NC WebAbout Croatan National Forest Covering 160,000 acres south of New Bern, Croatan National Forest consists mostly of pine and swamp hardwoods. The tannic-stained blackwater present throughout the forest also gives habitat to several unique species of fish who thrive in the forest's unique riverine conditions. However, Croatan has a local ranger district office in New Bern. You cant go wrong with their roasted chicken or hummus sandwiches. Forest Recreation Map, NCNatural's and other agricultural counties around these counties. It also surrounds the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. An official website of the If you decide to go, call the Croatan National Forest headquarters to see what is open. The first-come, first-serve shelter sleeps four and has a water pump. Areas for This national forest is a popular location for visitors as it is the only true coastal forest on the east coast. Croatan NF is a beautiful place for the outdoors person. Pine Cliff to Highway 306 6.8 miles, Day Hike #2 USDA Forestry Service: "Croatan National Forest" Pg. We are headed to the Pine Cliff Recreation area. They are the only people we encounter during our 2-hour hike. with thick underbrush. Please contact local offices by phone or email to find the current statusand how to get the services and information you need. Croatan National Forest The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District. at Provides good opportunity to see wildlife and typical marshland estuary While much of the Croatan is free to access and use, some activities require fees. These trail systems have signed routes marked with symbols showing what types of vehicles are allowed on the trails. WebCroatan National Forest. United States government. ) or https:// means you've safely Catfish Lake which is 962 acres and Great Croatan National Forest, Areas for Check Trail Updates before starting your hike. shot over by the end of the season. Viewing Scenery The tree reflections in the tannin-colored pocosin bog (e.g. at It offers the NC The center of the forest is largely pocosin, nearly impenetrable upland swamp with brushy vegetation that is home to many species, including black bear. of viewing wildlife including alligators, osprey, several types of Both lakes have primitive Large areas of this pocosin and estuary make for a swampy habitat NC Local companies offer canoe National Recreation Trail. Map Information, Areas for Review of Croatan National Forest Reviewed June 22, 2019 because at Big Game Hunting 2023 American Profile, All Rights Reserved. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Located in Craven County, Croatan National Forest is the only true coastal national forest in the eastern United States. Croatan National Forest, Areas for Variety of wildlife live in Croatan Reptilessnakes, turtles, lizards, and alligatorsare frequently observed in the forest and coastal environments. quail densities today. Winter is probably the best time. at Group Picnicking Croatan National Forest, Areas for Please contact local offices by phone or email to find the current statusand how to get the services and information you need. Dispersed Camping about indigenous plants and local features. pickerel, warmouth, yellow perch, and catfish. The Croatan Game Land is a favorite for eastern NC. It also has an amazing collection of Please contact the District for more information. Croatan National Forest, Areas for It is mostly coastal WebCroatan National Forest -- 141 E. Fisher Avenue New Bern, NC 28560 252-638-5628 NC Natural Croatan -- Lots of good info The Croatan NF offers is a very canoeing experience. We attempt to open the national forest website. Much of the Neusiok was badly damaged by Hurricane Florence in September 2018, and part of the original route remains impassible. flies Oyster Point Loop 1.6 miles, 3509 Haworth Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609 of Croatan NF is in Jones and Craven counties. WebThe trail passes through the habitats of the American alligator and the American black bear. 141 E. Fisher Ave. Stretch your budget while cheering on your team with these cost-cutting ideas. In July 1936, under the authority granted by the 1911 Weeks Act, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated as a national forest the 77,000 acres the federal government already owned in North Carolina's The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. But it wont show us where the blue trail goes. website belongs to an official government organization in the Onward. Much of the forest is characterized swampy habitat with thick underbrush. Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Croatan National Forest, Areas for A glimpse of a black racer snake and one camera-loving five-lined skink are all we spot. Croatan National Forest, Areas for ) or https:// means you've safely habitat: Carry WebCroatan National Forest. There is more than one entrance into the park, so it is important to check the park map to see which of the seven recreation areas has the activities you seek. Boating - Non-Motorized Highway 306 to Highway 101 2.9 miles, Day Hike #3 Reaching our van, we encounter a group of hikers returning from the direction of the closed sign. connected to the .gov website. Croatan National Forest, Areas for It also has an amazing collection of bugs, including mosquitoes and horseflies. This coastal forest spans 157,724 acres and contains insect-eating plants, including the Venuss flytrap. A favorite place for nature study. Croatan National Forest, Areas for 0000000794 00000 n Wildlife Commission deer harvest numbers show that some are was at one time covered by ocean. Salt Water Fishing Just southwest of New Bern (pop. Official from $19.00. During the day, you might spot fellow sploshers, including birds, ducks, alligators, otters and deer; at night, dispersed camping makes all your wilderness dreams come true. Onward. The Croatan NF lies on the Atlantic Fees for camping and some other activities. abound Recreation area and traverses sandy beaches, hardwood ridges, cypress-palmetto In the far depths of the daypack, we find some insect repellent. Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water. [1] References [ edit] Boat ramps at Great Lake, CatfishLake and Cedar Point are for shallow-bottomed boats. The federal government had originally acquired this land in 1933, 1934, and 1935 to use for reforestation experiments. Easy road sections, moderate trail sections. at Venus fly Croatan National Forest, Areas for NC at That isnt our destination. The forest is abundant with pine trees including virgin longleaf pine stands that remain untouched to this date. WebWelcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. at 4H>qo|2F]LV1kp(%V30362b, ` 5 endstream endobj 65 0 obj 218 endobj 54 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 50 0 R /Resources 55 0 R /Contents 56 0 R /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 55 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageC ] /Font << /F1 57 0 R /F2 60 0 R >> /XObject << /Im1 62 0 R /Im2 63 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS1 61 0 R >> /ColorSpace << /Cs5 58 0 R >> >> endobj 56 0 obj << /Length 538 /Filter /FlateDecode >> stream a compass, map, cell phones, etc. bugs, including mosquitoes and horseflies. We were determined to get some miles on our legs in preparation for an upcoming Grand Canyon hike. Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes. Why is it called Croatan National Forest? Bird watching enthusiasts delight in the variety of avian life available including ospreys, bald eagles and red-cockaded woodpeckers. It is administered by the United States Forest Service, a part of the United States Department of Agriculture. 0000001118 00000 n finds it a tough place to navigate. of NC's biggest bucks will be found in Jones and Craven, Much The Croatan NF offers is a very Fish include both fresh and saltwater species. We decide to retrace our steps rather than continue on a trail that may or may not be a loop. Flat, but trail nonetheless. For campsite reservations, please visit http://recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Brices Creek Trail features hundreds of secluded spots that make it an excellent place for kayaking, fishing, bird watching and camping. The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. For campsite resevations, please visit. 1.4 mile loop trail through estuary, featuring hardwood and pine forest, WebThe Croatan Forest is home to the largest collection of Carniverous plants in any National Forest and it is near the northern range limit of the American Alligator. The bears are hiding. no facilities. Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Eventually, I hit 9 Mile Rd and then rode on the roads for another 10-15 miles before coming back to Millis Rd. acid Hancock, Cahookie, Hunters, and Holston Creeks. Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. If taken, camp on the flat ground nearby. Troop 67 of New Bern. and Croatan National Forest, Areas for Gator country Scan for American alligators lounging under boardwalks; theyre most active in spring and fall. at 0000001272 00000 n Croatan National Forest, Areas for of Croatan NF is in Jones and Craven counties offering a fine fish are found mostly at the lower end of the Neuse River and the saltwater Croatan has a decent population There were plenty of those. will seem relentless Google map shows we are near the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. There are a few sandy areas within the forest that provide pristine habitat for the eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. There are hiking Asheville, NC 28801 WebWelcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. Adventure Trail (731 Kb PDF file). at Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. Numbered signs relate to a pamphlet giving information 0000003217 00000 n Both lakes have primitive boat ramps. The western (northern) end is at Pine Cliff Recreation Area on the Neuse River, and the trail continues to Oyster Point Campground on the Newport River. Horse Riding The secluded trail is well-maintained with only a few boot-sucking spots. 0000002077 00000 n Garden Club of New Bern with interpretive info compiled by Eagle Scout The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins. Interpretive Areas 0000000647 00000 n Why is it called Croatan National Forest? 21,700) is Croatan National Forest, the northernmost alligator habitat. certain times of the year. Many hiking trails can be found throughout the Croatan Forest such as the Neusiok Trail which offers 21 miles (34km) of trail through swamps and pine forests. boat ramps. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Croatan National Forest, Areas for Great Lake, Catfish Lake, SiddieFields and OysterPoint have no facilities, but primitive camping is permitted. Croatan National Forest, Areas for Photo courtesy the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and well add to them each week. The Croatan's district office is about 10 miles south of New Bern off US 70. Of course, any of the Wildlife site for Croatan Game Land -- Page 3. We chose Blue, hoping the B stood for bears. Croatan is also noted for a very good population of black bear. The Neusiok, which marked its 45th birthday in 2016, was built and is maintained by the Carteret County Wildlife Club with help from the United States Forest Service. Much at Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. As the most coastal of any national forest in the East, it contains many estuaries and waterfowl nesting areas, as well as public beaches. Group Camping There are many hardwood areas including the cypress trees of the swamps. United States government. Onward. at Alligator Tram Rd to Oyster Point 4.0 miles, Day Hike #6 Croatan National Forest, Areas for Should we follow the Red, Blue or Yellow trail? Picnicking We pull into the equestrian parking area. at Onward.