Burlington Recreation and Parks logo

HIKING

The City Park Trail is an easy 1.8-mile loop that mixes gravel, sidewalk and asphalt while connecting many of Burlington City Park’s major areas. It passes ball fields, the dog park, amusement rides, natural areas, aquatic facilities and the tennis center, giving walkers a broad look at the park in one outing.

Hiking at Burlington City Park in Burlington, NC

Distance and Difficulty

The signed loop is 1.8 miles with about 65 feet of elevation gain and options to shorten or extend the route. The City describes it as suitable for all skill levels.

Surface and Navigation

Expect a combination of gravel, sidewalk and asphalt rather than a single uniform trail surface. Directional signs make the loop easy to follow.

Trailhead and Restroom

Trailhead parking is at 273 East Kitchin Street, near the corner of Mebane and Kitchin streets. A restroom is located near the trailhead parking and walking track.

Hours

The trail is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Morning and late-afternoon walks can offer cooler temperatures and softer light during warm months.

Families and Dogs

The route is stroller- and kid-friendly. Dogs are allowed when kept on a leash, and owners should bring waste bags and water.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for changing surfaces, and bring water, sun protection and insect repellent. After heavy rain, gravel and natural sections may be damp.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Click the link to visit the official website.

VISIT LOCATION PAGE

Click the link to visit the location page for this activity and learn all about the location.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION

Tennis at Burlington City Park in Burlington, North Carolina.

Tennis Burlington City Park NC

Twelve lighted Plexipave courts, lessons and year-round programs make Burlington Tennis Center a strong public place to play.

Pool at Burlington City Park in Burlington, North Carolina.

Pool Burlington City Park NC

Maynard Aquatic Center is temporarily closed throughout the 2026 summer season while its new enclosure is built; no firm reopening date has been announced.

Baseball at Burlington City Park in Burlington, North Carolina.

Baseball Burlington City Park NC

Burlington City Park’s five diamond fields support baseball practice, league play, tournaments and family visits near the park trail.

ACTIVITY AT OTHER LOCATIONS

Hard-bottom river tubes floating down the New River near Boone

HIKING HIGH MTN BANNER ELK NC

High Mountain Expeditions offers customizable half-day guided hikes from its Banner Elk Outpost, with possible routes along the Appalachian Trail, to mountain waterfalls and through other scenic parts of the North Carolina High Country. Current prices are $50 for adults and $40 for children, with a minimum age of three and routes ranging from approximately one to ten miles according to the group’s interests and ability.

VIEW ALL HIKING ACTIVITIES

View all the hiking activities and the locations that offer them.