Hidden Sanctuaries & Gems in Carolina Beach, NC

Venus Flytraps

Carolina Beach State Park covers 761 acres and contains more than a dozen diverse habitats with unique flora like pitcher plants, sundews, bladderworts, butterworts and the star of the show: the Venus flytrap. Admire this iconic plant predator, which grows wild only within a 60-mile radius of Carolina Beach, and other carnivorous plants in the park’s bog garden and along the half-mile Flytrap Trail. This wheelchair-accessible trail loops through pocosin wetlands and longleaf pine and wiregrass savanna communities. Join a park ranger for a free guided carnivorous plant hike. Check the park’s events schedule for upcoming hikes, which typically occur on Saturdays from spring through fall, as well as year-round special events like Flytrap Family Fun Day in March and Hike NC Earth Day Trail Hike in April.

Sugarloaf Dune

In addition to hiking trails, a marina and secluded camping areas, Carolina Beach State Park is also home to Sugarloaf Dune. Located near the bank of the Cape Fear River, this 50-foot sand dune is unique in its size and historical significance as an important navigational marker for seafarers since the 17th century. During the Civil War, the dune’s earthworks played a strategic part in the defense of the Port of Wilmington, and over 5,000 troops camped there during the siege of nearby Fort Fisher. The 3-mile Sugarloaf Trail, named one of Men’s Journal’s “15 Best Running Trails in America,” journeys through a coastal evergreen forest, tidal cypress-gum swamp and more. Hikers and trail runners can access the trail and its storied, towering dune year-round, and leashed dogs are welcome to join the adventure.

Four-Wheeling

Visit Freeman Park for a perfect spot for fishing, crabbing, swimming or boating. Located at the north end of Carolina Beach, four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted in the park with the purchase of a pass. Check the website for availability and additional information. This beachfront sanctuary recently received a $4 million North Carolina Land and Water Fund grant that will help preserve Freeman Park’s 300-acre natural habitat for future generations to enjoy.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in nearby Kure Beach is another prime spot for beach off-roading with required permits. Visitors can access the four-wheel-drive beach at Fort Fisher’s South End, which is home to 6 miles of protected beach, numerous wildlife species and a rare coquina rock formation visible at low tide.