Rachel Carson Reserve Loop
Distance: 8.25 to 8.75 miles, depending on tide level
Difficulty Level: Moderate (due to distance and tidal timing)
Time Considerations:
Workout/steady paddling: 1.5–2 hours
Exploration/relaxation: 4–8 hours
The Rachel Carson Reserve Loop is a favorite for many reasons. Chief among them is the ease of access and the diverse micro-ecological environments found along this paddling route. This loop takes paddlers through several small islands, with the added bonus of exposed sandbars during low tide. The archipelago includes Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, Horse Island, and Middle Marsh. Although Middle Marsh is not part of the loop due to separation by the North River Channel, the loop is still ideal for both day-trip explorers and athletes looking for a rewarding workout.
However, it's crucial to remember that weather, wind, and tide play significant roles in the difficulty of this trip. Understanding these factors in advance can make all the difference between an enjoyable outing and a challenging, or even unsafe, experience. Wind and tidal currents can humble even experienced paddlers, so preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and rewarding adventure.
The Beginning and the End
Lennoxville Road Wildlife Beaufort/Taylors Creek Boating Access Ramp
Although other launch points are available, such as the Beaufort waterfront or Radio Island, the state boat ramp on Lennoxville Road is the most convenient for visiting paddlers. This boat ramp offers approximately 50 parking spaces, with 10 designated for vehicles without trailers.
There is also a small ship’s store on-site, offering last-minute items like hoodies, sun shirts, and basic snacks or drinks. The restrooms are small but generally clean and clearly marked for male and female use, with locks on the inside. Notably, this boat ramp provides a free loaner life jacket station located behind the restrooms.
The ramp can become very busy on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly. Most of the ramp is paved with asphalt and concrete, making it easy to use a kayak dolly.
Wind and Tide Considerations
Wind:
When standing at the boat ramp facing the water, one is generally looking south. During the summer months, the wind usually blows from a southerly direction, with occasional shifts from the north. In winter, this pattern tends to reverse. These are simply general guidelines, and it is advisable to check wind conditions before embarking on any coastal kayaking trip.
Tide:
At the boat ramp, when facing the water, the outgoing tide moves to the right (west) toward the Beaufort waterfront. The incoming tide flows to the left (east) toward Harkers Island. Boaters may refer to this as the "ebb and flow" of the tide, with "ebb" being outgoing and "flow" incoming. Understanding the tide’s direction and strength is crucial, as strong currents can challenge even experienced paddlers. Checking tide forecasts and preparing accordingly will make the trip far more enjoyable. Reliable apps for this purpose include AccuWeather, Weather Bug, Windy, NOAA Weather, and Fish Weather. Free versions of these apps work well, and it's a good practice to compare forecasts from multiple sources.
Marked Waypoints/Locations on the Loop:
1. The Boat Ramp
The boat ramp provides an excellent launch point with docks on either side. Paddlers can either back their vehicle down the ramp to offload their kayak or park and carry it to the water. Be mindful that launching a kayak takes more time than a motorized boat, so use sound judgment in coordinating with other boaters.
2. Rachel Carson Dock – 200 yards from Ramp
This small dock is visible from the boat ramp, making it an easy 200-yard paddle. Here, paddlers can access a short trail to explore the marshy protected bay of Carrot Island on foot, where abundant wildlife is often spotted. If disembarking here, remember to pull the kayak out of the water and possibly tie it off, as the dock is also used by other kayakers and boaters.
3. East End of Rachel Carson Reserve – 1.05 miles from Ramp
Paddling clockwise (east) from the boat ramp, paddlers pass numerous coves and openings ripe for exploration. At the east end, conditions may change, with more open water and larger waves due to wind, tide movement, and boat activity. A series of concrete barriers, part of a restoration project, offers some protection for kayakers, though at low tide, these barriers may pose a challenge. Be aware that during high tide, the barriers may not be visible at all.
4. North River Channel Section – 1.05 to 2.4 miles from Ramp
This 1.5-mile stretch offers small channels (creeks) for exploration, though the tide heavily impacts accessibility. At 1.75 miles, paddlers encounter a wide channel that is less likely to cause problems during low tide. Water shoes are essential in this area, as oyster beds can pose a risk. Tidal currents in the North River Channel shift every 5.5 to 6 hours, so it’s best to stick close to the island if conditions become difficult.
5. Bonus Stop – 2.2 miles from Ramp
This section of sandbars is exposed during low tide and is known for its sand dollars, pristine shells, and occasional starfish.
6. Miles 2.4 to 5.2 from Ramp
Heading west along a 2.5-mile stretch of white sandy beach, paddlers may encounter deeper water and stronger winds, especially in summer. Waypoints are marked every half-mile, though distances may vary slightly depending on the tide.
7 to 11: Waypoints – Miles 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.3, 4.5
12. Mile 5.2 to 5.5 – West End of Rachel Carson Reserve
Paddlers will now be heading "northish," and the tidal current may be challenging, particularly during an outgoing tide.
13. Miles 5.5 to 8.2 – Taylor’s Creek
The final 2.7-mile stretch back to the boat ramp includes access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Beaufort waterfront, with several possible bail-out points along the way.
14 to 19: Bail-Out Points
Multiple bail-out points are available between miles 6.3 and 8.0, ranging from public access to private properties, with the latter only to be used in emergencies.
20. Mile 8.2 – Boat Ramp
Congratulations! You’ve completed the loop back to the boat ramp.