Greenfield Lake Park
Greenfield Lake Park is a beautiful city park located just a couple miles from Historic Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The park features a flat four mile walking and biking path which weaves its way around the lake back to the main parking area. Greenfield Lake is a popular fishing spot for locals who frequently congregate at the spillway at the southwestern corner of the lake. Residents and vacationers can also get out on the water via multiple boat launches located around the lake.
There are canoe and paddle boat rentals, run by volunteers from the Cape Fear River Watch, located next to the main parking area. There are also tennis courts and restroom facilities close to the park’s main entrance.
Kids Activities – Why They’ll Dig It
Kids love the Greenfield Lake Park for its multiple playgrounds, skateboard park, and picnic areas and the chance to see lots of turtles, birds, and the occasional alligator.
It Really is Beautiful
We love Greenfield and have spent many a day circling the lake on our bikes, running, fishing, and just relaxing in the shade. If you are in Wilmington when the azaleas are in bloom, Greenfield Lake is a must-see. If you\’re short on time or energy, you can drive around the lake. It’s unbelievably beautiful and supposedly the inspiration for starting the Azalea Festival in Wilmington. Our family moved here from Vermont back in 2005 and I can still recall the first time we walked around Greenfield in April. The colors were so vibrant it did not seem real.
A Brief History of Greenfield Lake
According to Cape Fear River Watch’s website, Greenfield Lake was built in the 1730’s by Dr. Samuel Green to help with rice production. In the early 1900’s the lake became a popular recreation destination for swimming and boating and there was once an amusement park on the park land. In 1925 the city bought the land for $25,000.
Greenfield Grind Skate Park
Greenfield has a great 9,000 square foot skate park which is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 10:00 PM. And, Sunday from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. (according to the city’s website).
Here are a couple of videos featuring the park:
Greenfield Lake Boat Rentals
You can rent canoes, paddleboats, and kayaks from the Cape Fear River Watch. You\’ll want to park in the main parking area and walk directly toward the lake to find the boathouse. The cost is $10/hr per boat (subject to change) and the service is open from 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. from January through November – weather permitting.
Safety Recommendations
Park in the main parking area and lock your vehicle as you will hear of occasional stories about car break-ins. You may want to walk, bike, or run with a companion as the trail is not very crowded in certain areas.
Directions to Main Parking Area
From downtown Wilmington, head south on 3rd Street (aka 421) toward the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Keep going straight for a couple of miles. Make a left onto Greenfield Street. Take your next right onto Simon Street. Right onto Willard. Take left left into the main parking area.
Directions to Main Boat Launch
From downtown Wilmington, head south on 3rd Street (aka 421) toward the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Keep going straight for a couple of miles. The road will eventually wind around to the left and it becomes Carolina Beach Road. As you wind around the turn make sure to get into the left lane as you make your first left onto West Lakeshore Drive. The boat launch is just a head on your left.
Contact Greenfield Lake Park
Looking to make a reservation or have questions about Greenfield Lake Park? You can reach the Wilmington Parks Department at (910) 341-7582 or online here.
