Hiking is great way to truly appreciate the natural beauty spots of North Carolina, from beaches to the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing visitors access to areas they would be unable to experience from a car. Leland, North Carolina, is in the Cape Fear region and sits on the Brunswick River. Around half an hour away from the coast, the town also is within driving distance of many lakes and national state parks. Hiking in the area is a pursuit that can be pursued alone, following existing trails, or with one of the many clubs based in North Carolina.
Hiking Clubs in North Carolina
Hiking clubs abound in North Carolina, although most are located in the mountainous areas to the west. Keen hikers in Leland can join some of these organizations, but they might be expected to travel to other areas of the state. Hiking clubs often provide directions, maps and ratings for their walks and, if you can't make it on the day, these instructions might be posted online, allowing you to enjoy the trail independently at a later date.
Carolina Mountain Club
The Carolina Mountain Club claims to be the oldest hiking club in western North Carolina. It aims to teach its members about walking, maintenance and trail building during the 175 events it organizes each year. Nonmembers wishing to join the club on a scheduled hike are required to contact the leader of the walk beforehand. Once a member, you will have the chance to arrange a group walk yourself.
Bear Creek Hiking Club
Bear Creek Hiking Club is based in Robbins and often organizes walks in national state parks, nature preserves and national forests as well as living history farms and urban areas. The group asks that people intending to join them on their treks call and register with the trail coordinator first.
Piedmont Hiking & Outing Club
The Piedmont Hiking & Outing Club is located in the Greensboro area, however, the walks it organizes are not always situated in this same region, with some treks based in Virginia. The walks arranged by the group can be between 3 to 20 miles long, and other events such as dinner outings, canoeing and ski trips also are organized by the club.
Nature Preserves Near Leland, North Carolina
There are plenty of trails to follow in Brunswick County, where Leland is located. Exploring the local nature preserves could be a good start. If you cannot find a hiking club in the region, you can organize your own walk by following recommended direction and maps.
The Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve
The Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve is open every from dawn until dusk and contains two self-guided routes called the Troy Henry Learning Trail and the David Sieren Learning Trail. Brochures including maps are available on-site.
Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve
The Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve is an area of more than 5,000 acres that is home to hundreds of plant species, some of which are rare. A nature trail runs through the site, beginning at the community center then following a circular route through xeric sandhills and pond pine woodland. [RES 2 - see link at bottom of page]
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