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ForestMatters, LLC

Island Creek Forest Walk

Croatan National Forest, North Carolina · 3 min read

Distance
3 mi
Elevation Gain
20 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through May
Est. Time
1.5-2 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Island Creek bottomland hardwood with cypress, water oak, and tupelo
  • Prothonotary warbler and wood duck habitat in the creek bottomland
  • Quiet northern forest section away from the main recreation areas
  • Good birding in spring migration along the creek corridor
  • Short and accessible for a morning walk near New Bern
riverwildlife

Overview

The Island Creek Forest Walk follows Island Creek through bottomland hardwood and coastal mixed forest in the northern section of Croatan National Forest, covering a short and accessible route in the most understated part of the forest. Island Creek is a blackwater tributary of the Neuse River, its tannin-dark water characteristic of the coastal plain drainage system. The bottomland hardwood corridor has the typical cast of characters: bald cypress, water oak, water tupelo, and the spring arrival of prothonotary warblers in the cavities along the creek.

No permit required. No fee. No restrooms at the trailhead.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Creek corridor north. From the Forest Road 168 trailhead, the trail follows Island Creek upstream through bottomland hardwood. The creek is close at hand throughout the first half of the route, with views into the dark water and the cypress knees projecting from the shallows. The trail is flat and the footing is good except near the creek margins where it can be muddy.

Return: The same route back to the trailhead.

When to Hike

October through May: Most comfortable. Lower insect pressure.

April through June: Breeding warblers in the creek bottomland. Prothonotary warblers are at their most vocal in April and May.

Summer: Hot and humid with insects. Manageable on an early morning start given the short distance.

What to Bring

Water (none at trailhead). Insect repellent year-round. Waterproof boots or trail runners if the creek has been running high.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 168 is accessible from US-17 north of New Bern via connecting forest roads. The route is on the northern edge of Croatan National Forest.

Nearby

The Brice Creek Trail offers a longer blackwater creek experience in the forest interior. The Pine Cliff Recreation Trail is the most developed short trail in the northern forest. Review Leave No Trace principles before visiting.

Before any outing in East Texas national forest terrain, review the checking conditions guide for current information on trail conditions, fire restrictions, and wildlife alerts from official USFS sources.

The America the Beautiful pass covers day-use fees at developed recreation areas throughout the national forest system. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in the veteran benefits guide.

East Texas national forests experience hot and humid conditions from May through September, with mosquito and tick activity year-round. Checking the Leave No Trace seven principles before any visit helps preserve the forest for the next visitor.

Trailhead Parking

Island Creek Trailhead pullout on Forest Road 168. Gravel pullout near the creek bridge. No fee. No restrooms.

← Back to Croatan National Forest

More Trails in Croatan National Forest

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Brice Creek Trail

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A 4.5-mile easy out-and-back along Brice Creek through bottomland hardwood and cypress forest in Croatan National Forest, the best single-day hike for wildlife and blackwater creek scenery.

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Catfish Lake Trail

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Long Point Trail

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Neusiok Trail: Northern Section

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Neusiok Trail: Southern Section

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Pine Cliff Recreation Trail

3 mi40 ft gain
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Frequently Asked Questions

What wildlife can I expect on the Island Creek Forest Walk?
The Island Creek bottomland is good habitat for prothonotary warblers in breeding season (April through July), wood ducks year-round in the creek, great blue herons in the shallows, and white-tailed deer in the adjacent upland fringe. Cottonmouth snakes are present near the water; give any snake space. The trail is flat and the creek is usually audible, making wildlife spotting easier here than in denser pocosin terrain.
Is Island Creek connected to the Neuse River?
Island Creek drains into the Neuse River estuary in the northern section of Croatan National Forest. The trail follows the creek corridor upstream from the Forest Road 168 crossing. The creek is a blackwater tributary, with dark, tannin-stained water characteristic of the coastal plain drainages.
How does the Island Creek Forest Walk compare to the Brice Creek Trail?
Both trails follow blackwater creek corridors in Croatan National Forest with similar bottomland hardwood character. Island Creek is shorter (3 miles vs. 4.5 miles) and sees fewer visitors. Brice Creek has developed canoe launch access and is better known. Island Creek offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience with very similar natural character.