Croatan National Forest | Morehead City

Croatan National Forest, located in eastern North Carolina, is a unique and ecologically rich expanse of public land that embodies the diverse natural heritage of the state's coastal plain. It is one of four national forests in North Carolina and is notable for being the only true coastal national forest on the East Coast of the United States.

General Overview

Establishment: July 29, 1936

Size: Approximately 159,885 acres

Counties Covered: Craven, Carteret, and Jones

Bordered By: The Neuse River to the north, Bogue Sound to the south, and the White Oak River to the west

Managed By: U.S. Forest Service (part of the National Forests in North Carolina)

The forest offers a rare blend of saltwater estuaries, pocosins (wetland bogs), longleaf pine savannas, hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and freshwater habitats—all in one landscape.

Geography and Ecosystems

Croatan’s location near the Atlantic Ocean, intersected by numerous rivers and marshlands, creates a range of habitats not commonly found together. The main ecosystems include:

1. Longleaf Pine Savannas

Once widespread across the Southeast, these fire-adapted forests are rich in biodiversity.

Home to species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, which nests in old longleaf pines.

Prescribed burns are essential for maintaining these open, grassy woodlands.

2. Pocosins

The name means "swamp on a hill" in an Algonquian language.

These acidic, peat-rich wetlands are dominated by dense shrubbery, pocosins are slow-draining and unique to the southeastern U.S.

Vital habitat for black bears, amphibians, and carnivorous plants.

3. Cypress Swamps and Hardwood Bottomlands

Found along streams and rivers, filled with bald cypress and water tupelo.

Teeming with amphibians, reptiles (like alligators), and migratory birds.

4. Saltwater Marshes and Estuaries

Found where forest meets coast, especially near Bogue Sound and the Neuse River.

Support diverse aquatic life including shrimp, crabs, oysters, and sportfish.

Wildlife

Croatan National Forest is a hotspot for wildlife watchers and naturalists. Key species include:

Mammals:

Black bears

Bobcats

White-tailed deer

River otters

Birds:

Red-cockaded woodpeckers (endangered)

Ospreys

Bald eagles

Wood ducks

Wild turkeys

Reptiles & Amphibians:

American alligators (in the southeastern areas)

Various frogs and salamanders

Snakes including non-venomous water snakes and venomous cottonmouths

Insects & Plants:

Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sundews (all carnivorous and native)

Rich populations of pollinators, butterflies, and dragonflies

Recreation Opportunities

Croatan offers activities for a wide range of outdoor interests, from casual hikers to backcountry adventurers.

1. Hiking Trails

Neusiok Trail (20.4 miles):

Part of the larger Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Stretches from the Neuse River to the Newport River, passing through swamps, pocosins, pine forests, and marshes.

Includes shelters and primitive campsites.

Weetock Trail (14.1 miles):

Loops through hardwood forests and wetlands along the White Oak River.

More rugged and less-traveled than Neusiok.

Tideland National Recreation Trail (0.6–1.3 miles):

Located near Cedar Point.

Boardwalks over tidal marshes, great for birdwatching and easy walking.

Island Creek Forest Walk (Short loop):

Easy nature trail showcasing hardwood forest with interpretive signs.

2. Camping

Cedar Point Campground:

40 sites with electric hookups.

Close to Emerald Isle and Bogue Sound.

Modern amenities and access to Tideland Trail.

Flanners Beach Campground:

Near the Neuse River, includes 41 sites with electricity and water.

Good for family camping, biking, and hiking.

Oyster Point Campground:

More primitive, with 15 non-electric sites.

Trailhead for the Neusiok Trail.

Long Point Boat Launch Campground:

4 rustic campsites.

Ideal for paddlers and boaters on the White Oak River.

3. Other Activities

Boating and Paddling:

Numerous boat launches and paddling routes through rivers and estuaries.

White Oak River Paddle Trail is especially popular.

Fishing:

Brackish and freshwater fish like red drum, largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Hunting:

Allowed in designated areas during regulated seasons.

Off-Highway Vehicle Use (OHV):

Black Swamp OHV Trail (8 miles): For dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4WD vehicles.

Conservation and Fire Management

The health of Croatan’s ecosystems, especially longleaf pine savannas and pocosins, depends on periodic fire. Historically, lightning fires kept these habitats open and species-rich. However, fire suppression in the 20th century allowed denser forests to develop, altering natural communities.

To counteract this:

Prescribed burns are conducted to restore natural fire cycles.

Selective thinning and habitat restoration are carried out to preserve rare plant and animal species.

Restoration is especially focused on:

Expanding habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers.

Managing pocosins for hydrology and fire resilience.

Maintaining biodiversity in longleaf ecosystems.

Access and Visitor Info

Headquarters: 141 E. Fisher Avenue, Havelock, NC

Phone: (252) 638-5628

Website: Accessible through the U.S. Forest Service’s official portal for National Forests in North Carolina.

Best Times to Visit:

Spring and Fall offer cooler temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife.

Summer is lush but can be hot and humid.

Winter is mild but less green.

Summary

Croatan National Forest is an exceptional destination where coastal wetlands meet upland forests in a rare ecological blend. Its remote trails, vibrant wildlife, and unique plant communities offer a deep, immersive experience of North Carolina’s coastal plain. From the chirp of red-cockaded woodpeckers to the whisper of wind through longleaf pines, every visit to Croatan is an encounter with the resilience and beauty of the natural world.