Patsy Pond Nature Trail

Description

Patsy Pond Nature Trail is an easy walk through the longleaf pine flatwoods of the Croatan National Forest, managed by the North Carolina Coastal Federation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Three color-coded loops, from three-quarters of a mile to just under two miles, let families choose a short stroll or a longer hike. It is an interpretive trail: numbered signs match a trail guide available at the trailhead and at the Coastal Federation office. Kids can look for small dark-water ponds stained by tannic acid, several small sinkholes, and carnivorous plants such as sundews along the pond edges and bladderworts floating on the surface. Sharp-eyed visitors may spot the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, whose nest trees are marked with white bands, along with deer, anoles, turtles, frogs, and butterflies. The trail is open year-round for foot traffic only, leashed dogs are welcome, there is no fee, and parking is at the trailhead. There are no restrooms at the trail; restrooms are across the highway at the Coastal Federation office on weekdays. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange during the hunting seasons, October through February and April through May, and orange vests are available at the federation office. Bring bug spray, and watch for biting insects, venomous snakes, and poisonous plants.