Rachel Carson Reserve — Attraction in Beaufort

A totally overlooked reserve that I am almost happy doesn't get enough attention.

Accessible from downtown Beaufort by ferry (Island Ferry Adventures is one) or kayaks. I've done both and like the kayaks as you can get out on different islands and do your thing. I have borrowed kayaks so I can't speak for rentals both in location and price. The kayak paddle is very easy in both length and water roughness.

Why come here?

Shelling: Like Shackleford Banks, the islands (Carrot IMO) have some of the best shelling I've done. Sand dollars galore.

Giddy-up: Wild horses I've seen on Horse Island and they seem more plentiful here than Shackleford Banks. Yes these creatures somehow withstand hurricanes yearly.

Hiking: I like to walk both islands. They both have a lot of oyster shells, mosquitos, anything to deal with sand. I like to wear rain boots to protect my feet/ankles from all of this. Recommend repellent spray at any time of day. They will eat you alive.

Birds: For those fowl types, look here.

Sea creatures: Porpoises and dolphins are here and I've literally seen them every time I've been here.

Not a hippy type but glad NC has reserved this...

Rachel Carson Reserve is easily accessible from Beaufort with your own small boat or via the ferry service. The trails are flat and sandy. Some areas will get your feet wet, particularly at high tide. You can access Bird Shoal on the south side but you will need to wade in ankle deep water to cross over.

The tide runs quick through Taylor Creek so swimming over from Beaufort is not recommended without a boat escort. Rowing over in my dinghy was no problem.

Be cautious of the wild horses. On the narrow sections of the trails, make a little noise so as not to startle them with...

Beautiful place to spend a summer day exploring! You can get here by boat, kayak, etc, and there is a shuttle you can pay to take over. When I went it wasn’t busy or crowded. It’s just you and nature right on the inlet. You can find shells and other creatures, watch boats come in and out of the inlet, and enjoy floating around in the water. It’s really a special place to go to get a bit closer to nature. People collect shells like whelks and sand dollars on the...