Martin Marietta Park – Explorer Trail

For one of the most scenic, family-friendly trails in Craven County, the Explorer Trail at Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, NC is a real gem. This 2.3-mile path winds through the former limestone quarry that has been transformed into one of the most distinctive parks in eastern North Carolina — and along the way, it delivers some of the most stunning views of the park’s largest lake. 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 2.3-Mile Path with Lake Views

The Explorer Trail offers a flat, easy 2.3-mile route that takes hikers, bikers, and trail runners through some of Martin Marietta Park’s most scenic landscapes. The path follows the edge of the park’s largest lake for much of its route, with two wooden observation platforms and a dedicated observation area positioned at the best vantage points to take in the lake and watch for wildlife along the water’s edge.

The trail is one of the most accessible long routes in the park — comfortable for casual walkers and families, but long enough to feel like a real outing.

Accessibility and Trail Surface

Most of the Explorer Trail features a gravel-and-sand surface designed for accessibility. Both wheelchairs and strollers can navigate most of the trail, though one section has a grassy surface that can be quite tall depending on when it was last mowed — something to keep in mind for visitors using wheels or with mobility considerations.

Benches are scattered along the path for rest stops, and the trail is dog-friendly, welcoming leashed pets. One practical note: the Explorer Trail offers limited shade for most of its length, particularly the lake-adjacent stretches. On sunny days, sunscreen, a hat, and water are essentials. The good news: the trail leads to a picnic shelter and playground that offer some welcome sun protection and a great place to take a break, especially with kids.

Wildlife and Lake Watching

The Explorer Trail’s combination of lake views, wooden observation platforms, and quiet stretches makes it one of the best trails for wildlife watching in Martin Marietta Park. Wading birds, raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl are all common sights along the route, particularly during morning and evening walks. Bald eagles, osprey, and herons are regular visitors to the park — and the Explorer Trail’s lake-edge vantage points are some of the best places to see them.

Connecting with the Park’s Wider Trail Network

The Explorer Trail is part of an interconnected network that makes it easy to extend a visit. The trail is separated by the Story Walk Trail, which picks up on the opposite side — making it possible to weave a family-friendly literacy walk into the longer outing.

For visitors looking to extend their hike, the Explorer Trail also connects with the Dragonfly Trail — combining the two creates one of the most rewarding longer outings anywhere in the park.

Good to Know

Length: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain
Surface: Mostly gravel and sand (wheelchair- and stroller-friendly); one grassy section that may be tall when not recently mowed
Views: The park’s largest lake, with two wooden observation platforms and a dedicated observation area
Activities: Hiking, biking, trail running, birdwatching
Pets: Leashed dogs welcome
Amenities: Benches along the path; leads to a picnic shelter and playground
Shade: Limited — sunscreen, a hat, and water are recommended
Wildlife to watch for: Wading birds, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl; bald eagles, osprey, and herons are regular park residents
Pair with: A connecting walk on the Story Walk Trail or the Dragonfly Trail for a longer outing. 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 Explorer Trail is the kind of trail that rewards every kind of visitor. The lake views, the observation platforms, the wildlife watching, the accessibility, and the seamless connection to the rest of the park’s trail network all add up to one of the most consistently enjoyable outdoor experiences anywhere in New Bern. Whether you’re walking with family, biking with friends, settling in for a peaceful afternoon at the observation area, or stringing it together with the Story Walk or Dragonfly trails for a longer day out, this is one of the most rewarding trails you can walk in Martin Marietta Park.