Cedar Point Tideland Trail - Carteret County NC

   With fall quickly changing to winter it's nice to get outdoors while there's still daylight. This week on the blog we'll be highlighting a few easy and enjoyable Eastern North Carolina hikes (with water access in case you want to sneak the kayak along).
   The first is the Cedar Point Tideland Trail, located in the Cedar Point Recreation Area, just off the highway near the mouth of the White Oak River. This hike is near Swansboro, the town of Cedar Point, and not too far from the bridge that takes you to Emerald Isle.

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   The parking lot for the trail and boat ramp includes numurous spots for cars, trucks, and trailers. Small-craft flat-bottomed motorized and non-motorized boats (canoes & kayaks) shove off from the boat ramp near the end of the lot. Fresh water and bathrooms are located nearby.

   Two trails wind through coastal forest and on boardwalks over the salt marsh. The wetlands are host to a variety of plants and animals including deer, raccoons, and several bird species. Both trails are short - .6 & 1.3 miles. 

  The Cedar Point Tideland Trail is a quick hike near the water with big opportunities for paddling. The boat ramp here is a great launch point for exploring nearby Jones Island (ETC post coming soon) and gives you sheltered access to the Intracoastal Waterway. The Cedar Point campground, open all year, is a nice stopover on paddling trips coming down the White Oak River (also an ETC post coming soon!). Check out the quick links below for more information on the Cedar Point Tideland Trail and stay tuned to the blog this week for a few more Eastern North Carolina Coastal trails!

   ~Paul & Amber     ETC

Cedar Point Recreation Area brochure

Other Boat ramps in Carteret County

Forest Service Site with more info