EUSIOK TRAIL

The Neusiok Trail runs 20 miles from the Oyster Point on the Neuse River to Pine Cliff on the Newport River. On the way it traverses cypress swamps, hardwood ridges, longleaf pine savannahs and pocosins (shrubby bogs).

Built by the Carteret County Wildlife Club, the trail is a great place to encounter local animal species such as white tailed deer, turkeys, otters and alligators, as well as birds-osprey, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and bald eagles. There are a couple of shelters for those wishing to spend the night.

PATSY POND TRAIL

In the Croatan National Forest, across Highway 24 from the NC Coastal Federation, is a trail-head for three nature trails leading through the longleaf pine open woodland area to and around a couple of groundwater interception ponds. The ponds get all of their water from the ground and thus have a dark color and few fish.

In the longleaf pine forest are red cockaded woodpeckers, which are on the endangered list, as well as low-growing herbs and shrubs. In and among the lakes are some carnivorous plants, edible berries, and other local vegetation.

ROOSEVELT NATURE TRAIL

The Roosevelt Nature Trail traverses part of the 265 acre Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area in Pine Knoll Shores. It can be reached from the parking lot at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and stretches 1.4 miles over a dune ridge, through an old growth maritime forest, past inland marshes and sound side beaches ending at a picnic area by the inland salt marsh.