If you’ve ever visited or lived in Wrightsville Beach, chances are you’ve heard about "The Loop." This 2.5-mile pathway is a cultural touchstone and a way of life for both locals and visitors.
Whether you’re catching up with a friend, walking your dog, or simply soaking in some sun on your work break, the Loop embodies the spirit of the Wrightsville Beach community.
A Historical Path Through the Heart of WB
The Loop traces its origins to Wrightsville Beach’s town center, forming a roughly triangular route that passes through some of the island’s most notable landmarks. Starting and ending at Causeway Drive, this trail wraps around North Lumina Dr and Salisbury St, crossing the picturesque Banks Channel along the way.
Along the route, you’ll find attractions like the Wrightsville Beach Park, with its tennis and basketball courts, playground, and the WB Museum of History; the Arboretum, Farmer’s Market (in season), and numerous beach access points. Every step on the Loop reveals what gives Wrightsville its coastal charm.
An Integral Part of the Local Lifestyle
For locals, the Loop is a daily ritual. No matter the season, time, or weather, you’ll see people going for a walk or jog. Familiar faces become a part of the experience! It’s a place where people of all ages and walks of life converge, whether it’s a morning power walk or a sunset stroll.
The Benefits of Getting Outside and Walking:
Walking is great for physical fitness, but it also has many mental benefits. Here’s what spending time outdoors and engaging in regular walking routines can help, according to this Harvard Health Publishing Article:
-
Counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes. Harvard researchers looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much these genes actually contribute to body weight. Among the study participants who walked briskly for about an hour a day, the effects of those genes were cut in half.
-
Helps tame a sweet tooth. A pair of studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations. And the latest research confirms that walking can reduce cravings and intake of a variety of sugary snacks.
-
Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers already know that any kind of physical activity blunts the risk of breast cancer. But an American Cancer Society study that zeroed in on walking found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week. And walking provided this protection even for the women with breast cancer risk factors, such as being overweight or using supplemental hormones.
-
Eases joint pain. Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place. Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.
-
Boosts immune function. Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder.
The Wrightsville Beach Loop is a lifestyle, a tradition, and a testament to the town’s vibrant community. For locals, it’s a beloved daily routine. For visitors, it’s a must-experience glimpse into the heart of Wrightsville Beach.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, stepping onto The Loop instantly makes you part of a larger story—a story of health, connection, and the timeless beauty of coastal life.
So, next time you’re in Wrightsville Beach, lace up your sneakers, grab a friend (or your dog), and head to The Loop. You’re not just going for a walk; you’re participating in a tradition that has shaped the fabric of this vibrant coastal town.
xx,
Lindsay