Rachel Carson Reserve

Description

The Rachel Carson Reserve is a 2,315-acre complex of islands — including Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island — sitting directly across Taylor's Creek from downtown Beaufort. The reserve is home to roughly 30 wild horses, more than 200 bird species, and diverse marine life in its tidal flats and salt marshes. Families can reach the islands by kayak, private boat, or passenger ferry from the Beaufort waterfront. Kayaks can be launched from Grayden Paul Park or other designated spots along the waterfront. Once on the islands, a boardwalk on Carrot Island and trails on Town Marsh provide some structure, but most of the reserve is undeveloped — bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and everything you plan to need. There are no restrooms, trash cans, or concessions. The reserve is named for Rachel Carson, who studied the Beaufort shoreline for her first book, Under the Sea-Wind. Kids who are comfortable with unstructured outdoor exploration will enjoy it most — spotting wild horses, wading in the shallows, and watching shorebirds. The horses are visible from the Beaufort waterfront even without crossing over.