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Hanover Pines Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Running trail in Wilmington, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hanover Pines Nature Park'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.
Pet-friendly reserve for walking and biking, plus a large dog park and an owl-themed playground.
What runners say about Hanover Pines Nature Park
“Beautiful cypress trees (although I was surprised and disappointed that they saw into on to put in a bridge, esp when they could have just moved the bridge over 1').”
“No swings, currently no shade at the playground and sadly a decent walk to the restrooms.”
“The playground equipment is enviable to those of us who have aged out of playing but they are a well designed safe place for children of all ages.”
I am delighted by this new park. So thoughtfully planned and beautiful! I honestly had my expectations low and acceptance high, just grateful some nature was being preserved, but this park is magical. Something for everyone here and even my 10 yr old was able to enjoy the playground and excercise area.
Overall, great new park with a fun playground for all ages with a large owl play structure that includes a slide and climbing underneath/inside. Several nature inspired climbing ropes and structures and a large see-saw. No swings, currently no shade at the playground and sadly a decent walk to the restrooms.
Perfect walk for seniors. The paved trails offer a wonderful scenic walk through woods that are rapidly disappearing in our community. The old oaks preserved in one area are reminiscent of my youth growing up in the south Wilmington area playing games, fishing and some squirrel hunting in a big forest of scrub oaks…
Neat little park right off Carolina Beach Road. Lots of wide walking paths with wooden bridges. Beautiful cypress trees (although I was surprised and disappointed that they saw into on to put in a bridge, esp when they could have just moved the bridge over 1').
Trail conditions & character
“The dog park being on the opposite side of the park and have to walk them to it was such a wonderful design.”
“Beautiful cypress trees (although I was surprised and disappointed that they saw into on to put in a bridge, esp when they could have just moved the bridge over 1').”
“The park also had plenty of parking, two nice playgrounds, clean bathrooms, and a nice walking/running path.”
“The park also had plenty of parking, two nice playgrounds, clean bathrooms, and a nice walking/running path.”
“The paved trails offer a wonderful scenic walk through woods that are rapidly disappearing in our community.”
“No swings, currently no shade at the playground and sadly a decent walk to the restrooms.”
“The two dog parks are huge and have a water fountain.”
Plan your run at Hanover Pines Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenhcgov.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
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