Bear Island, located in Onslow County, can be reached by ferry, kayak, canoe, and at one point– pirate ship! This park has a story to tell. The best way to learn about it is by seeing it yourself! A well-trafficked area in the summer seasons, but a treasure year round!
The paddle to Bear Island is a good one year round. What makes it especially good is that it’s the only way to get to the island. After an easy 2-mile paddle through a shallow, relatively protected marsh on a well-marked canoe trail, this three-mile-long barrier island awaits. Walk the lonely beach front, devoid of the sun worshippers and picnickers who will soon descend. Note that this all ends once Hammocks Beach State Park fires up its ferry service for the season. This season is on a limited bases beginning April 1, full-time, seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Until then, you’ll be so enchanted you won’t want to leave — and you needn’t thanks to the island’s 14 campsites.
Look forward to therapeutic walks along the sandy shore (categorized as a 4-mile hiking trail). The intriguing task of shelling is literally at your feet. Rumor has it, the winter season has the best stock of shells. The earlier in the day, the better variety in store. Remain entertained by testing your luck for some puppy drum, trout, or flounder when you bring a fishing rod. In the warmer months, you my find yourself taking a dip in the salty waters around. Keep your eyes peeled for the various bird species soaring around the island. If you’re lucky, you may spot from a distance Loggerhead and Green Sea turtles coming to nest. Black bears have even been reported along the shore and in the forest. Despite the original name, Bare Island, due to lack of vegetation– there sure is a lot to see!
The scenes you’ll encounter are as rich as the history behind it. It was first inhabited by Neusiok and Coree Indians, later frequented by pirates like Blackbeard, eventually served as military grounds during the Civil War and World War II, purchased by a retired neurosurgeon, eventually donated to the NCTA who then donated it to the State to develop as a park open to minorities and eventually integrated following the Civil Rights Act. This beach has seen a lot of history.
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
