Croatan Coast Hikes

On Saturday, we packed up Harper and Amaroq for a delightful beach weekend getaway along the North Carolina coast. Our first stop was the Cedar Point Recreation Area in Croatan National Forest, where we explored the stroller-friendly Tideland Trail. The boardwalks wound gracefully through a serene salt marsh, offering stunning views of the tidal flats and coastal grasses.

About halfway along the main loop, a magnificent Great Egret stood poised in the shallow water, its reflection mirroring perfectly below.

As we paused to capture the moment, a juvenile white ibis gracefully landed nearby, adding to the magic.

A short spur trail led us out to the edge of the White Oak River, where clusters of oyster reefs peeked above the surface.

Amaroq struck a classic pose for a quick photo before we completed the loop.

A few miles farther down the road, we pulled into Patsy Pond Nature Trail for another easy, scenic stroll.

Harper took the lead on this one, happily trekking along the sandy paths before settling in to play in the soft sand.

While she enjoyed her little beach break, Amaroq and I continued circling the pond on Blue Trail, soaking in the peaceful longleaf pine flatwoods and glimpses of the water, which was really low.

Once she was ready to move on, we popped her back into the stroller and wandered farther along the trails before heading back to the car.

By then, appetites were calling, so we headed to Morehead City for a delicious Mexican lunch at Costa Bonita, fresh, flavorful, and just what we needed. Feeling recharged, we crossed the bridge to Atlantic Beach. It was still a bit early to check in, so we parked near the circle and strolled east along the shoreline.

We passed under the pier and kept going, nearly reaching the distant silhouette of Fort Macon before turning back.

By the time we returned, check-in time had arrived at the Island Inn. After settling in, we headed right back to the beach to catch a breathtaking sunset.

Knowing rain was forecast for the next day, we wanted to savor every golden moment.

As the sky painted itself in vibrant hues, we lingered until the light faded, then returned to the hotel for a cozy evening.

A perfect day of nature, family, and coastal beauty!

Neusiok Hike

Sandy had to get back so we just went for a hike from camp on the Neusiok Trail.  The Newport River was looking scenic in the early morning light at the trailhead.

We followed the trail north as the sun began to rose.  It looked like one of the boardwalks that was crooked had been fixed since our last visit.

There were a lot spider webs for November, though after the trail crossed Mill Creek Road, it was more open.

After Alligator Tram Road, the trail got really overgrown and we only went about a mile before heading back.

Patsy Pond

Saturday, we took Alex out to the coast for some sandy hikes.  It was surprisingly warm for November, but lovely weather otherwise.  We first headed to Patsy Pond in Croatan National Forest.  We started off on the combined trails and split from blue and green onto yellow.  A spinybacked orbweaver made his web across the trail.

As the trail looped around, we went out to Lily Pond but there was almost no water.

A little further, we could go out to Patsy Pond.  As the larger pond, it had some water but the level was certainly low.

Continuing on, a spur split from the main loop to run close along the pond.

Eventually, we came to where a number of sandy old roads met up and went left on an unmarked trail for a short ways.  We found a nice log to sit on and have a snack.  There were a lot of birds around here.  I was quick enough to get a shot of a myrtle warbler.

On the way back, we took the Blue Trail out to see Patsy Pond from the other side.

The Green Loop ran around the other side of Lily Pond.

Despite being late in the year, I spotted a purple gerardia flower.

We finished up the Green Trail and took the combined trail back to the trailhead.

By the time we returned, the parking lot had mostly filled up.

From here, we headed over to Atlantic Beach and Fort Macon State Park.  Parking at the fort, we started on Elliott Coues Nature Trail.  A gulf fritillary butterfly was on the ground.

There was a cool Hercules' club tree along the trail.

We then passed the Coast Guard station and hiked through a maritime forest.  Eastern baccharis was flowering.

Along the trail were nice views of the salt marsh between the island and the mainland.

The trail alternated between trail and boardwalk.

In about a mile, we went out to the marsh overlook for a short break.  It was a little warm for Alex.  Too much vegetation here for much of a view, but there were some fiddler crabs in the mud.

Sandy spotted a grasshopper on a leaf.

As we continued on the trail, a light rain started.  A huge silk spider made a web above the trail but even I could walk under without getting webbed.

We crossed the street and got on the dune portion of the trail.  Near the end was a new overlook at the ruins of a World War II bunker used to protect the coast.

There were really nice views from here with Shackleford Banks way in the distance.

Some type of yucca was growing here.

We continued on the trail, finishing up the last short section.

Some dune camphorweed was flowering.

And there was lots of sea oats helping stabilize the dunes.

Out on the beach, we found a nice spot by the inlet to sit and enjoy the waves.  Alex was interested in the little sandpipers but soon he laid down for a nap.

After enjoying the beach, we headed into town for dinner at Idle Hour.  After dinner, we took Alex for a walk on the beach.  The sun was really cool behind the clouds.

Then, we headed to Oyster Point and set up camp for the evening.  They had cleared out a lot of trees around the campsites so it was much more open than on our previous visits.  The moon was almost full and we had a nice view from our campsite.

Croatan Forest Hike

Monday morning, we broke camp.  There was one section of the Neusiok Trail that I was still missing so we drove to Little Deep Creek Road (FR-169) and drove about three miles to a pull-off where the trail headed into the woods.  This section led through the forest and then bordered private property with a narrow canal along the property line.

The trail follows along the property line, eventually heading through a very swampy area.  A boardwalk helped get over some of the worst.

At Alligator Tram Road (FR-124), we turned back.

It was still pretty early as we started making our way back, so we made a stop at Neuse River Recreation Area near New Bern.  The beach and most of the picnic area were closed due to damage from Hurricane Florence.

However, the trails were still open so we went for a hike on Loblolly Trail (#511B) around the west side of the area.  There were a few views of the river from the trail.

But it soon departed from the river and wound through a swampy area.

The trail eventually came out on the entrance road and I followed it back to the trailhead.

From here, we made the drive back home.