Wilmington, NC is a great place for outdoor activities, especially in the summertime. Warm sunny days paired with breezes from the ocean and the river are perfect for running and jogging. Whether you prefer to get your exercise with a running partner, a furry four-legged friend, or prefer to hit the pavement solo, Wilmington has plenty of great trails for you to check out. Here are the the top running spots in Wilmington, NC.

Top 5 Running Spots in Wilmington, NC


1. The Loop

The John Nesbitt Loop in Wrightsville Beach is better known as Òthe loopÓ by locals. This trail is about 2.45 miles long and crosses over Banks Channel. The Loop is frequented by walkers, runners, and cyclists, and is a great place to walk or run with your dog.

Bonus: You can cool off in the ocean after your run! You could even do these 5 easy yoga poses on the beach as a cool down stretch. 

2. Halyburton Park

A quiet park off of 17th and bike trail that is also handicap accessible. This beautiful trail passes by gardens and the park itself is part of a nature preserve. Because of itÕs close proximity to the hospital and many business establishments, Halyburton Park is a great place to go for a jog in the middle of the workday.

3. UNCW

The cityÕs local university, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington contains plenty of sidewalks that connect the buildings on this large central campus. For a more concentrated running path, you can take advantage of the track field. There is relatively little traffic to worry about after classes end for the day and the campus is well lit making it easy to navigate at night.

4. Hugh MacRae Park

Located in the center of Wilmington, Hugh MacRae Park has a network of sidewalks that lead around the edge of the park, as well as the playgrounds, fields, and the pond. The outer trail is about 1.5 miles. Come on a summer Saturday and youÕre likely to witness a wedding on your jog down by the pond! Ceremonies are frequently held at the park, and after observing the hundreds of acres of natural beauty at this park in the heart of Wilmington, we can see why.

5. Greenfield Lake Park

Enjoy a relaxing run around WilmingtonÕs only lake, located downtown a few blocks from the river. Cypress trees hang over the paved trail that circles around the perimeter of the lake. The trail is about 4.5 miles in total.

Running is a fun, easy way to take care of your health, but eating well also has a large impact on vitality. For a healthy lunch after your run, stop by the deli at Tidal Creek! We serve green smoothies and happiness daily. Check out the menu below!

 Click Here to See Menu

Photo Credit: Flickr