Unwind and Explore: A Hiker’s Guide to Martin Marietta Park

Martin Marietta Park is one of North Carolina’s most distinctive city parks — a magnificent 888-acre destination along the picturesque Neuse River in New Bern, NC that has rapidly become a beloved escape for both locals and visitors. Once a working limestone quarry generously donated by the Martin Marietta Corporation, the property reopened in 2022 as one of the most ambitious civic projects in the city’s recent history — bringing more than seven miles of soft-surface, relatively flat trails alongside three large lakes, an adventure playground, two fishing piers, and direct paddle access to the Neuse River.

Each trail at Martin Marietta is built with families and accessibility in mind. From the literacy-focused Story Walk Trail developed with the Friends of the New Bern Public Library, to the lake-view-rich Explorer Trail with its two wooden observation platforms, to the pine-shaded quiet of the Island Pond Trail, to the 2.9-mile signature loop of the Dragonfly Trail, the park’s network gives every kind of visitor a way in. Add the genuine wildlife scene — we spotted bald eagles, osprey, and herons during our visit — and you’ve got one of the most consistently rewarding outdoor experiences anywhere in eastern North Carolina.

In this guide, we’ll walk through each of the park’s trails, what to expect, and how to plan the right hike for your visit. The images below are clickable, letting you view more photos and a YouTube video for each trail. If you’d rather see everything at a glance, our list of trails is also available in a table format. Happy adventuring!

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Table of Contents

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Dragonfly Trail

🌿 A scenic 2.9-mile loop rated easy by the park, winding through some of Martin Marietta’s most distinctive landscapes — past the dramatic quarry lakes, through stands of Spanish moss-draped trees, and out toward views of the nearby Neuse River.

🐉 Named for the thousands of colorful dragonflies that flutter along the path during warmer months — giving every visit a memorable character.

♿ A gravel and sand surface makes the trail accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some sandy patches may require careful navigation.

🐶 Dog-friendly — leashed pets are welcome, making this a popular trail for families bringing furry companions along for the walk.

🪑 Benches are positioned along the path for rest stops, with limited shade through much of the route — sunscreen, a hat, and water are recommended on sunny days.

🔗 Easily connects with the Island Pond Trail to extend your hike — one of the most rewarding combined outings in the park.

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Explorer Trail

🌳 A 2.3-mile path rated easy by the park, with stunning views of the park’s largest lake for much of the route.

🔭 Features two wooden observation platforms and a dedicated observation area — perfect vantage points for taking in the lake and watching for wildlife along the water’s edge.

♿ Mostly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with a mostly gravel and sand surface — though one grassy section can be tall depending on when it was last mowed, so plan accordingly.

🍽️ The trail leads to a picnic shelter and playground, making it a natural place to take a break — especially with kids.

🔗 Separated by the Story Walk Trail, which continues on the opposite side — making it easy to weave literacy into a longer outing.

➕ Can also be combined with the Dragonfly Trail for a longer hiking experience around the park’s western edge.

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Island Pond Trail

🌳 A scenic 1.75-mile loop rated easy by the park, with views of two of the park’s lakes along the route.

🌲 Features a unique wooded section lined with pine trees — a quiet, shaded corridor that sets this trail apart from the rest of the network. The change in scenery from open lake views to a cool, fragrant pine forest gives the loop satisfying variety.

♿ Mostly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers on its gravel and sand sections; the wooded portions transition to a natural surface of leaves and pine needles, which may pose a challenge for visitors using wheels.

🦅 Wildlife sightings are common — we spotted a bald eagle along the trail during our visit, with osprey, herons, and songbirds also regularly seen.

🪑 Benches are placed along the path for rest stops, and the trail is dog-friendly for leashed pets.

🔗 Easily connects with the Dragonfly Trail for an extended hike — one of the most rewarding combined experiences in the park.

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Story Walk Trail

📖 A half-mile loop that combines literacy with outdoor activity — featuring pages from a children’s book mounted at child-friendly heights along the path, allowing families to read a full story together as they walk.

📚 Developed in collaboration with the Friends of the New Bern Public Library — a meaningful community partnership that gives the trail real depth beyond the basic concept.

🔄 The featured book changes periodically, giving repeat visitors a fresh story with each new visit.

♿ Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible throughout, making this one of the most inclusive trails anywhere in the park.

🛝 Wraps around a pavilion and playground, making it a natural family hub — perfect for combining a Story Walk reading with playground time and a picnic.

🔗 Connects with the Explorer Trail for an extended outing that pairs literacy with broader park exploration.

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Final Thoughts

Martin Marietta Park is the kind of place that fundamentally changes a city’s relationship with the outdoors. The transformation from working limestone quarry to thoughtful 888-acre public park, the expansive trail network, the family-friendly amenities, the Neuse River access, the rich wildlife, and the genuine accessibility built into every corner all add up to something that locals have come to deeply love — and that visitors quickly come to understand.

Each trail at Martin Marietta plays its own role in that bigger story. The Story Walk Trail and Explorer Trail anchor the family experience near the pavilion and playground; the Dragonfly Trail and Island Pond Trail give serious hikers and birders the longer outings they’re looking for; and the seamless connections between trails mean you can shape your day to fit any pace. Whether you’re walking with kids, biking with friends, scanning the trees for bald eagles, or settling in for a peaceful afternoon at the lakes, the park gives you a different reason to come back every time.

Pack water, sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity — Martin Marietta Park rewards every visit.

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