A SHORT EVENING WALK AT ISLAND CREEK

By admin | Published September 29, 2022

A Favorite Place

If you’ve followed my blog or photography you know I love the Island Creek Nature Trail area in the Croatan National Forest. Living along coastal North Carolina most of the woodlands are either pine or maritime forests. This location offers a nice break. from that and brings back memories of my time living in the Midwest and exploring hardwood forests.

The Photos

My timing was a bit off for a visit on this late summer evening. The light in the woods as fading fast. Still I manage to grab a few photos. Below are the result of this short hike

An old stump rises up from the forest floor in a small clearing in the Croatan National Forest. This scene was captured along the Island Creek Forest Walk trail. The trail head can be found along Island Creek Road between New Bern and Pollocksvile, North Carolina.
Island Creek is a lovely, slow moving stream in the Croatan National Forest. Lined with hardwood trees and limestone outcroppings, there is a primordial feel when visiting this blackwater creek. The moss covered remains of fallen trees, coupled with an abundance of ferns, gives one the impression of exploring a rainforest. It is a serene, peaceful place for a casual hiking adventure. Adjacent to the gentle brook is the Island Creek Nature Walk. While officially a short, loop trail, there is actually a complex of trails snaking through the woods. Nature lovers may encounter White Tail Deer, Black Bear, Cotton Tail Rabbit and Gray Squirrels while exploring the area. Woodpeckers and small warblers are frequently observed. It is a tranquil place, perfect for visits by nature lovers.
There is a special place to be found between the communities of New Bern and Pollocksvile in Eastern North Carolina. A mixed hardwood forest lines a gentle, blackwater creek. Small, soft limestone cliffs peek out along the banks of the little stream. It is a place of beauty and tranquility for adventurous outdoorsmen. Island Creek is found meandering through this section of the Croatan National Forest. A hiking trail bearing the same name snakes along its side. Black Bear, White Tail Deer, Gray Squirrels and Raccoons make their home in the woods. The location offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There is a complex of hiking trails wandering through this peaceful woodland. Once maintained by a local garden club, most of the trails are no longer managed. Only a short loop trail, the Island Creek Forest Walk, continues to be cleared by the Forest Service. The remaining miles of walking paths, while still used, are no longer kept up due to NSF regulations. Still the intrepid hiker can find their way along these trails and experience a special outdoor adventure. It remains a worthy place for nature lovers to explore.

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5 Comments

  1. Bill Swartwout September 29, 2022 at 9:28 am #

    I really like your B&W shot of the Island Creek stream meandering through the forest. To me it’s the best of the lot because I have always been a fan of B&W and everyone “expects” a forest to be green and brown. This adds a new perspective and is a great way to show the textures and shapes of the various plants. The way you describe this location makes me think I should make it a place to stop and explore on one of our treks north or south.

  2. Katrina Gunn September 30, 2022 at 11:00 am #

    The photography is good, but the wordsmith in me very much appreciates the way your prose evokes the feel of an established forest in the captions. I’ve walked many a forest trail in Indiana as well as here in Florida now, and you managed to capture the feel of it in just a few short sentences.

  3. Louis Dallara October 3, 2022 at 8:18 am #

    Nice captures of a peaceful and beautiful place, you got to love the Carolina.
    Be well Lou

  4. Anne Haile October 3, 2022 at 9:52 am #

    Such beautiful woodlands and great to hear about the wildlife living there

  5. Jim Cook October 3, 2022 at 11:57 am #

    All 3 are lovely photos, really like Bills observation regarding your B&W photo. The old stump surrounded by all the healthy trees is my favorite. Well done!

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