Discover the top outdoor adventures on the Crystal Coast! From kayaking scenic waterways to hiking coastal trails and horseback riding, find your next family group activity here.
Crystal Coast outdoor adventures abound, from kayaking and coastal hiking to unmatched horseback riding excursions and epic stargazing. The Crystal Coast is shaped by water, representing 65% of the beautiful area. This water wonderland is complemented by numerous hiking and paddling trails in and around the Croatan National Forest, Cape Lookout National Seashore and Fort Macon.
Shackleford Banks is home to the wild Banks ponies who roam freely in their unique coastal habitat and is a rewarding kayak destination. Hiking trails in Crystal Coast provide unique terrain and scenery for leisurely to advanced excursions. No matter your family’s interests, you are bound to appease everyone with a trip to Crystal Coast.
Planning your next reunion? Get your free copy of the Destination Reunions magazine and start organizing the perfect trip.
Paddle boarding in Crystal Coast
Crystal Coast Kayaking Adventures
Explore the waters along the gorgeous Crystal Coast on kayaking excursions, offering conditions for beginner paddles to advanced boaters. Paddling the Sounds is a fantastic way to sightsee from different vantages and view scenery with your family. Shorter voyages are great for first-timers and beginners. In contrast, intermediate and advanced paddles cater to thrill-seekers and more proficient kayakers.
Easy Paddles
Beginners should consider one of the four shorter paddle trails for a leisurely and scenic experience. Whitehurst Creek is a 2.3-mile paddle and a birder’s paradise, offering gorgeous scenery teeming with seabirds. North River Estuary is a quiet, four miles of tall marshes known to contain prehistoric pottery. Nelson Bay is a 5.2-mile kayaking excursion along the still waters of Nelson Bay that begins at Salters Creek Ramp. Travel along picturesque shorelines, showcasing local flora and fauna for a relaxing water adventure with your family.
Paddle from the Beaufort Waterfront across Taylor’s Creek to the Rachel Carson Reserve and glimpse the wild banker ponies in their natural habitat. This easy paddle rewards kayakers with one-of-a-kind coastal scenery and unique wildlife for unforgettable group experiences.
Intermediate Paddles
For those seeking more adventure, ten scenic paddle trails offer a diverse range of picturesque journeys. Kayak 8 miles from Harkers Island Bridge to Smyrna, past some of the most breathtaking houses along Whitehurst and Sleepy Creeks. Belles Island has several sandy beaches, perfect for a quick break or lunch.
The Whale Creek paddle affords kayakers exceptional views of a 19th-century whaling community where wild horses graze and roam freely. During a Browns Island paddle, you can also view wild horses, grazing cows, and eagles on the four-mile uninhabited island.
Advanced Paddles
Nine advanced paddle trails provide thrill-seekers with many diverse adventures, including the 17.22-mile White Oak River Paddle Trail, with five trail landings to break up the adventure. Cedar Island National Refuge, a wintertime habitat for migratory waterfowl, is also a fantastic area to kayak, especially for those interested in birdwatching. The 13-mile paddle trail journeys along 11,000 acres of marshland and 3,500 acres of pocosin and woodlands.
Water safety considerations include tides and weather conditions, so plan accordingly. Leaving a float plan with a trusted person, detailing departure and return times, the intended paddle route and emergency contacts, is also advisable.
Hiking Trails in Crystal Coast
Hiking Trails for Family Exploration
There are many hiking opportunities for families and multigenerational groups seeking dry-land excursions. From leisurely strolls through the Emerald Isle Woods Trail to the more challenging terrain of Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge Trail, there are seemingly countless hiking trails in Crystal Coast.
Fort Macon State Park’s Elliott Coues Trail meanders 3.2 miles through scenic marshes, pristine maritime forests and the natural beauty of the Croatan National Forest. Hikers and bikers enjoy sharing this mixed-use trail.
For an easy yet scenic expedition, Willow Pond Trail at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Nature Trail provides hiking and walking opportunities on a 1/3-mile loop trail surrounded by maritime forests and coastal plants.
Those visiting the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores can trek along the Roosevelt Trail, 1.25 miles accessible from the Aquarium. This easy trail is a short loop that crosses high dune ridges, borders and an expansive marsh, offering exceptional views.
Crystal Coast Horseback Riding Adventures
Take the whole family on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Crystal Coast landscapes on horseback. Whether your family prefers a scenic stroll through the Croatan National Forest or a sunset jaunt along the shoreline to splash in the waves, explore the region in a way that captures the essence of the Crystal Coast.
This is a perfect multigenerational family activity, where tours are guided and no experience is necessary to enjoy a scenic ride. At Cedar Island Ranch, Beach Camp & Stables in Cedar Island, explore the Crystal Coast on the back of a horse for a must-do family activity. Tour the Pamlico Sound coastline, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and native wildlife. Glimpse dolphins, sea otters and seabirds, along with free-range cattle and plenty of fish species. Private tours are available for family groups, with experienced horse wrangler guides and well-seasoned horses matched to riders’ ability level.
In Morehead City, Eterna Riverview Stables is a full-service equestrian facility offering exceptional trail rides through the stunning Crystal Coast wetlands. Hop on gentle horses that are seasoned for beginners to advanced riders and explore the surrounding woods and marshes with your loved ones.
Take your family on a memorable guided horseback riding excursion along the stunning Crystal Coast, NC. Photo credit: Cedar Island Ranch Facebook
Discover more unique Things To Do in Crystal Coast, NC, and start planning your next group adventure today!
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Crystal Coast outdoor adventures include a trip to the beautiful expanse of Cape Lookout National Seashore, which features 56 miles of protected Atlantic shoreline and one of America’s oldest lighthouses. The area boasts an IDAP (International Dark Sky Park), perfect for exceptional night sky viewing and stargazing under some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Hop aboard a ferry boat with your family and take a three-mile boat ride to the barrier islands of the park for activities that include wild horse watching, shelling, fishing, birdwatching, camping, lighthouse viewing, and historic village tours.
Visit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and explore the 1873 Lighthouse Keeper’s House for island history during your group visit. Four species of turtles are protected on the national seashore. Visitors can glimpse loggerhead turtles during mating and egg-laying season from May to June during hikes and leisurely beach walks.
Croatan National Forest
The Croatan National Forest offers extensive hiking trails across 160,000 acres. The abundance of wildlife and easy hiking appeal to all age groups. Comprised of bogs, saltwater estuaries, pine forests, and raised swamps called pocosins, the Croatan National Forest provides outstanding natural amenities to explore. Spot native wildlife, including deer, black bears, turkeys, ospreys, and alligators, during wild excursions. Hiking trails in Crystal Coast include those in the Croatan National Forest. Pack a picnic and meander along the Neusiok Trail, Patsy Pond Nature Trail, Neuse River Trails, or any other coastal jaunts for a great way to see the varied wildlife.
Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon is a pivotal Civil War site that became North Carolina State property in 1924 after falling into disrepair post-war. Subsequently, Fort Macon became the state’s first functioning park in 1936. The natural surroundings of this historic Fort include exceptional hiking trails among salt marshes and dune fields. It is also home to more than 300 bird species, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. A popular jaunt at the park is along the Elliot Coues Nature Trail. This moderate 3.2-mile loop traverses the area connecting the fort to the beach swimming area. Travel along salt marshes, through maritime forests and coastal dunes. This trail is shared by bikers and hikers, making it a fantastic multi-use trail for all ages, abilities and interests. Those seeking an easy hike can walk Yarrow’s Loop, a quarter-mile trail with signage about common plants and animals and picturesque views.
Shackleford Banks
Shackleford Banks is a barrier island near Cape Lookout National Seashore. Shackleford horses, known as “Banker ponies,” are a wild herd, now exceeding 100, that has called the island home for over 400 years. Other native wildlife found here includes scallops, crabs and loggerhead turtles. Explore the impressive wildlife and coastal scenery during a hike along the Shackleford Banks Trail, an easy, one-mile sandy path naturally created by the wild horses. Those seeking an adventurous route can kayak to the island from a public boat launch on Lennoxville Road in Beaufort. The five-mile round-trip affords spectacular views, varying water conditions and the spoils of Shackleford Banks.
The area’s abundant native wildlife and scenic beauty are unparalleled backdrops for incredible multigenerational family experiences. No matter your group’s interests, Crystal Coast outdoor adventures offer numerous opportunities to explore on foot or by boat, with extraordinary sightseeing and fun outdoor activities.
Looking for even more ways to make your family reunion unforgettable? Visit Crystal Coast and start planning today!
Stay in the loop with the latest tips and trends for reunion planning. Subscribe to the Destination Reunions newsletter for free!
