Hiking Trails

In 1972 Carteret County Wildlife Club (CCWC) members offered to work with the U.S. Forest Service to establish a significant hiking trail that would immerse hikers in many of the Croatan National Forest’s ecosystems. This collaboration resulted in the construction of the 22-mile Neusiok trail running from the Neuse River to the Newport River. In 2003 the Weetock trail (currently a 3.1-mile route maintained) near NC-58 south of Maysville was established. See U.S. Forest Service's Croatan National Forest map.

The only coastal National Forest in North Carolina, the Croatan covers 160,000 acres and includes swamps, lakes, river-front beaches, longleaf pine savannas, pocosins, and mixed hardwoods. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from deer, black bears, and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys, alligators, and endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers.

Plants are also well represented: a variety of orchids and several carnivorous plants (Venus flytrap, sundew, pitcher plant, and bladderworts) are found in the eastern forest, while a quite different flora is found west of NC-58 where ground pine (Lycopodium), bloodroot, mayapple, and buckeye surprise the observant hiker. Before the 1970s this rich biota was seldom enjoyed because the Croatan National Forest contained no major trails so hikers had to travel along forest roads.

The ideal hiking period in the coastal region is from October through April, which is a time when trails in the mountainous part of the state may offer less-than-ideal conditions. For the Neusiok and Weetock trails near the coast, it is preferable to avoid the hotter months due to high humidity, an abundance of biting insects, and occasional reptiles. Ticks are an equal-opportunity biter, encountered any time of the year.

In spring, as birds migrate to their northern breeding grounds, an early riser will hear the voices of thrushes, warblers, vereos, and other songbirds. Sighting endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers near their nest cavities in longleaf pines, is a memorable event. On the other hand, the striking piliated woodpecker, a small relative of the extinct ivory-bill, is never shy about making its presence known.

Dogwoods and wild azaleas flaunt their blossoms in the spring. Whites, purples, and golds dominate the artistic flower pallet in the fall. Asters, purple mistflower, coreopsis, gentian, and goldenrod are found anywhere that receives sufficient sun. The colorful flowers are offset by a variety of grasses sporting delicately whiskered seed heads.

Although hiking trails in eastern coastal North Carolina do not have hillsides ablaze with oranges, reds, and yellows, individual trees or even a single leaf can be absolutely brilliant in the fall. Sweetgum leaves vary from deep purple to red and yellow. Sourwoods and dogwoods are bright red, while oaks are a rich bronze. 

Then there are the fungi, available any time of the year. Mushrooms, with their wide range of colors, sizes and forms, can keep the hiker, camera in hand, checking every dead log and moist spot for fungal gems.

Several roads intersect the Neusiok trail, allowing hikers to traverse a short section if they wish. Also hikers can arrange for a driver from the CCWC to pick them up and shuttle them back to their starting point. It is recommended to walk at a leisurely pace (30-45 minutes per mile, or 2 days for the entire trail) to fully absorb the beauty and infinite diversity of their surroundings. Three open shelters near the trail provide a place to rest or get out of the weather.

To prepare for a hike, keep in mind that both the Neusiok and Weetock trails cross wet areas. While most are bridged, hikers may occasionally have to wade a short distance. The terrain is virtually flat for both trails, but there are plenty of trip hazards on the forest floor and trekking poles are recommended. Bring water, bug spray, a map (or GPS device), and a first-aid kit. Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies and be sure someone is aware of your plans and knows your schedule. Before starting it is always advisable to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. 

While hiking, don’t forget to take photos! The Carteret County Wildlife Club appreciates receiving photos with geo-location data. Send photos to CCWC1985@gmail.com. Please include your name (or initials) as well as your hometown, so CCWC can give you credit on social media if your photo is posted.