Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail, Beaufort
Clip: Special | 2m 19sVideo has Closed Captions
The Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail explores coastal waters teeming with wildlife.
The Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail lies just off the port city of Beaufort and offers up-close access to some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse areas in the state, from rich marine habitats to small islands abundant with wildlife. Explore the islands and coastal waters of the trail with reserve site manager Paula Gillikin of the NC Division of Coastal Management.
Ten to Try is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition for the NC Year of the Trail and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.
Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail, Beaufort
Clip: Special | 2m 19sVideo has Closed Captions
The Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail lies just off the port city of Beaufort and offers up-close access to some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse areas in the state, from rich marine habitats to small islands abundant with wildlife. Explore the islands and coastal waters of the trail with reserve site manager Paula Gillikin of the NC Division of Coastal Management.
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[birds chirp] [light music] - [Narrator] Grab your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
We're headed to the coast for a salt water paddler's dream trail.
[light music] The Rachel Carson Reserve is a small collection of barrier islands and coastal marsh that can be explored via salt water paddle trail, offering the perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and wildlife.
- [Speaker] Salt water runs in my blood.
It feels freeing.
It's a great way just to decompress and enjoy the day outside.
- [Narrator] Begin your paddle from the quaint seaside town of Beaufort, using one of the public launch sites along Front Street, a short 10 minute paddle across Taylor's Creek, and you'll be in the reserve where you can choose your preferred loop direction.
[light music] The islands of the reserve are brimming with nature.
With any luck, you'll catch a glimpse of the wild horses that have been full-time residents of the Rachel Carson Reserve since the late 1940s.
- [Speaker] The current herd number is about 25 animals and we monitor them continuously.
- [Narrator] While you're paddling, keep your eyes out for bottle nose dolphin or passing sea turtles and watch the shorelines for river otter, gray and red fox and over 200 species of birds, including egret and heron.
If you have the time and want to make a day of it, there are even beaches and boardwalks on the reserve, where you can come ashore and explore by foot.
[light music] - [Speaker] Salt water trails are a really valuable part of North Carolina's trail system because they offer a different experience.
- [Narrator] From walking remote island paths to paddling its vibrant coastal waters, a trip to the Rachel Carson Reserve is the perfect adventure for any trail lover.
[birds chirp]
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Ten to Try is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition for the NC Year of the Trail and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.