Trail Towns: South Mills, Camden, Shiloh
Tucked away in the northeastern region of NC lies a rural area, home to a collection of unincorporated small towns, such as South Mills, Camden and Shiloh. Shop at roadside markets, carry home vintage treasures, grab some local eats and explore the surrounding nature. Dip your paddle into the silent, tea-colored waters of the Dismal Swamp Canal or bike more than 20 miles of old logging trails throughout the Dismal Swamp State Park. Local parks with inclusive playgrounds, scenic boardwalks and idyllic country roads offer incredible opportunities for photography, hiking and birding. Today, the Dismal Swamp is a designated site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, African American Experience of Northeast NC, NC Civil War Trails, NC Birding Trail and part of the East Coast Greenway. Stay awhile at one of the local vacation rentals or North River Campground.
in the South Mills Area
The Dismal Swamp State Park is the largest remaining swamp in the southeastern US and home to hiking and biking trails. The park’s boardwalk and Visitor Center are ADA accessible, offering an interactive museum, wildlife exhibits, picnic tables, restrooms and interpretive signs. Adjacent to the park sits the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, a three-mile paved trail, great for wildlife photography. A visit to the area would not be complete without experiencing the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. An alternate route of the Intracoastal Waterway, the canal is the oldest man-made waterway in the country and enjoyed by paddlers and boaters year-round.
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
Dismal Swamp State Park
South Mills
Dismal Swamp Canal
South Mills
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
South Mills
African American Experience of
Northeast North Carolina
South Mills, Shiloh
Camden Senior Trail
Camden
NC Birding Trail
South Mills, Camden
East Coast Greenway
South Mills, Camden
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.
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