Waterfall Hero Hikes: Hoop Pole Creek Preserve

Hoop Pole Creek Preserve is a 31-acre maritime forest protected by the NC Coastal Federation in Atlantic Beach in Carteret County. Originally slated for development, the federation successfully contested the building permits and was able to purchase the land in 1997 with a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the first land purchased with the fund. Today, the preserve is open to the public with a short nature trail accessing the forest and sound.

Directions:

From Morehead City, take the Atlantic Beach Bridge across the sound to Atlantic Beach. In 1.6 miles, turn right on NC-58/Fort Macon Road. Drive 0.8 miles and turn right into the Atlantic Station Shopping Center.

Map:

Trail:

A half-mile (one way) trail leads from the east end of the parking lot. Initially on boardwalks, the trail changes to paved and leads out to a point where Hoop Pole Creek flows into Bogue Sound.

Wildlife:

Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) is common in the maritime forest. It's twisting branches allow the tree to survive harsh conditions on the coast.