Carolina Beach on Two Wheels: Biking Tours and Trails to Explore

 

Carolina Beach is well-known for its stunning coastline, charming boardwalk, and endless outdoor adventures. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this coastal destination is by hopping on a bike and exploring its scenic routes. From leisurely beach rides to more challenging trails, biking in Carolina Beach offers a unique and immersive way to enjoy the natural landscape. Whether you're staying at one of the beach resorts in North Carolina or just visiting for the day, there's no better way to get around than on two wheels.

Here’s a guide to the best biking tours and trails to explore in and around Carolina Beach.

1. Carolina Beach Greenway

If you're looking for a relaxed, scenic ride that showcases the beauty of the area, the Carolina Beach Greenway is an excellent choice. This paved path winds through the town, offering easy access to parks, beaches, and local attractions. The Greenway is perfect for casual riders, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful ride. You can start your journey near Mike Chappell Park and ride through to Lake Park, where you can take a break and enjoy the serene views of the lake.

The flat terrain and well-maintained path make this trail accessible to all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just renting a bike for the afternoon, the Carolina Beach Greenway is a great way to explore the area.

2. Kure Beach Bike Routes

Just a short ride south of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach is another fantastic spot for cycling enthusiasts. With quiet streets and beautiful ocean views, biking through Kure Beach is both relaxing and picturesque. The town offers designated bike routes, making it easy to navigate and stay safe on your ride.

One popular route takes you along Fort Fisher Boulevard, where you can ride past beach houses, local shops, and stretches of pristine shoreline. Be sure to stop at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for a scenic break. If you're staying at one of the Kure Beach hotels, you’ll find that most of the biking routes are easily accessible, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you ride.

3. Carolina Beach State Park Trails

For those seeking a more adventurous biking experience, Carolina Beach State Park offers several off-road trails that wind through dense forests, salt marshes, and along the Cape Fear River. These trails provide a different perspective of the coastal environment, with opportunities to see native wildlife and unique plant species, including the famous Venus flytrap.

One of the most popular trails in the park is the Sugarloaf Trail, a moderately challenging 3-mile loop that takes you to the top of Sugarloaf Dune. This vantage point offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it well worth the effort. While the park's trails are primarily for hiking, many are open to cyclists who enjoy navigating through the park’s natural beauty.

4. Pleasure Island Loop

For experienced cyclists looking for a longer ride, the Pleasure Island Loop offers an extended route that takes you through both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, offering a comprehensive tour of the entire island. This loop is roughly 12 miles long and takes you along the ocean, through the towns, and past several local attractions.

Starting in Carolina Beach, you can ride south through Kure Beach and continue towards the Fort Fisher Historic Site. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the best beach resorts in North Carolina and quiet residential streets, all while enjoying unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a route that combines both leisure and challenge, the Pleasure Island Loop is a must-try.

5. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Located at the southern end of Pleasure Island, the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a great destination for bikers. This area offers a scenic trail that follows the coastline, offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby salt marshes. The ride down to Fort Fisher is smooth and relaxing, making it ideal for riders who want a quiet escape into nature.

While biking through Fort Fisher, you can explore the area's historical landmarks, including the remains of a Civil War fort. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Fort Fisher an interesting stop on your biking tour. If you're up for a longer adventure, you can continue biking south and take the ferry across to Southport for a full day of exploration.

6. Bike Rentals and Guided Tours

If you don't have your own bike, don't worry—Carolina Beach is home to several rental shops that offer a wide range of bikes, from beach cruisers to mountain bikes. Many of these shops are conveniently located near beach resorts in North Carolina, making it easy to grab a bike and hit the trails right away. For those new to the area, guided biking tours are also available, providing a fun and informative way to explore Carolina Beach and beyond.

Guided tours are great for beginners or anyone looking to learn more about the history and culture of the area while enjoying a scenic ride. Experienced tour guides will take you through the best spots, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems along the way.

7. Family-Friendly Biking

Carolina Beach is an excellent destination for family biking. The flat terrain, safe paths, and numerous parks make it easy for families to ride together and enjoy the outdoors. Many of the trails, like the Carolina Beach Greenway, are stroller-friendly and suitable for riders of all ages. Bike rental shops often offer child-friendly equipment, including bike trailers and tandem bikes, ensuring that even the youngest family members can join in the fun.

With plenty of picnic spots, playgrounds, and scenic viewpoints along the way, a family biking trip in Carolina Beach is a perfect way to create lasting memories.

Conclusion

Exploring Carolina Beach by bike is one of the best ways to experience everything this coastal town has to offer. From relaxing rides along the shore to challenging trails in state parks, there’s something for every type of cyclist. Whether you're staying at Golden Sands Hotel or one of the many other Kure Beach hotels, you'll find that Carolina Beach’s bike-friendly routes make it easy to get around and discover new places at your own pace.

So, the next time you're at Carolina Beach, consider trading in your car for a bike and embark on an unforgettable adventure, enjoying the ocean views, fresh air, and peaceful trails. It’s an eco-friendly and fun way to explore this beautiful coastal destination.

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