|
This tour focuses on the northeastern corner of the state, leading one to world famous sand dunes, one of North Carolina's largest lakes, an historic and unique plantation, forests, swamps, National Wildlife Refuges, and the renowned scenic vistas and recreation areas of the Outer Banks.
|
You can start the tour at any point, but we'll begin east of I-95 and Roanoke Rapids along US 158 at Merchants Millpond State Park. This secretive gem of a park has a new visitor center opening in 2009. Spanish moss hangs from cypress trees over a turtle-filled bay. It's a favorite spot for birds of many colors, both local and migratory. Drift down the dark placid streams in a canoe while exploring the abundant plants and wildlife. Just remember your insect repellent!
More photos
|
 |
 |
Plan on a half-hour's driving time east on US 158 and north on US 17 to historic Dismal Swamp State Park. Walk across the mechanical swinging bridge over the canal mapped out by George Washington to the new visitor center. Learn about the history of the land and explore the new trails. Wildlife is all around you – turkeys, bears, butterflies, and songbirds. You can also visit the park by boat and travel the canal north to Virginia. In spring you might even catch the annual Paddle for the Border.
More photos
|
|
Return on US 17 S to US 158 and follow it eastward through the "Harbor of Hospitality", Elizabeth City, down along Currituck Sound, and across the bridge to Kitty Hawk. This stretch of the Outer Banks contains enough beaches, lighthouses, wild horses, and great sea food to keep everyone happy. Stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk to learn about the first flight and explore the hidden wilderness at the Nature Conservancy's Kitty Hawk Coastal Reserve. Most of all, enjoy the tallest sand dunes on the east coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park. Ask a ranger about fulgurite – sand fused by lightning six feet under the dunes. Climb the dunes for the views and to watch the hang gliders. And don't forget your kite! There's a reason the Wright brothers chose the Outer Banks to launch mankind into the air.
More photos
|
 |
 |
Follow US 158 / NC 12 south, then turn west on US 64. Pass through Roanoke Island the site of the Lost Colony. Visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and the state aquarium. Enjoy the fine shopping and dining in Manteo. Continue west through the Alligator River Natural Wildlife Refuge and stop for a hike or a paddle. Bring your binoculars to spot the different species of birds that stop here during their migrations. Register to join the rangers for a Howling Safari to listen for the successfully reintroduced red wolves. When you reach Creswell, head south for a double treat – the historic plantation Somerset Place, and Pettigrew State Park on Lake Phelps. Swim and boat on the second largest lake in North Carolina and gaze up at some of the largest trees in the state and nation. You will also find relics of human civilization that existed long before the first colony. See canoes recovered from the lake that are as old as the pyramids.
More photos
|
Outer Banks
Return to Merchants Millpond by heading north on NC 32 through the historic beauty of Edenton with its old town center overlooking the bay. Continue north through tobacco and soybean farms, then head west on US 158 to reach the park.
Major towns near the route where you can find food and lodging include Elizabeth City, Kill Devil Hills, and the other communities of the Outer Banks. You can use one of these as your home base and enjoy each of the parks during your stay. Be sure to also check out the area for historic sites, museums, golf courses, craft shops, and outdoor sports.
|
|
Copyright © 2009 by Friends of State Parks
Photo of Merchants Millpond © 2009 Mark Pillsbury; others © 2009 Bob Sowa.
Your membership and the 501c3 Non Profit status of Friends of State Parks support this program.
|
