Bald Head Island NC is a small island in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It’s located on the east side of the Cape Fear River. It’s small in comparison to Wilmington, North Carolina, and somewhat isolated. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. The beaches, nature preserve, and golf courses are all worth checking out.
Canoeing
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to kayak, you might want to check out the waters around Bald Head Island. This island, located in the Cape Fear River, is a great place to do just that. There are several areas that you can explore during your visit, from beaches to wildlife preserves.
A great place to start is the Sail Shop, which offers a fleet of kayaks and canoes. The shop’s staff can help you get started or provide a guided tour. Tours include paddles along Bald Head Creek, Fishing Creek, and No Name Creek. You can even watch the beautiful sunset and full moon as you paddle.
After a day of kayaking, you may want to explore the Old Baldy lighthouse, which marks the mouth of the historic Cape Fear River. This site was once home to river pilots and lifesavers during the Civil War. You can take a tour of this site, which is both historical and humorous. The Bald Head Island marina also offers kayak tours and rentals.
Golfing
You can take a relaxing golf outing in North Carolina by taking a ferry ride to the island. Once you’re there, take a 5-minute minute cart ride to the golf club and enjoy your day on the greens. Afterward, you can hit the beach, where the 16th tee has a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you don’t mind a little bit of rough on Bald Head Island golf course is a great way to spend the day.
There are many things to do in and around Bald Head Island. When you first arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a map. The Dockmaster Convenience Store is a convenient place to rent a golf cart or bicycle. There are many different courses on the island, and you can find one that suits your style.
Access to the island is via the Southport – Bald Head Island passenger ferry. You can also rent a car to get around. Parking on the island is expensive, and you need to reserve your spot in advance.
Nature preserve
Nature preserves on Bald Head Island, protect the natural landscape and wildlife on the barrier island. The 178-acre preserves are managed by the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which works with the state Division of Coastal Management. The preservation of these natural areas allows storm winds to pass over the canopy of trees and protect outlying communities and beaches. Ancient tree roots are an integral part of the island ecosystem, providing extra elevation during storms and saltwater surges.
The preserve features a maritime forest that houses a variety of plants. This forest is also home to Carolina wrens, painted buntings, and cardinals. The vast number of trees provides shelter and cover for the other plants that thrive under them. The Bald Head Island Conservancy also sponsors a variety of educational programs to promote environmental awareness on the island.
Bald Head Island Conservancy offers a variety of family-friendly hiking and nature programs. The Maritime Forest Preserve has several trails and is ideal for both family hikes and day trips. Kids of all ages can take part in guided tours and discover the nighttime life of coastal plants and animals.
Beaches
Bald Head Island is a beautiful location with stunning beaches. There are several beaches on the island, including South Beach and West Beach. South Beach has long stretches of sand and calmer waters than West Beach. You can also go boogie boarding or surfing on the East Beach. West Beach has wide sandy stretches and is great for beachcombing.
The beaches on Bald Head Island have many different types of wildlife. You can spot monarch butterflies, eastern tiger swallowtails, and foxes. You can also see river otters and deer in the area. Those who want to learn more about the natural history of Bald Head Island can take a guided tour of the area.
Another way to support local conservation efforts is to donate to the Bald Head Island Turtle Conservancy. This nonprofit helps protect sea turtles by organizing events and programs to raise funds for sea turtle conservation efforts across the world. It also supports local organizations that protect the island’s beaches from development.