Nature Preserve

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: 10200 US-17, Wilmington, NC 28411 (Scotts Hill/Porter’s Neck/Hampstead area)

Located off of US-17 between Hampstead and Porter’s Neck area of Wilmington is Poplar Grove Plantation, known for it’s weekly Farmer’s Market and history which is open to the public for tours. Beside the plantation sits a gravel parking lot that welcomes guest visiting the Abbey Foy-Moore Nature Preserve, which was property donated back in 2008, 62-acres in fact, to the North Carolina Land Trust.

There are several trails that lead to a large pond and dam. This is a great place to take your dog for a run (I know people do that. Not me.) or take your kids on a walk. We typically walk about 2 miles and I carry our little one in a baby carrier. Some trails are stroller-friendly, but it’s much easier to navigate without as the trails are not paved.

Parking: Yes, a large gravel parking lot
Restrooms: Not Available
Stroller Friendly: Not really

Don’t forget the bug spray and watch out for wildlife!

On the weekends this nature preserve gets pretty busy. I recommend to plan your first trip here during the weekday during work hours or after work one afternoon.

If you like being in nature and looking for a nice walk, I highly recommend this nature preserve! Enjoy the trails and if you snap a photo of the pond, tag @wilmingtonmom on instagram.
Your Friend, Amanda