Explore Martin Marietta Park

For New Bern’s newest and largest outdoor destination, Martin Marietta Park is a real treasure. Spanning 888 acres on the site of a former limestone quarry generously donated by the Martin Marietta Corporation, this expansive Craven County park opened to the public in 2022 and has quickly become one of the most beloved outdoor escapes in this part of eastern North Carolina. With more than seven miles of trails, an adventure playground, Neuse River paddle access, two fishing piers, and remarkable wildlife viewing, the park has redefined what a city park can be. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for the park before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Former Quarry Reborn as a Coastal Park

Martin Marietta Park has one of the most distinctive origin stories of any public park in this part of the state. The 888-acre tract was originally a working limestone quarry operated by the Martin Marietta Corporation. When the quarry’s working life came to an end, the company donated the land to the City of New Bern with the vision of transforming it into a major public park. After years of planning and development, the park opened to the public in 2022, instantly becoming the city’s largest green space and one of its most ambitious civic projects in decades.

The legacy of the quarry is woven into the park’s character. Several of the park’s most striking features — including its dramatic landscapes, deep water bodies, and elevated viewpoints — owe their distinctive shape to the years of quarry operations that came before.

Seven Miles of Trails, an Adventure Playground, and More

The headline draw at Martin Marietta Park is its remarkable network of more than seven miles of walking and biking trails. The trails wind through hardwood forest, along the edges of former quarry lakes, and out to scenic vantage points along the Neuse River. Several trails are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, making the park genuinely welcoming to visitors of all abilities. For a closer look at the trail network, see our hiker’s guide and the full list of trails at the park.

Beyond the trails, the park’s amenities make it a perfect destination for families. The adventure playground offers creative, kid-tested play areas built into the natural landscape, and picnic shelters scattered throughout the park give visitors comfortable spots to settle in for an afternoon.

Family-Friendly Amenities and the Story Walk Trail

One of the most beloved features for families is the Story Walk trail, a charming walking path designed especially for children. Along the route, panels mounted at child-friendly heights display pages from a featured picture book, encouraging young readers to follow the story as they walk. The featured book changes periodically, making each visit a fresh experience — and giving parents a simple, joyful way to combine reading and outdoor time in a single outing.

Wildlife Watching on the Neuse River

Martin Marietta Park’s location along the Neuse River makes it one of the best wildlife-watching spots in the New Bern area. Canoe and kayak access to the river gives paddlers a direct connection to one of eastern North Carolina’s most important waterways. Two fishing piers provide platforms for anglers, while quieter overlooks invite visitors to scan for birds and wildlife.

During our own visit, we spotted bald eagles, osprey, and herons — a remarkable trio in a single outing and a testament to the park’s varied habitats. Songbirds, turtles, and other small wildlife are also common, making this a genuinely rewarding stop for birding and nature observation throughout the seasons.

Good to Know

Size: 888 acres
Opened: 2022 (New Bern’s newest and largest park)
History: Former limestone quarry donated by the Martin Marietta Corporation
Trails: More than seven miles of walking and biking trails — see our hiker’s guide and list of trails for details
Family features: Adventure playground, Story Walk trail for children, picnic shelters
River access: Canoe and kayak launch on the Neuse River, two fishing piers
Accessibility: Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible paths
Wildlife sighted on our visit: Bald eagles, osprey, herons
Cost: Free
Best for: Families, hikers, paddlers, anglers, birdwatchers, and visitors of all ability levels
Pair with: A visit to Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park and a stroll through New Bern’s historic downtown
Located in New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

Martin Marietta Park is the kind of public space that fundamentally changes a city. The dramatic transformation from working quarry to thoughtful 888-acre park, the expansive trail system, the family-friendly amenities, the Neuse River access, and the genuine accessibility built into every corner all add up to something that locals have come to deeply love. Whether you’re spending a casual afternoon at the playground, paddling out onto the Neuse, walking the Story Walk trail with kids, or scanning the trees for eagles, this is one of the most rewarding outdoor stops you can make anywhere in New Bern.