Fall Hiking in North Carolina

Have you ever thought about Fall hiking in North Carolina? Fall in North Carolina is a great time to hit the trail, hike, and commune with nature at one of the many local hiking areas along the Crystal Coast or across our beautiful state. The blush of the leaves, scampering wildlife, and cool, crisp breezes that keep the mosquitoes at bay make this the ideal season to get off the couch and head for the woods. Let’s face it, we could all use more time in nature.

I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the board at The North Carolina Coastal Federation, so I’m pleased to share that they organized the development of two of the most popular trails in the coastal region and that the Federation has trail maps available at the trail entrances for folks to use and learn more about these natural recreation areas. You can also get them online at: www.nccoast.org.

Hike Hoop Pole Creek

Hoop Pole Creek is a 31-acre maritime forest that serves as a refuge for fish, wildlife, and plant communities in an enormous diversity of coastal habitats. The property was purchased in 1996 with a grant from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund and is permanently protected by the federation. You can hike the low-impact, half-mile trail. It’s open to the public during daylight hours and is located off Highway 58 in Atlantic Beach, next to the Atlantic Station Shopping Center.

Grab the Hoop Pole Creek fact sheet or the Hoop Pole Creek Trail map

Hike Patsy Pond

The Patsy Pond area is in the Croatan National Forest and is one of the most diverse natural areas in North Carolina. It is where plant species of a longleaf pine forest coexist with plant species of the state’s coastline and barrier islands. Two well-marked trails exist – a three-quarter-mile and a 1.75-mile trail. The trail entrance is on Highway 24, directly across from the federation offices in Ocean, about halfway between Morehead City and Swansboro. Trail use is open to the public during daylight hours.

Grab the Patsy Pond fact sheet and the Patsy Pond Trail map

For more information, visit:

North Carolina Coastal Federation
(252) 393-8185

Do you have a favorite hiking trail in North Carolina? Let me know. I’m always looking for a new adventure and a new place to explore.

Share with friends