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Places We Protect

Green Swamp Preserve

North Carolina

Close up of a Venus flytrap with an open and closed trap.
Green Swamp Preserve A trail through the forest at Green Swamp Preserve. © Skip Pudney

The Green Swamp is famous for its carnivorous plants and magnificent orchids.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has had to rescue several hikers from the Green Swamp Preserve. Please follow these recommendations to ensure your safety: Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, protect yourself from ticks and mosquitos and stay on the trail (marked with red diamonds). You can easily get lost if you leave the trail.

Visit the Green Swamp Preserve

  • The Green Swamp protects a beautiful Longleaf pine habitat full of unique plants, animals and history. Take your time while you walk through the forest. Look up, look around and to find Venus flytraps, look down.

    Venus flytraps can be found right on the side of the trail! So no need to wonder into the forest. During May and June, they are blooming and are easier to spot because you will see a white flowers on a stalk about 8-12 inches high. If you follow the stalk down to the ground you will find the flytrap! They are not very tall and are easily obscured by grass or other plants, showcasing the need for fire! When they are not flowering you will need to look more carefully for them.

    By looking carefully, you will also be able to find other small carnivorous plants such as sundews and bladdeworts.  

    Traveling with kids?

    Download the scavenger hunt activity for some family fun! 

  • Please Consider your physical condition when planning your hike. Download the preserve's map for better navigation.

    • Length of trail: 1.3 miles one way and 2.6 in and out.  

    • Surface type: The trail is mostly flat, with no significant steep slopes. The walking surface is uneven with dirt, grasses, and exposed roots. It can also get very mucky past shoestring savanna after heavy rain or wet periods.

    • Width: 2-3 feet

    • No bathrooms or benches on site.

    • Pets are allowed but must be always leashed.

  • Part of the Green Swamp is open to hunting during hunting season through the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission's Game Land Program. 

    Visit their website to learn more.

  • Green Swamp Ambassador Program

    Volunteer opportunity: We are looking for people with interest in the Green Swamp’s diverse habitat to lead walks in the preserve. Self-taught naturalists, birders, anyone with excitement and interest can volunteer.  

    Contact Michelle Ly: michelle.ly@tnc.org

    Fire in the pines 

    Fire in the Pines is the coolest educational festival dedicated to raising awareness about controlled burning in the long leaf pine ecosystem. We host a day of fun family activities, music, hay-rides, a control burn demonstration and delicious food. 

    Save the date: October 5th 2024 at Halyburton Park.

    Rain date: Oct. 12

    Learn more about this festival.

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  • Recently, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has had to rescue several hikers from the Green Swamp Preserve. To increase your safety and minimize disturbance to state protected and endangered species that call the preserve home, please follow these important guidelines: 

    • Walking trail only: no ATVs, bikes, horses or campfires.  Keep pets leashed.

    • Check the weather. In the summer the weather can be very hot and humid with heat indexes well into the 100s. It is vital that you bring water and plan for a trip in the morning or late afternoon these days. The Green Swamp has a remote automatic weather station (RAW) on site. This helps us determine the best day for a control burn and it can help you prepare for your trip!

    • No restrooms or trash cans available at the trailheads so plan ahead: pack it in, pack it out. 

    • Wear sturdy close-toed shoes; waterproof shoes are favorable. 

    • Protect yourself from ticks and mosquitos, which can spread illness.

    • Stay on the trail, which is marked with red diamonds. You can easily get lost if you leave the trail. You also harm sensitive habitat when you leave the trail.

    • Camping is not allowed. 

    • Overnight parking is not allowed.

    • The swamp can be buggy late May through the first frost. Consider wearing layers and bringing insect repellant.

    • The Green Swamp is a research site. If you see flagging, stakes or any other research materials please do not touch.

Quote: Debbie Crane

As a child I was obsessed with Venus flytraps. The idea of a plant eating a bug was just amazing to me. It still is. My favorite time to visit the Green Swamp is late May or early June when the flytraps are in bloom.

Communications Director, TNC in North Carolina