Bald Head Island is a local North Carolina treasure. The relatively remote island is the perfect beach getaway, with plenty to explore. Bald Head Island is accessible by ferry and the terminal is located just 30 miles from our Wilmington shop. One of the focal points of the island is Old Baldy, a lighthouse commissioned by Thomas Jefferson. The coastal terrain around the island is perfect for leisurely hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The Bald Head Island Ferry terminal is just over 30 miles from our Wilmington shop, making for the perfect day trip destination. The island is only two miles over the Cape Fear River and has 10,000 acres of preserved beach and marshes. The island is home to the state’s longest standing lighthouse, Old Baldy. Old Baldy was established in 1817 and stands at 110′ tall. A climb to the top takes 108 steps. While visiting Old Baldy, more history is found at the Smith Island Museum.
Guests can explore the island by foot, by kayak/SUP, or by bike while visiting. The Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve offers several trailheads to choose from like the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail. This marshy hike is accompanied by fiddler crabs who enjoy this beautiful place year round. While exploring, catch the panoramic view of coastal marsh. It’s best to pack a pair of your favorite binoculars, which are in stock at the Wilmington shop.
Fishing for tuna, red drum, and flounder is accessible with a valid NC Fishing License. The Bald Head Island Conservancy is a great resource for local fishing recommendations. Kayaking the local waterways also offers more views of the island and wildlife. The Bald Head Island Conservancy provides guided tours for paddling new comers.
This coastal trip is worth taking year round. With the help of our gear assortment, exploring this destination is even easier.
Expert Picks
Bittu AliAn over-engineered kayak cart that will take anything you throw at it. From rough terrain to oddly shaped hulls to heavy pedal drive fishing yaks to being able to take it apart and stow inside your kayak -this cart is the absolute best available.
Raleigh
Bittu AliThis kayak is amazing -by far the most innovative fishing kayak today. Think of an e-Bike crossed with a Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak. Powered by Minn Kota technology, the propulsion system seamlessly integrates your preferred level of electric assist with human propulsion.
Raleigh
Rich ChisholmBinoculars are great, but most of the time I like just using this Zoom tube instead. It is lightweight, super clear, and is really easy to find what you are looking for.
Chapel Hill
Anna LawrenceThese are a go to through fall and winter! I just throw on socks when it gets colder. So comfortable!
Raleigh
Rich ChisholmWhen I needed a new super light family tent for a backpacking trip to the Tetons, this was the obvious choice. It has enough room and is super light and compact. During the trip, my family loved how easy it was to set up and I loved how easy it was to carry.
Chapel Hill
Rich ChisholmI just got these new shades and have been really impressed with how good they are for only $25. They don’t slip on my nose when I am running and are great for my commute on sunny days.
Chapel Hill
Bittu AliThe Jackson Knarr is more than a coastal Kayak Fishing machine, it also excels in any flatwater environment. The new Mark IV Flex Drive has been totally re-engineered, and the kayak has been stress-tested in some of the harshest environments and performed admirably.
Raleigh
Stewart KnightAn extremely well-designed bag. Easy to carry and stow with multiple large zippered pockets for separating gear. I’ve packed for a week in the Virgin Islands and a week in the Rockies with just this bag. It’s also good-looking luggage to boot!
Raleigh
Peyton HaleThe Freestone is the best bang for the buck of all Simms waders. The build quality and features are designed for long days on the water.
Raleigh
Stewart McLeanLove this wallet! It allows me to easily access my cards individually without having to take all of them out at once. It has every feature I wanted–slim profile, RFID protection and a money clip.
Raleigh
Amy QuinnI love my Arizonas so much, I find myself putting them on everyday when the weather’s warm. I may need another color…or 3! So comfortable!
Raleigh
Johanna BreedI love this pant! I’ve done everything with it from being on a plane for hours to hiking. I think the tapered cut is so flattering!
Chapel Hill
Rich ChisholmWith a brighter light and longer burn time than the nearest competition, I think it is the best value right now. This light is very durable and I can add a rechargeable battery pack in place of the AAA batteries if I want to later.
Chapel Hill
Rich ChisholmThis is a great carry-all bag for those little items you need but don’t have room in your pockets for. I like the over-built design even for something this small – will last practically forever. Detachable crossbody strap so it can convert to a belt bag is awesome!
Chapel Hill
StefkaA comfortable flowy pant, great for the office, traveling, and out on the town. And who doesn’t love an elastic waist and pockets?
Raleigh
Lisa ChisholmI really have enjoyed these trekking poles. They are light, and very easy to adjust in length. I always bring trekking poles along with me on trips now, and these are perfect for everything I do.
Chapel Hill
Alex WoodThese are super comfortable right out of the box, for a boot that’s so rugged and supportive. I’m using them for work, backpacking and hunting.
Raleigh
Lee QuinnThis is my ‘go-to’ bathing suit, but you can really do anything in them, which is great!
Raleigh
Amy QuinnThis boot is so comfortable out of the box. I really like how it keeps my ankle and heel secure and in place without feeling constricting. I also like that the sole isn’t super stiff like a lot of boots I’ve tried.
Raleigh
