Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve — Local services in Bald Head Island

Winding trails lead you through this lovely old maritime forest of large twisting oak trees and palmettos. You may possibly see; deer, fox, coyote, squirrels, racoons, and a variety of birds. Have your camera ready and make sure to bring your bug spray as the mosquitoes can be annoying during certain times of the year/day. In addition, most trails do not return you to your starting point so plan accordingly.

*Please note that due to hurricanes and inclimate weather these coastal hiking trails tend to have frequent storm damage. The trails are narrow and may be overgrown in some areas, but are still walkable. There may (also) be downed trees across the trail, but they are easy to climb over/under. These trails are navigable, but if you're expecting to walk along a wide "cleared road" type path you will most likely be disappointed. For us, the less civilized and more organic nature of these trails only added to our hiking experience and...

I spent 5 months living on BHI and as a tourism consultant I can honestly say the conservative efforts on this island are beyond average. Based on some of the environmental analysis I looked on daily BHI is trending in the right way regarding destination sustainable. The trails are amazing, now and then you will come across deers on the road and in the woods. A few natural phenomenons such as mosquitoes when the rain falls, strong winds and storms in the summer is expected however, it’s not that crazy. In 2020 there was a tornado close to the island it did a few damages but nothing too serious. The access to health care is readily available and in the event of a server medical emergency you will be airlifted off the island. It’s about 25 minutes ride to the island on a ferry from Southport. The locals on the island are very friendly and welcoming. All together, if you are about environmental sustainability and tranquility BHI is the...

Very neat preserve with a rapidly disappearing habitat in North Carolina. As another reviewer notes, it was very over grown when I visited in late-October, but it was mostly due to a hurricane that blew through just a few weeks before we apparently visited. Downed trees and branches strewn about made it sort of fun to go through the trail among the old and beautiful oaks, pine trees, and beautiful palmettos. I would recommend a visit if you’re interested in plants and animals, and if you’re lucky enough, you may even encounter an alligator. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes are absolutely everywhere for most of the year unless it’s too cold, so please be sure to wear insect repellent (the greater the amount of deet, the better). Let’s hope houses cannot encroach on the wilderness preserve any more, so all can enjoy the space for years to...