Some days on the trail are all about the views. Others are about the discoveries. And our recent trip to Hammocks Beach State Park gave us both — plus a history lesson that made us appreciate this beautiful stretch of coast even more.

We set out to hike 1.8 miles on a combination of the TRACK Trail, Evergreen Trail, and Coastal Fringe Trail, winding through shady maritime forest, sandy stretches, and salt marsh edges. The kids were on high alert for wildlife, and they didn’t have to wait long.

Every few steps, someone spotted another green anole darting up a tree trunk or a skink basking in a patch of sunlight. Golden orb weavers glistened in their massive webs, suspended like jeweled trampolines in the dappled light. At one point, we even paused to listen to the distant call of an owl echoing through the trees — nature’s way of reminding us that we’re never really alone on the trail.

The boys had brought along their Jr. Ranger booklets and, by the end of the day, proudly earned their badges — this time featuring a sea turtle. It was the perfect keepsake for a park that’s so deeply connected to North Carolina’s coastal ecosystem.

But our time at Hammocks Beach wasn’t just about nature spotting. We also learned about the rich and layered history of the park:

• This land has been home to Native Americans, early colonists, and even served roles during the Civil War and World War II.
• In the 1950s, local landowner Dr. William Sharpe donated the property to the North Carolina Teachers Association, an all-Black organization for African American educators. At the time, segregation laws prevented African Americans from using most public beaches in North Carolina, so Hammocks Beach was designated as a park exclusively for African Americans — a rare and treasured coastal haven.
• In 1961, the land was transferred to the state of North Carolina and became Hammocks Beach State Park, eventually opening to all visitors after segregation ended.

That history adds weight to every step you take here. This is more than just a beautiful place to hike — it’s land that carries stories of resilience, community, and change.

By the end of our hike, we were already making plans to come back. Next time, we’ll be hopping on the ferry to Bear Island, ready to explore its pristine beaches, wild dunes, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a nesting sea turtle.

For now, we’re just grateful for a day filled with sunshine, scaly friends, golden spider silk, and stories that connect us to the deeper roots of the land we love to explore.

Have you hiked Hammocks Beach or taken the ferry to Bear Island? We’d love to hear your favorite spots!