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Long Point Trail

Croatan National Forest, North Carolina · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
20 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through May
Est. Time
2.5-3.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
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

  • Long Point peninsula with views across the Neuse River estuary
  • Longleaf pine savanna with Venus flytraps and pitcher plants in wet sections
  • Pocosin shrub habitat unique to the Atlantic Coastal Plain
  • Waterfowl and shorebird viewing from the estuary shoreline
  • Remote peninsula character with minimal visitor use
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Overview

The Long Point Trail reaches the tip of a peninsula on the Neuse River estuary, one of the most open-water vantage points accessible from Croatan National Forest. The 5.0-mile round trip passes through longleaf pine savanna and pocosin before reaching the estuary shoreline with broad views over the water. Carnivorous plants in the wet savanna sections and waterfowl on the estuary make this one of the more ecologically distinctive hikes in the coastal forest.

No permit required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Longleaf savanna. From the FR-181 trailhead, the trail crosses open longleaf pine savanna with wiregrass understory. In the wet depression areas, look for Venus flytraps and pitcher plants from May through August. The savanna is managed with prescribed fire to maintain the open character. The trail is flat throughout.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Pocosin margins and estuary approach. The trail transitions through pocosin shrub margins and increasingly open terrain as the peninsula narrows toward the estuary. The shrub cover provides good songbird and migrant habitat.

Long Point and return. The trail ends at the peninsula tip with views across the Neuse River estuary. Brown pelicans, osprey, and various gulls and terns are common in spring and summer. Waterfowl concentrate in fall and winter. Retrace the route to the trailhead.

When to Hike

October through May for comfortable temperatures and peak wildlife activity. Waterfowl viewing is best from November through February.

April and May for spring migrants along the estuary and carnivorous plant bloom in the savanna.

Summer visits are possible but heat, humidity, and insects are intense in July and August.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. No water source along the trail. Insect repellent from April through October. Binoculars for estuary bird watching.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 181 southeast of New Bern, accessed from US-70 east. The road requires a standard clearance vehicle in dry conditions. Download offline maps before visiting; no cell service at the trailhead.

Nearby

The Cedar Point Tideland Trail provides another estuary-focused experience. The Brice Creek Trail is the best freshwater creek hike from New Bern. See the full Croatan National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles and never disturb carnivorous plants.

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.

Trailhead Parking

Long Point Trailhead on Forest Road 181, accessible from US-70 southeast of New Bern. Gravel road. Small pullout. No fee.

← Back to Croatan National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pocosin?
A pocosin is a type of upland swamp found on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by dense evergreen shrubs (pond pine, titi, and greenbrier) growing on saturated, acidic peat soils. Pocosins are sometimes called Carolina bays and represent one of the most distinctive ecosystems in the southeastern United States. Croatan National Forest contains significant pocosin acreage, and the Long Point area provides good examples of this unique habitat.
Are there carnivorous plants at Long Point?
Yes. The wet longleaf pine savannas adjacent to the Long Point Trail are among the best places in the Croatan to see carnivorous plants, including Venus flytraps (native to a small area of coastal North Carolina and South Carolina), pitcher plants, and sundews. These plants thrive in the nutrient-poor, acidic soils of longleaf pine savannas maintained by fire. Never pick or disturb carnivorous plants; Venus flytraps are protected by North Carolina state law.
Can I access the Neuse River from Long Point Trail?
Yes. The trail reaches the tip of the Long Point peninsula, which has direct shoreline access to the Neuse River estuary. The estuary here is wide and subject to wind; conditions vary significantly. The area is used for fishing from the bank and for bird watching across the open water.