Springer’s Point Preserve

PRESERVE UPDATE:
Springer’s Point Preserve is open to the public.  We ask you to not enter if sick or experiencing any symptoms of or are positive for COVID-19.

The Coastal Land Trust’s Springer’s Point Preserve on Ocracoke Island is the perfect spot to spend the morning bird watching or the afternoon hiking and sitting on the beach overlooking the Pamlico Sound. This tranquil Preserve was opened to the public on May 20, 2006 and encompasses more than 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, wet grasslands and sound front beach. You’ll pass ancient, gnarled live oaks as you make your way along winding trails to the sandy beach overlooking the infamous Teach’s Hole.  Designated as one of the state’s significant natural heritage areas because of its unique maritime forest and importance to colonial water birds, the Preserve enjoys a cultural history as vibrant as the array of plant and bird species it supports. This site, historically referred to as “Teach’s Plantation”, is the reputed favorite haunt of the legendary pirate, Blackbeard, who marauded, eluded capture and finally met his fate at Teach’s Hole, off Springer’s Point.

Springer’s Point was one of the last remaining undeveloped areas on Ocracoke Island and under the threat of development. The Coastal Land Trust purchased 31 acres of the Preserve in 2002 and an additional 91 acres in 2006 with grant funds from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund. In 2020, we secured two acres of private land within the boundaries of the Preserve that overlook Pamlico Sound.  This will allow us to expand trails and vistas so there are more ways to enjoy the preserve. With this small but high-impact acquisition, the Coastal Land Trust completed a Top 40 Project and permanently protected a total of 124 acres at the Preserve.

Overwhelming community support enables the Coastal Land Trust to complete maritime forest restoration work, construct Preserve amenities, hire a local Preserve Steward and open the Preserve to the public.  An island within an island, Springer’s Point is a peaceful oasis of natural beauty in the heart of bustling Ocracoke Village.

Springer’s Point Preserve is open to the public from 8am-6pm daily. We invite you to visit and enjoy the walking trails through the maritime forest and sound front beach. Dogs and their conscientious owners are welcome – ON LEASH and LEAVE NO TRACE.  Please plan to travel to the Preserve by foot or bicycle as there is no parking available.  Full list of preserve rules at bottom of page. Thank you for your interest and for helping to take care of Springer’s Point.

To support Springer’s Point, donate online today!