Keith Duncan

Rachel Carson Reserve is easily accessible from Beaufort with your own small boat or via the ferry service. The trails are flat and sandy. Some areas will get your feet wet, particularly at high tide. You can access Bird Shoal on the south side but you will need to wade in ankle deep water to cross over.

The tide runs quick through Taylor Creek so swimming over from Beaufort is not recommended without a boat escort. Rowing over in my dinghy was no problem.

Be cautious of the wild horses. On the narrow sections of the trails, make a little noise so as not to startle them with your approach.

We stayed a few days in early January 2023 on our way south. The facilities were nice and clean. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The use of their loaner car made doing chores ashore very easy.

The surrounding neighborhood was very quiet and provided a nice area to walk.

Our slip provided a nice view of the harbor and it was nice to finally see other recreational boats.