Martin Marietta Park – Dragonfly Trail

For one of the most welcoming and accessible trails in Craven County, the Dragonfly Trail at Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, NC is a real gem. Set in the 888-acre former limestone quarry that has been transformed into one of the most distinctive parks in eastern North Carolina, this 2.9-mile loop offers a scenic, easy-walking experience punctuated by lakes, Spanish moss-draped trees, and the steady company of colorful dragonflies that give the trail its name. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the trail before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A 2.9-Mile Loop Through a Former Quarry

The Dragonfly Trail offers a flat, easy 2.9-mile loop that takes hikers, bikers, and trail runners through some of Martin Marietta Park’s most distinctive landscapes. The trail winds past the dramatic quarry lakes, through stands of Spanish moss-draped trees, and out toward views of the nearby Neuse River. It’s one of the most accessible long trails in the park — comfortable for casual walkers but long enough to give serious hikers and bikers a real workout.

The trail takes its name from the thousands of dragonflies that flutter along the path during warmer months — a vivid, colorful chorus that gives every visit a distinctly memorable character.

An Accessible Trail for All Visitors

The Dragonfly Trail features a gravel-and-sand surface designed for accessibility. Both wheelchairs and strollers can navigate most of the trail, though visitors should be prepared for a few sandy patches that may require careful steering or extra effort. Benches are positioned at regular intervals along the trail, offering plenty of opportunities to rest, take in the views, or wait out a sudden burst of dragonfly activity.

Leashed dogs are welcome, making this a popular trail for families bringing furry companions along for the walk.

One practical note: the trail offers limited shade, particularly in its open stretches near the quarry lakes. On sunny days, sunscreen, a hat, and water are essentials.

A Birdwatcher’s Delight

Beyond the dragonflies, the trail is one of the most rewarding spots in Martin Marietta Park for birdwatching. The combination of open water, wooded edges, and proximity to the Neuse River makes the Dragonfly Trail a magnet for wading birds, raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl. Quiet morning and evening walks tend to yield the best wildlife observations, with sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and other species reported regularly.

For visitors looking for a longer outing, the Dragonfly Trail easily connects to the Island Pond Trail — extending the route into one of the park’s most peaceful and rewarding combined trail experiences.

Good to Know

Length: 2.9-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain
Surface: Gravel and sand (mostly wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with a few sandy patches)
Trail name origin: Thousands of colorful dragonflies along the path during warmer months
Activities: Hiking, biking, trail running, birdwatching
Pets: Leashed dogs welcome
Amenities: Benches positioned along the trail
Shade: Limited — sunscreen, a hat, and water are recommended on sunny days
Views: Quarry lakes, Spanish moss-draped trees, and the nearby Neuse River
Pair with: A connecting walk on the Island Pond Trail for a longer outing, plus a visit to the park’s adventure playground and Story Walk Trail. See our hiker’s guide to Martin Marietta Park for the full trail network
Located inside Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, NC

A Martin Marietta Park Highlight

The Dragonfly Trail is the kind of stop that captures what makes Martin Marietta Park genuinely special — accessible to nearly every kind of visitor, scenic in every season, and rich with wildlife and natural beauty at every turn. The flat terrain, the distinctive quarry-lake views, the steady chorus of dragonflies, and the rewarding combination of solitude and easy access all add up to one of the most welcoming trail experiences anywhere in New Bern. Whether you’re walking with kids, biking with friends, birding at dawn, or just settling into a quiet afternoon loop, this is one of the most rewarding trails you can walk in Craven County.