Editor's Note: This area is recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. Please check local reports and forecasts before making travel plans.
For nature lovers, North Carolina truly contains multitudes. From tree-lined solitude in the mountain hideaway of Alpine Hamlet to year-round beach camping near Ocracoke Island, the Tar Heel State certainly provides when it comes to both scenic vistas and outdoor activities for both mountain and ocean fans. If you're looking for a relaxing, nature-oriented town away from the coast, Boiling Spring Lakes in Brunswick County offers a slower-paced setting, with ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Florence. Here, you'll be granted access to stunning views, wildlife spotting, and lakes within the city limits.
Not to be confused with the similarly named North Carolina towns of Boiling Springs or Spring Lakes, Boiling Spring Lakes is just under 25 miles from Wilmington. So to get here from further away, you'll most likely want to fly into Wilmington International Airport, which is served by major airlines including United, JetBlue, and Delta, among others. Or, if you're traveling by car, Boiling Spring Lakes is about two to three hours from Raleigh, depending on the route.
Lakes and Wildlife in Boiling Spring Lakes
The town's namesake spring still exists today, but unfortunately for curious visitors, it's situated on private property and therefore can't be viewed by the public. And Boiling Spring Lakes' Patricia Lake (also known as the Big Lake) — which is a whopping 275 acres in size – was heavily impacted by 2018's Hurricane Florence, as were many other lakes in the area. But if you're itching to lay eyes on some water, you've got other fantastic options.
Historically, there have been about 50 natural and man-made lakes in the area. Some lakes that hold water today include Tate Lake, Seminole Lake, Mirror Lake, and Spring Lake. The latter, in particular, is a popular spot and highly rated on Google. This sparkling body of water is accessible through Spring Lake Park, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There's also a boat launch for kayaks or motor boats. When you're ready to regain your land legs, enjoy a picnic — or the city's Free Concert Friday Music Series — at Spring Lake Park.
For scenic views, visitors should check out Boiling Spring Lake Preserve. Spanning more than 6,000 acres in total, the preserve offers avid wildlife spotters ample opportunity to commune with nature in the company of a vast array of flora and fauna, including orchids, rare plants, and even the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Whether you're interested in the wildlife or simply the views, you're in for a treat here.
If you're still craving a trip to a spring after your time in this quiet coastal paradise, continue the North Carolina vacation with a visit to the aptly-named Blue Ridge Mountains resort town of Hot Springs.