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Rachel Carson Reserve

Where:
101 Pivers Island Road
Beaufort, NC

Business Description

The Rachel Carson Reserve, located just south of Beaufort, North Carolina, consists of several small islands including Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island. The islands are more than three miles long and can only be reached by boat or ferry.

Carrot Island Beaufort NC
White Ibis on Carrot Island NC

The Rachel Carson Reserve is located in an estuary, where fresh river and salty ocean waters mix, giving it a diverse array of habitats, plants and animals. This natural area is home to a small herd of wild horses and more than 200 species of birds have been observed at the site. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and numerous species of fish can also be found in the surrounding estuarine waters.

Wild Horses on Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge near Beaufort NC

Nature Trails and Boardwalk

The Town Marsh Nature Trails begin at the northwest beach on Town Marsh.

The Outer Loop Trail (blue) is a 1.1 mile long trail accessible only at low tide and may be muddy.

The Inner Loop Trail (green) is a 0.9 mile long trail.

Carrot Island Boardwalk is situated on the eastern end of the reserve, accessible only by boat. The boardwalk offers scenic views of the Middle Marshes and Shackleford Banks and is also a great place for birding.

The trails and boardwalk are open year-round.

Map of Rachel Carson Reserve

Getting to Rachel Carson Reserve

  • The boat launch access area is located at 2370 Lennoxville Road in Beaufort
  • Ferry services are located along the Beaufort waterfront on Front Street

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