Nature Park

Address: 2601 River Road (NC 133), Winnabow, NC 28479

On HWY 133 just outside of Leland, NC is Brunswick Nature Park, which was created in 2004 by the Coastal Land Trust and Brunswick County. The park is located on 912 acres of undeveloped land and has several trails for the family and possibly your family pet to enjoy. While there aren’t playgrounds and more than one picnic shelter, there are several trails along wetlands and in the woods, so mama – BRING THAT BUG SPRAY.

As stated above, there are several trails; however, since the park is ran by volunteers, the signage isn’t the best. No trails are marked with mile markers, but benches are provided along the way and the trails are clearly established. We took the “Dogwood” trail and it was about a 2 mile hike into easy terrain – up and down small hills. This particular trail began at the “overlook” area and ended on the main road into the park.

Parking: Yes, 2 gravel parking lots
Restrooms: Yes, available near the main parking lot
Stroller friendly: No

The large picnic shelter offers a grilling station and is fairly large with 5 picnic tables. Overall, this is a great nature park! You can launch canoes and kayaks, hike, mountain bike or simply go to the overlook and then walk back to your car, which is around .5 mile there and back.

A nature park fit for the adventurous family or open space for your kids to play outside. I hope you enjoy this nature park and be sure to tag @wilmingtonmom when you check it out.
Your Friend, Amanda

Address: 580 River Rd SE, Leland, NC 28451

Located just out of Leland, NC on HWY 133 sits a hidden gem that we stumbled upon after visiting Brunswick Nature Park one afternoon. Brunswick Riverwalk Park is one of those parks that I could visit over and over again. I’d actually love to capture the sunrise here one morning because the views are just stunning.

The nature trail offers a wide dirt pathway which leads to a long boardwalk overlooking the Cape Fear River. The boardwalk and trails are wide enough for a double stroller, so walking here with a friend would be a breeze! The park offers several covered picnic shelters, picnic tables, benches, a kayak launching ramp, two large wooden docks (one is a fishing pier) and two playgrounds. There is even an open air education building used by the county, which is sponsored by Duke Energy.

Parking: Yes, large paved lot
Restrooms: Yes (to the right of the parking lot)
Stroller Friendly: Yes! (Make it a double)

Tucked near the waters edge on the right side of the park is a special memorial honoring area Veterans.

It’s always nice to be immersed in the outdoors and this smaller park does just that. We walked about 2 miles total and really enjoyed it! The nature trail is covered by large oak trees and the park is shaded for the most part as well. To top it all off, there is a local farmer’s market with produce and a local seafood company right in the parking lot.

Mini History:

From what I’ve read, the 22-acres of land was once a rice plantation and was purchased in 2013 by the County of Belville. Joe Breault, a former Commissioner, was the advocate for making this land a recreational attraction for public residents to enjoy. The county has plans for expanding the park down the riverfront, one day, adding an ice cream shop, a bait and tackle store and/or a sandwich shop. In 2018, Hurricane Florence hit the park and the county had to repair a good portion of the boardwalk, which set back the plans for expansion.

This park is truly is a hidden gem that I am happy to share with you, friend. Enjoy watching dragonflies, orbit spiders and birds over the river with your family. Please share your photos with me on Instagram by tagging @wilmingtonmom. Have fun!
Your Friend, Amanda