Sugarloaf Island Loop
Distance: 1.9 mile
Launch: Morehead City Canoe and Kayak Launch (11th @ Shepard St.)
The distance to Sugarloaf Island is approximately 1.9 miles from the Morehead City Canoe and Kayak Launch, located at 11th Street and Shepard Street. Situated just a tenth of a mile off the Morehead City Waterfront, Sugarloaf Island is highly accessible even for novice paddlers with kayaks or paddleboards. Beyond a boat dock, restroom facilities, and a preservation barrier, the island remains largely undeveloped, offering an immersive natural experience. Short trails around the island can be accessed from the boat dock, which also provides an opportunity to enjoy the island's vibrant wildlife and protected bay—a perfect excursion for beginners.
Paddlers should anticipate mild wind exposure, tide currents, and occasional wakes from motorboats under typical conditions. The island’s manmade protective barrier wraps from the east to the west end, sheltering the waters and creating a safer paddling environment.
Wind, Current, and Chop:
Wind:
Wind conditions can significantly influence a paddling experience. Winds are typically from the north in cooler months and from the south during warmer seasons. Wind speeds up to 10 MPH are generally comfortable, but inexperienced paddlers should avoid open waters if winds exceed 12 MPH.
Tide and Current:
The area is heavily affected by tides. From the Morehead City Waterfront, currents flow westward during rising tides and eastward during dropping tides. These currents can be strong, especially around tide changes.
Chop:
Choppy waters, caused by wind, tidal shifts, and boat traffic, may require more effort from paddlers. Mainland waters near Sugarloaf Island can experience motorboat traffic, particularly on weekends and holidays, so vigilance is essential as boaters may not always spot kayakers.
Kayak Launch and Portage:
The launch area offers 18 parking slots, one designated for handicapped parking. There are no on-site amenities, though the Morehead City Waterfront is nearby with restrooms, shops, and restaurants. Portage from the parking lot is relatively short, with a maximum distance of 120 yards. The sandy beach launch, positioned between two private boat docks, may reveal a concrete discharge pipe at low tide; paddlers should take care to avoid damaging their kayaks when returning to the launch.
The Island Loop:
From the launch, Sugarloaf Island lies slightly to the left, about 350 yards away. The route first skirts around private boat docks, where paddlers might encounter varying levels of chop. Crossing to the island’s west end requires navigating around the protective barrier to access the beach area.
Protected Bay:
Paddling another 300 yards eastward along the island reveals a small, sheltered bay rich with marine life. Including the bay in a paddling loop adds approximately 600 yards to the route.
Boat Dock and Popular Beach:
About 0.8 miles from the launch, Sugarloaf Island’s boat dock offers a convenient access point to explore. Moving clockwise, paddlers will reach the island’s popular beach, a favorite spot for locals and motorboats, about one mile from the launch. This area experiences a shift in currents, especially during tidal changes, and may form an eddy.
East End:
The island’s east end opens into a large port on one side and open water on the other, offering expansive views. Goat Island, another potential paddling destination, is visible across the Sound. Conditions here may be choppier, but the island’s barrier offers a measure of protection.
Sound Side and West End:
The rugged Sound side stretches for about 0.4 miles, with limited beach access. At the Sound side trailhead, paddlers will encounter beached driftwood and the opportunity to explore the island’s interior. Continuing clockwise leads to the west end, where kayakers can enjoy a more secluded beach.
Return to the Launch:
Paddlers should target the red triangle channel marker #6 before turning back to the launch, mindful of the drain pipe on the beach to prevent potential kayak damage.
Overall, a paddle around Sugarloaf Island is a scenic and enriching adventure, perfect for those seeking a relaxed but slightly challenging day on the water.