Elliott Coues Nature Trail — Attraction in Bogue Banks

6-25-23

3.3 mile trail that starts in the Fort Macon parking lot (signage there) and returns on the other side of the same lot. There are .25-mile markers along the trail.

The trail is considered easy as it is mostly flat. The first part of the trail goes through sand dunes and is completely open to the sun. Recommend sunscreen, a hat, etc. There are a few dunes to climb but still easy. You will pass a rocky fishing area as well.

It will eventually cross E Fort Macon Road and run along the sound. This is a salt marsh area and everything that comes with that. Expect to be swarmed with mosquitoes during warm months. Recommend bug spray to the max as I wore a sleeved rash guard, and I still felt these things biting me through those sleeves. I got an arm full of bites to prove it. Occasional shade and some boardwalks. Easy and flat.

The trail is varied in scenery for the most part and indicative of...

I think I have PTSD from the sheer amount of super mosquitoes here. 🦟 We were surprised at home many people were running/ jogging this trail when we first arrived. We quickly came to realize that everyone was running to escape the most aggressive mosquitoes we had ever encountered. They don't care if you are wearing bug spray, even the strongest stuff wasn't deterring these guys. They swarmed us all the way back to our cars, biting us through our clothes, hair, etc. This might sound dramatic but it you decide to check out Fort Macon, you'll see people in the parking lot checking for bites, swatting mosquitoes, etc. If you come to Fort Macon, check out the education center, take a look at the cannons, and leave. 😅 I don't recommend hiking here. The hike is beautiful, but it's not worth my current back...

We visited the fort on 8/18. We decided to park at the beach and walk the nature trail to get there. Big mistake. I should’ve known that after Tropical Storm Debby, there would be a lot of standing water, which means one thing: mosquitoes. My husband and I were eaten alive within a few seconds of walking in the shade. We each had 50+ bites and were constantly smacking them. Thank goodness the trail was not too long. We ended up in the gift shop where the lady told us how the mosquitoes have been really bad lately. Highly recommend buying the $7 spray with 30% DEET if you plan to do this trail after any significant rain/flooding. Save yourselves! Trail was pretty...