf Branch cascades.  The trail entrances are located beside the Visitor Education Center adjacent to the reserved parking area, on Wolf Branch Road and on Bent Creek Road at the west edge of the Arboretum property.  A short connector runs from the overlook to the Horticulture Support Facility main parking area.  The Carolina Mountain Trail is 1.2 miles in length.

Wesley Branch Trail 
Moderate to Difficult
This trail connects Bent Creek Road near its intersection with the Mill Trail to the Natural Garden Trail and the Core Gardens, passing through a rhododendron thicket. Both the Wesley Branch Trail and the Natural Garden Trail are open to foot traffic only, please.

Natural Garden Trail 
Easy to Moderate
The Natural Garden Trail is approximately one mile making a loop from the Plants of Promise Garden to the north end of the Core Area Gardens. This is a gently graded, naturally surfaced trail which takes in several changes in forest types as it winds around the hillside and overlooks Bent Creek and the National Native Azalea Repository along the way.

Owl Ridge Trail 
Moderate
The Owl Ridge Trail is the upper portion of a recreational loop for use by bikers, hikers and pets on leashes. This naturally surfaced section of the loop is about .75 miles joining Rocky Cove with Hard Times Road and a connection to the lower trail which crosses the creek to rejoin Bent Creek Road making the whole loop about 3.7 miles.

Old Mill Trail 
Easy
The Old Mill Trail connects our trail head/recreation parking area at our main entrance to Bent Creek Road.  After leaving the trail head parking area turn to the left around the pipe gate and after crossing the bridge the trail will begin to the right through the woods.  This trail is approximately .3 miles in length.  This trail is named for the old grist mill that existed in the area around the viaduct bridge. 

Running Cedar Road 
Moderate
The Running Cedar Road is a .5 mile long gravel surfaced road which allows bikers, hikers, and pets on leashes access from the Core Area to Bent Creek Road.

The Old Arboretum Trail
Easy
Note:  This trail is currently closed due to flooding along Bent Creek associated with Tropical Storm Frances.
The Old Arboretum Trail is located at the recreation parking area near the main entrance to the arboretum. This trail is a multiuse trail and makes an easy figure eight loop.  This area was used by the United States Forest Service Experimental Station to investigate the suitability of different tree species for timber in the southern Appalachians.  A number of the original plantings still survive.

Asheville Amblers Walking Club
The Asheville Amblers Walking Club features a 10 Km walk through the trails of The North Carolina Arboretum.  Follow the below links to find out more about the Asheville Amblers and the walk that is available on our property.

North Carolina Botanical Garden
Trails
Streamside Trail: 0.5 miles, Moderate Difficulty, unpaved;
Oak Hickory Trail: 0.75 miles, Moderate Difficulty, unpaved
Health Exhibits
Medicinal Herb Garden located on the premises
Health Programs
Exercise classes offered in movement and yoga specifically designed for gardeners. Classes are 1.5 hours long and are offered weekly in the Fall and Spring.

North Carolina Coastal Federation
Trails
Patsy Pond Nature Trail - located across the street from the NC Coastal Federation building on Highway 24. There are three unpaved loops - .75 miles, 1 mile, and 1.9 miles. Difficulty level - easy to moderate, since most loops are quite sandy. The trail is not wheelchair accessible.

North Carolina Maritime Museum
Health Programs
Bird watching (walking trails)
Kayaking
Rachel Carson Reserve tour (hiking across the island)
Shackleford Banks Trip(hiking across the island)
Seining the Sound (walking the tidal flat, pulling a seine)
Learn to Sail
Cape Lookout Studies Program (hiking along the beach)

North Carolina Museum of Forestry
The NC Museum of Forestry has a tree trail and green space. The tree trail is wheelchair accessible and unpaved. We have a marl pit of fossilized material that children and adults can hunt for ancient sharks, crocodile, dolphin teeth, and various fossils from the Miocene Era. Picnic tables are set up for those who wish to make a day of the museum and trail.

NC Zoological Park
The zoo encourages people to use the park for walking, especially in the winter. There are over 6 miles of paved walkways,mostly easy,a few moderate spots (hills). People must pay to get into the park.

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Trails
1. Currituck Heritage Park offers paved and grassy walking anywhere within the park. Easy
2. OBCWE boardwalk trail - 1/4 mile. easy. boardwalk. wheelchair accessible.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge has the following hiking trails:

North Pond Wildlife Trail - 1/2 mile, unpaved, handicap accessible, easy,
several wildlife observation platforms available with mounted binoculars,
informational kiosks, wildlife observation tower at the end of trail,
bathrooms available at the visitor center parking lot

Salt Flats Wildlife Trail - 1/8 mile, unpaved, handicap accessible, easy,
observation platform available and informational kiosk

North Pond Service Road - 4 miles, unpaved, moderate, circles around North
Pond, photography blind available, informational kiosks

North Pond Service road is a very difficult trail available for bikers.

Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the New Inlet Boat Launch. Two-hour and three-hour canoe tours are available. Reservations are needed.

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
Trails
The Pisgah National Forest is full of hiking and biking trails. We suggest picking up a trail map.

Prairie Ridge Ecostation
Trails
Prairie Trail - .25 mile, grassy footbed
Forest Trail - .5 mile, grassy/soil footbed
Amphitheater Trail - .1 mile, ADA accessible
Other
Prairie Ridge is located along the Reedy Creek Greenway

R.C. "Cliff" Payne Woodmen Camp
The R. C. "Cliff" Payne Woodmen Camp offers a one-mile walking trail. It is a wood-chipped and grass trail of medium difficulty, not accessible to wheelchairs or individuals with limited mobility. For groups there is also canoe and paddle boat rentals, a swimming pool, a high and low ropes corse, and an archery and rifle program.

Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest
Trails
Talking Tree Trail - Gravel, 0.6 mile long trail with a moderate level of intensity
Logging History Trail - Gravel, 0.4 mile long trail with easy level of intensity
Other trails are offered as well with various surfaces and various levels of difficulty, but a rabger needs to direct visitors to their locations. These trails are new and will be marked soon. Most of the trails have stairs since the center is in a mountain/foothill setting.
Health Programs
Forest Leaf Relay and Guided Talking Tree Trail

Reynolda Garden of Wake Forest University
Trails
Nature trail approximately one mile long. Surface of woodland trail is chipped wood. Easy for walking. No bikes allowed. Not appropriate for wheelchairs. Asphalt driveway, approximately one-half mile long, used by walkers and cyclists. Difficult for wheelchairs.

River Park North/Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center
Trails
We currently have three hiking trails that can be walked individually or as a combination. While the length of any trail is less than 0.4 mile, hikers walking all the trails and returning to the parking area will have hiked approximately 3 miles. The surfaces are natural soil, and the trails meander around pond edges and through swamp forests. Sections of boardwalk span across wet areas, and all trails may be inaccessible during floods. The terrain is mainly flat, but trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Exercise Opportunities
Pedal boats may be rented from late May to October 31st with advance reservations, and ponds are available for launching private canoes or kayaks.

San-Lee Environmental Education and Recreation Park
Trails
Thoreau Trail, .9 miles, unpaved, moderate difficultly (there are hills)
Leopold Trail, .9 miles, unpaved, moderate difficultly (hills)
Muir Trail, .9 miles, unpaved, moderate difficulty (hills)
Gatewood Loop Trail, .9 miles, moderate difficulty (hills)
None of the trails are wheelchair accessible.
Other Exercise
5 mile mountain bike trail, moderate to difficult.
Paddleboat and canoe rentals.
Health Programs
Staff led canoe trips down Cape fear River and Deep River.
Hikes for adults and families.

SciWorks - The Science Center & Environmental Park for Forsyth County
Trails
easy, paved, walking trail that is wheelchair accessible
Health Exhibits
Health Works exhibit hall features exhibits on genetics, reproductive system, nutrition, dental health, heart monitor, muscular system and respiratory system.

The Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
The Stevens Nature Center has three walking trails totalling three miles. The most popular trail (Swift Creek Loop Trail - .8 mile) involves a large staircase which provides an aerobic workout on the way up. Another (Beech Tree Cove/West Hemlock Bluff Loop Trail - .8 mile) is evenly surfaced with mulch material and is great for fast-paced walking. Thye most remote trail (Chestnut Oak Loop TRail - 1.2 miles) is rugged and uneven, but provides over a mile in distance walking.

Local trails allow access to the natural world for exercise, study, photography, relaxation or solitude. If you're looking for a volunteer experience, community service or conservation project for yourself or your group, join forces with the Stevens Nature Center staff to assist with trail maintenance and improvements. Volunteering at Hemlock Bluffs will not only improve your health, but will enhance our trails for visitors seeking the benefits of walking in the woods. Pre-registration is required to allow for site preparation. Workdays will be cancelled if there is not enough interest expressed one week prior to the event. Call (919) 387-5980 to register yourself, your family or your organized group. Be prepared for a sweaty, but rewarding experience. Light refreshments will be provided. Workdays are held monthly, except for July/August.

Tuttle Educational State Forest
Trails
2.5 miles of moderate trail with exposed roots. 5 miles of graveled trail with talking tree stations. Both of these trails are for hiking only.

West Point on the Eno Park
Trails
There are approximately 1.5 miles of walking trails winding through the park, along the river and through rocky terrain covered with mountain laurel, rhododendron and partridgeberry. The paths are cleared, but sometimes narrow along the Eno riverbank.
Other Exercise Opportunities
West Point on the Eno City Park offers canoeing and fishing. Fishing is permitted and catfish, brim, crappie and largemouth bass abound. Also, an independent operator runs "Wafting the Eno," slower-paced trips on the river for individuals and groups.
Health Programs
All of our outdoor programs include games and hiking in the 371-acre park.

Wilson Botanical Gardens
Trails
Garden trails on 6 acres of property. Most are crush and run, grass and mulch. Most are wheelchair accessible. Easy walking.
Exhibit Areas
4H and Youth Garden grows seasonal vegetables. There is also an herb garden under construction.