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Croatan National Forest Hiking Trails

Cedar Point Tideland Trail

The Cedar Point Tideland Trail is ideal for family activity as the path is easy for the smallest legs to navigate. Visitors wander through cedar forests, over wetlands via bridges and boardwalks, and along the edge of marshes. There is plenty of wildlife that calls this area home. Birds, including osprey and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, are often spotted here hunting for their daily meal.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy
Neusiok Trail

If you are looking for a hike through diverse environments, then the Neusiok Trail is the perfect trail for you. Expect to get your feet wet as some of the path is below sea level. At times, there is overgrowth that forces you to walk with care. The route goes through swamps, wetlands, pine forests, and grassy areas. Expect bugs—use your repellent before and during the hike.

Length: 20.6 miles

Intensity: Intermediate to Difficult
Island Creek Forest Walk Trail

If you are looking for a shorter walk that features all the topography at Croatan National Forest, visit the Island Creek Forest Walk Trail. This loop trail features a river, forests, grasslands, swamps, marshes, and a mix of wildlife, birds, frogs, and fish.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Easy
Patsy Pond Nature Trail Loop

This nature trail winds its way through Long Leaf Pine Flat Woods, an open area spotted with ponds. While low-lying shrubs and herbs cover the ground, towering longleaf pines provide a light canopy that helps mitigate the hot sun during the summer months.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Easy
Weetock Trail

The Weetock Trail skirts the shore of the slow-moving White Oaks River. The trail passes near active archeological digs documenting human occupation of the area for well over 5,000 years. The Weetock Trail moves through hardwood ridges, cypress-gum-palmetto swamps, managed wildlife clearings, creeks, and past beaver lodges.

Length: 18.7 miles

Intensity: Easy to Intermediate

Activities in Croatan National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

The Croatan National Forest is an excellent location for students of nature to observe and classify exotic flora and fauna life. Plants such as the infamous Venus flytrap and pitcher plants are seen here as well as enormous bald cypress trees with their feet deep in swamp waters. Black bears, river otters, mink, and alligators share this terrain.

Wildlife is a huge part of the Croatan National Forest experience. Hikers who regularly walk the least used trails often run across black bears, deer, and alligators. Snakes are common, as are exotic birds like the osprey and the wild turkey.

Fishing

The nutrient-rich estuaries and swamplands of the Croatan National Forest serve as natural nurseries for a fantastic array of fish, eels, shrimp, crabs, and oysters. The fishing along the banks of the rivers or off the coast is excellent.

Geocaching

The delicate environment of the Croatan National Forest is an issue for geocaches. Hiding a cache usually involves disturbing the soil, something the National Forest Service frowns on in this location. To set up a cache, you must contact the authorities to apply for a permit.

Stargazing

Stargazing at Croatan National Forest is better than what you find in a city setting but not as good as that found in elevated areas. Not only does the low elevation inhibit light from distant stars reaching a searching eye, but the light pollution from nearby towns has no interference from hills or mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions About Croatan National Forest

Is Croatan National Forest open all year round?

Yes, the Croatan National Forest is open year-round. The coastal area provides lots of recreational activities in summer, and cold weather outdoor activities during winter as well.

Is there a fee to get into Croatan National Forest?

No, there is no fee to get into Croatan National Forest. However, there may be fees or permits required to park in certain areas, like day-use areas. There may also be permits required for some recreational activities in the forest like using OHV trails or camping.

Does Croatan National Forest offer free camping sites?

Yes, Croatan National Forest has free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in many areas including the Catfish Lake Boat Launch, Oyster Point Campground, and near the Neusiok Trail.

Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Croatan National Forest?

Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Croatan National Forest. Brice's Creek, Catfish Lake, and Dixon Fields are all great spots to launch a canoe or kayak for a day on the water.

What type of wildlife lives in Croatan National Forest?

Wildlife in Croatan National Forest includes deer, black bears, turkeys, alligators, and ospreys. The park is also home to interesting plant species like the Venus fly-trap and the pitcherplant.

Croatan National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Croatan National Forest

Croatan National Forest Hiking Trails

Cedar Point Tideland Trail

Neusiok Trail

Island Creek Forest Walk Trail

Patsy Pond Nature Trail Loop

Weetock Trail