Trail Towns: Richlands, North Topsail Beach, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge
Onslow County is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse trails and stunning coastal beauty. With comfortable temperatures, both land and water adventures are readily accessible. Lace up your boots and explore scenic shoreline trails or hit the pavement on Jacksonville greenways for cycling and leisurely strolls. For invigorating mountain biking, Big Branch Bike Park caters to all skill levels. With over 20 miles of uncrowded coastline, Onslow County boasts beautiful beaches. Enjoy the serene waters of North Topsail Beach or paddle to Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park, a naturally preserved beach. Whether hiking shoreline trails or paddling along the coast, visitors experience not just nature but a community devoted to safeguarding it. Local initiatives protect clean waterways, preserve marshlands and support wildlife. Onslow County welcomes you to explore its trails with purpose and leave with a greater connection to the land and its story.
in the Jacksonville Area
Onslow’s great outdoors offers a wide range of adventures rooted in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore Hammocks Beach State Park and Bear Island’s pristine beaches and backcountry trails, perfect for hiking and kayaking. Jacksonville’s paved Rails-to-Trails Greenway provides an accessible path for all, while Big Branch Bike Park challenges riders with diverse terrain. Paddle tranquil, wildlife-rich marshes or delve into history on the African American Heritage Trail. With public access to beaches and waterways, Onslow County — including Richlands, Jacksonville, Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, Holly Ridge and Sneads Ferry — invites you to explore, learn, and connect with our coastal towns.
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Paved Greenway
Paddling
Horseback Riding
Snorkeling
Fishing
Driving Tour
Cultural Or Walking Tours
Waterfall
Winter Activities
Important note: Accessible trails are highlighted in blue!
Trail name
Trail town
Activities
Hammocks Beach State Park Trails
Swansboro
Jacksonville Greenway Trail
Jacksonville
Big Branch Bike Park
Jacksonville
City of Jacksonville Blueway
Trail System
Jacksonville
Stones Creek Game Lands Trails
Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge
African American Heritage Trail
North Topsail Beach, Richlands
County Line Horse Trail Rides
Richlands, Beulaville
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preseve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a ENO double next hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.