Croatan National Forest

Spanning 161,325 acres along North Carolina’s Atlantic coast, Croatan National Forest stands as one of the East Coast’s most distinctive wild landscapes. Established in 1936, this coastal forest is bordered on three sides by water—the Neuse River, Bogue Sound, and White Oak River—creating a peninsula of wetlands, pocosins, and longleaf pine savannas found nowhere else in the national forest system.

The forest’s low-lying terrain harbors carnivorous plants, including Venus flytraps and pitcher plants, thriving in the nutrient-poor bogs. Hikers can explore the 21-mile Neusiok Trail, which winds through diverse ecosystems from hardwood swamps to sandy ridges. Anglers find excellent freshwater fishing in the forest’s lakes and streams, while the surrounding estuaries offer saltwater opportunities.

Camping options are scattered throughout the forest, with sites ranging from developed facilities to primitive backcountry spots. The ranger district office in New Bern provides maps, permits, and current trail conditions.

Spring brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects—the dense summer humidity and biting flies can challenge unprepared visitors. Winter remains mild enough for comfortable exploration.

Access is straightforward from Havelock, the nearest city, with multiple forest roads branching from US Highway 70. The forest’s flat terrain makes many trails accessible to casual hikers, though wet conditions can make some paths muddy or impassable after heavy rains.