Trails at Fort Macon State Park

Status of park trails  Park map (PDF)

Fort Macon State Park has nearly 5 miles of trail and beach combined, providing a great way to experience the natural side of the park.

Pets

Pets are permitted at the park. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please pick up after your pet when you are at the park; pet waste is not fertilizer and can put plants, other animals, and visitors at risk for disease. Please dispose of pet waste in garbage bins, and do not throw waste bags on the water, in the woods, or leave them on the ground.

Sharing the Trail

The Elliott Coues Nature Trail is open to bicycles. When sharing a trail, hikers with pets must yield to all other trail users, including bicyclists.

Don't Forget

  • Insect repellent, especially during warm weather months
  • Sunscreen
  • Plenty of water
  • Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
  • Park map – download and print it at home or stop by the visitor center

Trail List and Descriptions

Trail Name Blaze Length Difficulty Trail Use Accessible Description
Elliott Coues Nature Trail yellow circles 3.2-mile loop Moderate Biking, hiking No

The Elliott Coues Nature Trail connects the fort area with the swim beach area. It stretches approximately 3.2 miles roundtrip and travels along the marsh, through the maritime forest, and through the sand dunes.

The trail can be accessed both at the fort parking area or the beach access parking area.

Please note that these parking areas have diffferent closing times, and that they change throughout the year based on the month, so please be mindful of your time if you start your hike later in the afternoon.

This trail has a natural surface and travels through sand, gravel, and wooden boardwalk.

Bicyclists, please yield to hikers on this trail.

Both trails at the park are a Kids in Parks Track Trail. For more information about the program and to download the activity brochures, please visit the Kids in Parks website.
Yarrow's Loop none 0.25-mile loop Easy Hiking No

Yarrow's Loop is a short, quarter-mile nature trail that includes information signs about some of the common plants and animals that can be found in the park.

The trailhead is at the north end of the fort parking area.

This trail has a natural surface.

Both trails at the park are a Kids in Parks Track Trail. For more information about the program and to download the activity brochures, please visit the Kids in Parks website.
Hike: Beach none 1.5-mile one way Easy Hiking No

The beach is always available for hikes.

As you walk along the beach, you may see one of the 300-plus different species of birds found in the park or experience the thrill of watching dolphins playing in the ocean.
Export Table Data