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This
tour focuses on the northeastern corner of the state, leading one to
world famous sand dunes, one of North Carolina's largest lakes, an
historic and unique plantation, forests, swamps, National Wildlife
Refuges, and the renowned scenic vistas and recreation areas of the
Outer Banks.
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You can start the tour at any point, but we'll begin east of I-95 and
Roanoke Rapids along US 158 at Merchants
Millpond State
Park. This secretive gem of a
park has a new visitor center opening in 2009. Spanish moss hangs from
cypress trees over a turtle-filled bay. It's a favorite spot for birds
of many colors, both local and migratory. Drift down the dark placid
streams in a canoe while exploring the abundant plants and wildlife.
Just remember your insect repellent!
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Plan
on a half-hour's driving time east on US 158 and north on US 17 to
historic Dismal
Swamp State Park. Walk across
the mechanical swinging bridge over the canal mapped out by George
Washington to the new visitor center. Learn about the history of the
land and explore the new trails. Wildlife is all around you –
turkeys, bears, butterflies, and songbirds. You can also visit the park
by boat and travel the canal north to Virginia. In spring you might
even catch the annual Paddle for the Border.
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Return
on US 17 S to US 158 and follow it eastward through the "Harbor of
Hospitality", Elizabeth City, down along Currituck Sound, and across
the bridge to Kitty Hawk. This stretch of the Outer Banks contains
enough beaches, lighthouses, wild horses, and great sea food to keep
everyone happy. Stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty
Hawk to learn about the first flight and explore the hidden
wilderness at the Nature Conservancy's Kitty Hawk Coastal Reserve. Most
of all, enjoy the tallest sand dunes on the east coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park.
Ask a ranger about fulgurite
– sand fused by lightning six feet under the dunes. Climb the
dunes for the views and to watch the hang gliders. And don't forget
your kite! There's a reason the Wright brothers chose the Outer Banks
to launch mankind into the air.
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Follow
US 158 / NC 12 south, then turn west on US 64. Pass through Roanoke
Island the site of the Lost Colony. Visit Fort Raleigh National
Historic Site and the state aquarium. Enjoy the fine shopping and
dining in Manteo. Continue west through the Alligator River Natural
Wildlife Refuge and stop for a hike or a paddle. Bring your binoculars
to spot the different species of birds that stop here during their
migrations. Register to join the rangers for a Howling Safari to listen
for the successfully reintroduced red wolves. When you reach Creswell,
head south for a double treat – the historic plantation
Somerset Place, and Pettigrew State
Park
on Lake Phelps. Swim and boat on the second largest lake in North
Carolina and gaze up at some of the largest trees in the state and
nation. You will also find relics of human civilization that existed
long before the first colony. See canoes recovered from the lake that
are as old as the pyramids.
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Outer
Banks
Return to Merchants Millpond by heading north on NC 32 through the
historic beauty of Edenton with its old town center overlooking the
bay. Continue north through tobacco and soybean farms, then head west
on US 158 to reach the park.
Major towns near the route where you can find food and lodging include
Elizabeth City, Kill Devil Hills, and the other communities of the
Outer Banks. You can use one of these as your home base and enjoy each
of the parks during your stay. Be sure to also check out the area for
historic sites, museums, golf courses, craft shops, and outdoor sports. |
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Copyright
©
2009 by Friends of State Parks
Photo
of Merchants Millpond
© 2009 Mark Pillsbury; others
© 2009 Bob Sowa.
Your membership and the 501c Non Profit
status of Friends of State Parks support this program.
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