Explore the best rated trails in Ayden, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Jacksonville-Camp LeJeune Rail-to-Trails and Rail Switch Nature Trail . With more than 8 trails covering 21 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Small parking adjacent to new bridge middle school football field. Also park at middle school. 34.75177° N, 77.42777° W
I enjoyed the walk it is very scenic and it has plenty of greenery to view. I am from up North and enjoyed the trail. It is well marked and easy to follow.
Park in lot down towards the back ball fields at Elm Street park to get in. Short dirt path gets you directly on. Plus there’s public restrooms at that lot. Well paved. Clearly marked. Great path culture among walkers and bikers. Only a few stops for streets that are very pedestrian/biker friendly with the flashing blinkers. Traffic openly stopped both times. Shade trees also no the whole way. Great river side breeze from the tar river. There’s a leash free dog park near the end of the park that we found a pavilion to enjoy snacks we packed. Great playground at elm street to use as children’s incentive to play at after biking. Lol. Ours four year old loved it. The path has pleasant hills (for enc) and gentle curves to add variety . Good riding :)
The actual trail head is just beside the Jacksonville Station (it’s a bus transit station) 1300 N Marine Blvd Great place to park in the long term area and get on. Wonderful benches along the public side of the military base fence all along the trail. We took our four year old the whole way on his bike and enjoyed it. It was work on the way back, but good. Def park at the bus station.
Another place to park and start the trail is at the new (old) Jacksonville Station on Marine Blvd. It has plenty of free parking and the trail passes right in front of the station. From there it is 4.9 miles to another public parking area just outside of one of the Camp Lejeune gates. At about the halfway point, just after crossing on the elevated pedestrian walkway you can take the side trail which takes you app. 3 miles to the Memorial Gardens . This whole section of the trail is well paved and well maintained.
I live in Rocky Mount and so many locals don't realize this trail connects many of the parks in the city. It is absolutely beautiful and very well maintained. They have added off path bike trails as well as a Frisbee golf course in Battle Park.
The trail is entirely grass, and I found it rough even with my fat tires. I definitely don’t have the soul of a mountain biker, so someone more adventurous (and younger) might be fine. The area itself has a lot of history, unfortunately, the Museum/Visitor Center was closed and appeared to be undergoing renovations. Not sorry we went. Just would have wished for a better trail. The trail signs were so faded as to be unreadable, which gives a feeling of neglect. ¿
Nice pathway along Tar River. Good historic markers
Start your ride or walk at the Memorials Parking Lot (do not ride bikes in the memorials) proceed on the bike path and board walks approx 2.5 miles to the tunnel on left, go through and join Rail Trail path, turn right an go 3.3 miles to Trail head, turn and return, go past the the tunnel & over bridge, proceed follow the trail all the way to the old town, follow to Riverwalk Park, and follow Bike signs to the riverfront an continue following signs past Stuggeon City Enviro education Ctr, you can go in if you wish, continue following bike path signs to Wilson Bay Park for a brief stop, then continue back to the Memorials parking lot, total miles, approx 17 miles.
Wonderful paved trail. Did see a Copperhead on the trail!!
Mostly flat, pleasantly curvy short ride while staying a night at a River and Twine little house. Short and sweet. There is clearly work in progress to extend the trail.
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