Best Places to Run in Wilmington, NC
Favorite routes from WRRC members, from beach loops to shaded trails. Tap any map to get directions.
Have a route we should add? Email wilmingtonroadrunners@gmail.com
2.45 miles · Flat · Sidewalk
Wilmington's most popular running route. A flat loop on sidewalks around the inner island at Wrightsville Beach, with views of the water the whole way. Park at Wrightsville Beach Park.
Map below: WRRC’s Saturday long run (10.4 mi) from Mayfaire out to Wrightsville Beach. It runs through Wrightsville Beach but isn’t the Loop itself.
Paved loop · Shaded
A paved path that circles the whole lake, shaded by cypress trees and Spanish moss. Keep an eye out for the resident alligators and turtles!
About 1.75 miles · Flat · Boardwalk
A boardwalk along the Cape Fear River through historic downtown. Add the downtown streets for an easy 3–5 miles, then grab a coffee.
Map below: WRRC’s Friday morning downtown route (6.1 mi) along the riverfront.
15 miles · Paved multi-use trail
Wilmington's off-road trail from Wade Park through Halyburton Park and Empie Park to the Heide-Trask Drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach. Perfect for long runs away from traffic.
1.3-mile trail loop · Soft surface
A 1.3-mile multi-use trail through longleaf pines, right on the Cross-City Trail. Great for easy days, and home of one of our Firefly 5Ks.
Sandy single-track trails
Winding trails through the woods along the Cape Fear River. A fun change of pace, and home of the WRRC Survival Run.
Track workouts
Where WRRC meets every Thursday at 6:00 PM for our group workout. All paces welcome.
Distances are approximate. Always run with traffic awareness and bring water in the summer heat!
Map below: WRRC’s Thursday track workout at UNCW.
