Ocracoke Island’s village and surroundings are characterized by the natural environment. In fact, walking around often feels something like a stroll in a park or nature area. With so much naturally occurring green space, there’s no need for a manicured park or garden in the center of town to provide space for outdoor things to do on Ocracoke. However, there are a couple of preserves that have been protected from development. Take a hike through a maritime forest on the island’s soundside that served as Blackbeard’s hideaway before he met his demise. You can also go by boat to a neighboring island that’s completely deserted aside from the ghost town that remains in the village.
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more
Parks in Ocracoke
Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island, is an enchanting place to visit. This uninhabited island is rugged and remote, one of the last Atlantic coast islands that is free of development, thanks to its status as part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There is much to do on this island, all of it free and simple, filled with history and the...read more
Parks in Ocracoke
Springer’s Point covers about 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, wet grasslands and soundfront beach bordering Pamlico Sound near South Point. In 2002 after 10 years of research and negotiation, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust purchased a 31-acre tract of this land and established a nature preserve. A high point of land overlooking the inlet, Springer’s is believed to...read more
