OUTDOOR WELLNESS ADVENTURES IN WILMINGTON
Thanks to months of full-time sunshine, Wilmington and Wrightsville both enjoy moderate temperatures year-round. Unlike their northern neighbors, the winter months don’t mean spending days on end inside. Residents and visitors of both cities enjoy getting out all year long and savoring the fresh air and outdoor activities. The coastal shoreline continues to be a popular destination year-round, though it takes a brave soul to dip their toes in the water during Wilmington’s coldest months. A leisurely stroll along the area is a much better idea, preferably with a warm beverage in your hand. With the majority of Wilmington and Wrightsville outdoor leisure activities being available year-round, visitors and residents never have to worry about staying busy. The winter months do have some special outdoor wellness events that are always worth checking out.
RIVER TO THE SEA BIKEWAY
Get ready to strap on a helmet and get those legs turning as you make the 10-mile bike ride down the River to Sea Bikeway. Starting at Johnnie Mercer's Pier, make your way through the city to historic downtown Wilmington. You’ll pass the New Hanover County Arboretum along the way, if you want to take a break and wander through the seven acres of garden.
KAYAK IN GREENFIELD LAKE
Rent a kayak for an afternoon and make your way across Greenfield Lake. Located in Greenfield Park, the lake is a calm waterway that is full of dozens of bird species, and surrounded by Spanish-moss-draped cypress trees that are more than 100 years old. Both single and tandem kayaks are available, as are paddle boats and canoes.
HIKE AT CAROLINA STATE PARK
This large 761 acre park offers 8.5 miles of hiking spread across 9 trails, including two wheelchair accessible trails. The pet-friendly trails are all marked easy, and are designed for all ages. Cyclists share some of the trails with hikers. The Carolina State Park is home to the Venus flytrap, and known for habitats like Sugarloaf Dune, which once acted as a marker for river pilots.
ISLAND HOP
With barrier islands only a paddleboard ride away, the journey to the surrounding areas is just as much fun as your time on the island. Zeke’s Island Reserve can only be reached by kayak, canoe, boat or SUP. A shorebird habitat, the Reserve is designed to protect coastal habitats for research and education. Keep an eye out for white ibis, great blue herons, and more while there. Masonboro Island Reserve can be accessed by boat, kayak, or canoe. Explore the area’s protected habitats that are home to sea turtles, birds, and fish. Be mindful as you explore and observe salt marsh and tidal creek ecosystems.
