Located in Wilmington, NC, Long Leaf Park is a peaceful, natural urban refuge for locals and visitors alike. With over 200 acres of dense forests, grassy meadows, and ample recreation opportunities, this park is ideal for exploring and soaking in the city’s rich nature. To reach the park, follow Market Street in downtown Wilmington to the end. Once you turn onto Long Leaf Park Road, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a thick canopy of towering cypress and live oak trees. Across the street is the 158-acre Greenfield Lake, which sparkles with a brilliant blue-green hue. The park is divided into five main sections, each offering something unique and special. On the east side, there’s a large field perfect for open-air concerts, sporting events, and picnics. Also nearby is a playground and several trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. To the west, there’s a bird sanctuary and a dog park with plenty of open space for playing fetch. This part of the park also features a 1.5-mile paved loop popular among walkers and runners. Information can be found here.
In the center of the park, visitors can find several unique attractions. First, there’s a picturesque arena with plenty of seating, ideal for summer concerts or other performances. There’s also a winding path through a stream where you can search for turtles and other wildlife. And, of course, there’s the lake, which offers excellent fishing opportunities and a peaceful boat docking area. The park is also known for its botanical gardens, filled with vibrant flora and fauna. The Pittard and Mullet Garden is a favorite, designed in the early 1900s by two local brothers. But if you’re willing to venture deeper into the park, there are numerous additional gardens, each unique offering displays of native and non-native flowers, shrubs, and trees. There’s even a butterfly garden designed to attract native species, such as the black swallowtail and the monarch. No matter how you enjoy Long Leaf Park, it will provide many memories for years to come. With its spectacular scenery and ample recreational opportunities, this is one of the best places to get away from it all and appreciate the natural beauty of Wilmington, NC. See here for information about Family Fun at Empie Park.