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Croatan National Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,438 Google reviews · Running trail in Havelock, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Croatan National Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Coastal pine forest featuring saltwater estuaries & bogs, campsites, trails & hunting areas.
What runners say about Croatan National Forest
“The trail and the grounds are well kept, and the restrooms are clean also!”
“Pet friendly, beautiful scenic views over the wetlands areas, and a great place to get pictures.”
“This trail is easy to navigate as it cuts straight through the middle of the park and is marked pretty clearly from the roads that intersect it.”
“It is great to be outdoors and explore the river and marshlands with all of the boardwalks over the marshes it is peaceful a d a great place for kids and dogs.”
Croatan National Forrest is a one-of-a-kind preservation of wilderness. It is made up of 159,591 acres of land that includes forests of pine trees, pocosin wet lands, tidal marshes, and of course, the Neuse River. This is an ideal place to fish as fishers can find both freshwater and saltwater life nearby.
Great place to get in a good walk. They have two trails, so you can take a longer or shorter walk. Pet friendly, beautiful scenic views over the wetlands areas, and a great place to get pictures. This place is pretty popular, and sometimes a little crowded.
Clean, well marked. Go early or on the off season, I imagine this path would get busy. Nice parking lot, clean bathroom. Campground adjacent.
Absolutely beautiful. Nice during low tide if you want to see the crabs. Easy trail. Parts are over the water. Excellent view.
Trail conditions & character
“Saw a woman who I think thought she was hidden from us that weirded me out a little, but other than that, nice views, equal shade and sun.”
“It is great to be outdoors and explore the river and marshlands with all of the boardwalks over the marshes it is peaceful a d a great place for kids and dogs.”
“The park is most well known for the Neusiok Trail, the Neuse River Loop Trail and the Island Creek Forest Walk.”
“Near to this easily accessible waterfront are picnic areas, restroom facilities, and the Flanners Beach Campground that I spent the night at.”
“It is great to be outdoors and explore the river and marshlands with all of the boardwalks over the marshes it is peaceful a d a great place for kids and dogs.”
“7 miles and runs in a circle, however, some have criticized that it is not as well marked so I would not recommend it for everyone.”
Plan your run at Croatan National Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance2.2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 252-638-5628
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Havelock
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Slocum Creek Recreation Area
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Island Creek Walk - Croatan National Forest Hiking Trail
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City Park
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Cottle Park
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