It’s President’s Day weekend on the Outer Banks, the weather is wonderful if a bit chilly and our roads are filled with visitors. It’s great to see.
Of course that chilly weather may have some people thinking long and hard about a walk on the beach. We certainly understand that. With a breeze from the north, even at nine or ten miles an hour, it’s pretty cold out there.
As an alternative to a walk on the beach, may we suggest exploring the soundside of the Outer Banks.
The soundside is filled with wonders and a whole new world to explore for anyone who has not seen what it has to offer. There is Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on the north end of Hatteras Island, truly one of nature’s wonders especially at this time of the year when the ponds are filled with migratory waterfowl..
There are maritime forests, and of course, the Duck Boardwalk. All of them great places to explore.
But today we’re going to recommend a sometimes overlooked but wonderful trail—the Pine Island Trail.
Parking for the trail is behind the Pine Island Racquet Club and there are signs directing hikers to the parking.
What makes this trail so wonderful is how accessible it is for almost anyone. It probably would be very difficult for a handicapped person to navigate, but otherwise, the wide, flat packed earth track makes for a very easy trek.
At one time it was the access road to Corolla. At that time it was private property and there was a guardhouse at the south end allowing access only to people who could show business in Corolla.
That is long gone but the remnants of that trail remain. Over the years a maritime forest has grown up on both sides of the trail. The foliage is dense even in the winter. Winter songbirds love it among the pine trees and live oak.
There are also two soundside overlooks that are worth checking out. Wind conditions dictate to a large degree how close to the shore waterfowl come, but on a good day, it is spectacular.
By all means, check this on out. You won’t be disappointed.
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