Ancient live oaks, sound-side views, and the point where Blackbeard is said to have kept watch
Springer's Point is a preserved maritime forest at the southwest edge of Ocracoke village, where centuries-old live oaks and red cedars lean out toward Pamlico Sound. A short, easy path winds through the trees down to the water, passing some of the oldest standing timber left on the island. The property is protected by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, keeping this stretch of Ocracoke's original landscape intact just a short walk from Silver Lake Harbor.
The point carries real weight in island history. It's traditionally identified as the spot where Blackbeard kept watch in the weeks before his final battle in nearby Ocracoke Inlet in 1718, said to have anchored close by and used the high ground among the trees to watch the water. Standing at the point today, with the sound opening up past the treeline, it's not hard to picture why.
478 reviews
3 months ago
This is a really easy hike to the beach. Beautiful trees, pretty flowers called "sea ox eyes", and lots of little toads, so if you don't like them, be warned. The trail is flat, easily marked and pretty short. It leads you out to a really pretty beach with a great view. There's not a lot of sun till you get to the beach, but once there you are exposed so may want to take along some hydration.
3 months ago
Super easy short walk through maritime forest of gorgeous mangled curvy trees and beachfront with dunes. Lot of Blackbeard history on these shores.
3 months ago
Really awesome spot to walk from woods to waterfront. A lot of history on this island. Absolutely no parking right near trailhead, parking at lighthouse or the church near lighthouse.
a month ago
Beautiful!! Highlight of our trip. Shout out to local Dawn for suggesting this spot
2 years ago
Don't miss this amazing magical place! I thank everyone who preserved this beautiful area of the island. It is simply astounding. Benches to sit along the way. The green path or the blue path; both lead to the beach or some other part of the nature preserve. I love how they have little markers pointing out the flora and fauna of the area, such as live oak and even for poison ivy! Little stray cats even wander about. The preserve is only open during the day. There is a gate that locks up the path. There are cemeteries all over the island. There is also a cemetery in the middle of the preserve. Everything is absolutely fascinating! What a gem!