There’s nothing quite like trading in the sounds of the city for the sounds of Mother Nature. Whether listening to waves roll in or hearing birds chirping as you relax on the porch of your Bald Head Island Services rental, nature is truly the soundtrack of your vacation. This charming North Carolina island is home to endless beauty, and one of the best spots to surround yourself with stunning scenery is the Bald Head Island Natural Area.

What to Know about This Natural Attraction

The Bald Head Island Natural Area, also known as the Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve, is part of the Smith Island Complex, a protected coastal area. Found east of the Cape Fear River, the 191-acre space created in 1988 is known for its old, large trees, most of which are live oaks and laurel oaks. These species help create a canopy that shelters other places like wild olive and American holly from salt spray.

One of the best ways to take in the splendor of this area is one of its trails, which are open year-round during daylight hours. There are four paths to choose from.

  • Easy: .4-mile Loop Trail or .6 mile Middle Trail
  • Easy to moderate: .5 mile East Trail or .7 mile Creek Trail

No matter which trail you explore, keep your eyes open for some of the wildlife commonly spotted here, including cotton mice, gray foxes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and several types of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Recharge Your Batteries on a Bald Head Island Vacation

The pool at a Bald Head Island rental to relax in after exploring the Bald Head Island Natural Area.If you’re feeling burnt out, treat yourself to some R&R on a getaway with Bald Head Island Services. Whether going for a hike on a Bald Head Island Natural Area trail or exploring the island on a bike rental, this North Carolina destination is filled with things to do that range from relaxing to adventurous. 

The first step in planning your escape is finding your perfect vacation rental. Before searching our inventory, create a list of your wants and needs, which will help narrow down your choices. With everything from rooms at a charming B&B to pet-friendly rentals, we have a little bit of it all. To learn more about any of our Bald Head Island rentals, call 910-363-4955.