Our Favorite Outdoor Activities Near New Bern
One of the best parts of retirement is having more time to enjoy the things you love — and maybe discover a few new interests along the way. For nature lovers, a retirement community in New Bern offers an especially appealing setting. With two rivers, coastal waterways, scenic trails and a national forest nearby, New Bern makes it easy to turn an ordinary afternoon into an outdoor adventure.
Whether you enjoy kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding or simply finding a peaceful place to take in the scenery, there's plenty to explore throughout eastern North Carolina. Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities near New Bern to inspire your next adventure.
1. Kayak the Trent and Neuse Rivers
With the Trent and Neuse rivers meeting in New Bern, the area is a natural destination for anyone who enjoys being on the water. Kayaking offers a wonderful way to experience the region's coastal beauty, whether you're an experienced paddler or trying the activity for the first time.
You can enjoy a leisurely paddle along calmer stretches of water, look for birds along the shoreline or explore quiet creeks and coves. Local launch sites, including Lawson Creek Park and Martin Marietta Park, make it easy to access the water and plan an outing. For those who want to explore beyond the rivers, nearby lakes and waterways offer even more possibilities.
Paddling can also be a social activity. Invite a friend, join a local group or make a day of exploring a new route together. It's an enjoyable way to stay active while appreciating the natural surroundings.
2. Explore the Brice's Creek Saltwater Trail
For a particularly memorable paddling experience, consider exploring the Brice's Creek Saltwater Trail in Croatan National Forest. This distinctive trail stretches nearly 100 miles through the forest's coastal environment, offering opportunities to experience its wildlife, waterways and plant life.
Unlike a traditional hiking trail, this saltwater route is explored by kayak or canoe. Along the way, paddlers can discover secluded areas, coastal marshes and quiet stretches of water. Keep an eye out for native plants, wading birds, ospreys and other wildlife that call this ecosystem home.
You don't have to tackle the entire trail to enjoy it. Choosing a shorter section can make for a relaxing morning or afternoon outdoors. The experience is especially appealing to anyone who appreciates peaceful surroundings and the chance to observe nature at a slower pace.
3. Hike the Trails of Croatan National Forest
If you prefer exploring on foot, Croatan National Forest offers a remarkable variety of coastal landscapes. As the only true coastal national forest in the eastern United States, Croatan features pine forests, saltwater estuaries, wetlands and pocosins (elevated swamp habitats).
Several hiking and walking trails provide opportunities to experience these environments. The Neusiok Trail is a longer option for hikers looking for a more challenging outing, while shorter routes around the region offer opportunities for a leisurely nature walk.
The forest is also home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, wild turkeys, ospreys, wading birds and alligators. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will find plenty to appreciate, from birds soaring above the waterways to the distinctive vegetation found in coastal wetlands.
Not every outdoor adventure needs to be strenuous. A short walk, a quiet place to observe wildlife or a picnic surrounded by trees can be just as rewarding.
4. Go Horseback Riding Along Cedar Island
For a different kind of coastal adventure, head toward Cedar Island, where horseback riding offers a memorable way to experience the shoreline. Cedar Island Ranch provides guided beach rides that let participants enjoy the sand, water and expansive coastal scenery from horseback.
Whether you are an experienced rider or prefer a slower, leisurely outing, riding along the beach offers a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty. Depending on the experience selected and riding ability, there may even be opportunities to venture through shallow water toward Sandy Shoal.
Cedar Island is also a gateway to the Outer Banks, making the area a worthwhile destination for a day trip. It's a reminder that active retirement doesn't have to mean repeating the same activities. Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from trying something entirely new.
5. Discover More Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors
Kayaking and hiking may be among the area's highlights, but they are far from the only ways to enjoy New Bern's natural surroundings. Consider adding a few of these activities to your list:
- Birdwatching: Visit Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park or Glenburnie Park to look for coastal birds and enjoy a peaceful walk.
- Cycling: Explore local routes or ride sections of the East Coast Greenway.
- Fishing: Spend an afternoon casting a line from a boat, pier or designated fishing area.
- Golf: Enjoy a round at one of the area's golf courses, including the championship course at Carolina Colours.
- Nature photography: Capture the rivers, marshes, wildlife and changing coastal landscapes.
- Camping: Plan an overnight getaway at a nearby campground and enjoy a little more time immersed in nature.
If you're looking for even more inspiration, explore our list of 25 new hobbies to try in your first year at Brice Pointe. From kayaking and sailing to gardening and birdwatching, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your free time.
Make Outdoor Adventure Part of Your Retirement
A fulfilling retirement is about having the freedom to spend your days in ways that bring you joy. For some, that means starting the morning with a walk. For others, it might mean learning to kayak, exploring a new hiking trail or planning a weekend horseback riding excursion.
Brice Pointe is nestled in New Bern, close to the Neuse River and less than 15 minutes from some of the beautiful lakes within Croatan National Forest. As a future Life Plan Community, Brice Pointe will offer maintenance-free independent living and opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of eastern North Carolina, along with a full continuum of care as residents' needs change.
The surrounding area is just one of the reasons to look forward to living in New Bern. With waterfront recreation, scenic trails and outdoor destinations close by, there's always another opportunity to get outside and try something new.
Ready to picture your next chapter? Attend an upcoming Brice Pointe event to learn more about the active retirement lifestyle coming to New Bern. Your next favorite outdoor adventure may be closer than you think.