The 178 acre parcel of undeveloped territory, managed by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM), in partnership with the Bald Head Island Conservancy, effectively acts as a protector of the island, allowing storm winds to pass over the canopy of trees protecting the interior of the preserve and outlying beaches, homes and communities. The natural terrain also provides some extra elevation to the small, approximately 5 square mile island, with ancient tree roots that holds sand in despite any harsh storms or saltwater surges that pass through.
But despite being an instrumental component to the island's very existence, and a protector against erosion and storms, Bald Head Woods serves a more visible role as a fun, outdoor destination for visitors to enjoy off the beach. A popular spot with bird watchers, hikers and nature fans alike, this rustic destination allows vacationers to easily step off the beaten path, and dive into Bald Head Island's natural landscape.
The reserve borders both a collection of oceanside communities and the salty Bald Head Island Creek along the southern portion of the Island, close to the Shoals Watch Club. Federal Road cuts through the center of Bald Head Woods, and features several trailheads where adventurous vacationers can start their explorations of the undeveloped territory.
Trails can vary from easy to moderate, and effectively make up an entire 2.2 mile "loop" which winds through the preserve in almost its entirety. The main trailhead features a famous resident - a live oak tree affectionately called "Baldy" by locals - which has earned a spot on the national Live Oak Society register due to its massive size.
Baldy will certainly not be the only giant live oak that visitors encounter, however. The interior of the preserve is protected by an intertwined network of giant oak trees, including live oaks and laurel oaks, which protect the fragile forest environment below. Smaller flora and fauna species that thrive under this canopy include wild olive, American holly, yaupon, and catbrier, and other shade-loving plants such as cabbage palmettos and spleenwort can be found throughout the woods as well.
Nature lovers should be on the lookout for a number of wild residents, including gray squirrels, raccoons, white-tailed deer, eastern mud turtles, and even green tree frogs which take up well-camouflaged residence along the bright green foliage. Bird watchers will find plenty of vantage points to spot a number of woodland birds, including Carolina wrens, cardinals and blue jays, which are happily at home throughout this dense protected portion of an otherwise salty barrier island.
While the woods provide ample shade from the sun, visitors will want to load up on bug spray, especially in the summer months when the reserve can serve as a haven for overheated mosquitos. In addition, visitors will want to keep their eyes peeled for ticks and snakes which, while rare, can still startle hikers that delve deep into the woodsy parcels of the region.
The reserve is open year round, and hikers can tour the terrain at will, although several local clubs and programs, like the Bald Head Island Club, may offer seasonal special tours which highlight some of the Bald Head Woods' most notable wild residents and plant species. Visitors can check with local calendars of events or their vacation rental companies for details on upcoming, guided excursions that coincide with their vacation. The Bald Head Island Conservancy, located nearby, can also provide visitors with a complete list of local trails to uncover and discover during a natural adventure through the heart of the island.
Bald Head Island may have a reputation as an elite vacation destination, but a big part of its allure comes from its natural surroundings which both protect and beautify this barrier island. The Bald Head Woods State Reserve is a perfect representation of Bald Head Island's wild nature, and visitors from all walks of life can enjoy a quick stroll, an in-depth hike, or a simple drive through this undeveloped parcel of natural paradise. Unique and always fascinating during all seasons, Bald Head Woods is an incredible slice of wild North Carolina that sheds new light on this island's inherently wild nature.
Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.
The sunny Wrightsville Beach Park, conveniently located in the heart of town, is a fantastic destination for an outdoor adventure that doesn't necessarily entail a trip to the beach. Adjacent to the Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation's main facilities, the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum, and plenty of wide open green spaces, this park is a perfect spot for enjoying a little free fun in the sun, without the risk of getting sand in the shoes.
Looking for the a place to relax and relax? Want to bring your 3 Fido Friends along? This is it!!! Whether you are a couple looking for a hideaway or a family of 10 wanting to spend some time together, "Amazing GraySEA" will check all the boxes."Amazing GraySEA" is an Oceanfront home located on Caswell Beach in the handsome beach town of Oak Island NC, within walking distance of the Oak Island Lighthouse.Take in the sounds of the waves from the Atlantic ocean and the nature that surrounds you while appreciating your stay at "Amazing GraySEA". This roomy Caswell beach front home offers water vistas from the moment you enter the home. The natural landscaping surrounding the back deck and walk-way to the beach is what makes this property so magical. Savor daily visits from multiple species of butterflies and birds that are naturally attracted to the landscape. It's not uncommon to find multiple Turtle nest during nesting season on the beach adjacent to "Amazing GraySEA." Caswell Beach attracts multiple species of turtles and if you time your visit right you can witness the hundreds of hatchlings making their way to the sea.If you prefer to spread out while calming on the beach, Caswell is the place for you. Caswell Beach is the least populated of all the Brunswick Islands. "Amazing GraySEA" is located past the Oak Island lighthouse where public beach access is limited and space on the beach is generous.The expanded oceanfront deck offers a cavernous relaxing area with countless water vistas and an ideal location to savor an afternoon nap. It has a separate dining space ideal to appreciate your seafood boil.Want a change of scenery? Appreciate brunch and some peaceful time while relaxing on the front covered porch with a view of the Oak Island light home and the inter-coastal waterway in the distance.Upon arrival, guests will find beds freshly made with cotton linens and bathrooms supplied with towels and paper goods. Five Intelligent TVs with wireless internet. Enjoy a variety of board games, puzzles, and books, outfitted and ready to enjoy. Beach chairs, beach cabana, beach towels, and sand games are amenities supplied with this luxury rental. The owners have other properties (Steps Away Get Away - Sleeps 18 Dog Friendly/Saltwater Pool/Elevator/Located in the center of town Vacation Rental By Owner# 2210345 and Time In A Bottle - Oceanfront Sleeps 8 Vacation Rental By Owner# 2665574 on West Beach) with rave reviews! So be confident when booking this property. We have the best host in all of Oak Island and this property will not disappoint! Guest will never want to leave and will want to return year after year!This property offers...Family RoomA spacious family room with AMAZING ocean vistas and two seating areas. Direct access to the oceanfront deck. Enjoy the BIG game or movie nighttime on the intelligent TV offering a variety of streaming options. A variety of games and books are also available for our guest to enjoy.DINING ROOMA spacious dining area is located between the kitchen and family room. Plenty of space to enjoy a home cooked meal or place to spread out your take-out. OUTDOOR DININGThere are two dining areas on this property. One is located on the beachfront and one is on the side of the inter coastal.KITCHENEntirely equipped kitchen with everything guests need to prepare meals and entertain. Breakfast bar with 4 stools and butcher block kitchen island.BEDROOMS- 4 Bedrooms each with Intelligent Tv'sKing Bed - Ocean view (Sleeps 2)Queen Bed - Ocean view (Sleeps 2)Queen Bed - Lighthouse view (Sleeps 2)2 Bunk Beds - (Sleeps 4)BATHROOMS- 4 Toilet and Sink Areas and 2 ShowersExpanded Jack and Jill Bathrooms - Attached to each bedroom is a bathroom with a sink, vanity and toilet. Two Bedrooms/Bathrooms share a private shower area (2 Indoor shower areas total).LAUNDRY CLOSETThere is a laundry closet located off the family room . Laundry detergent is included for all our guests.DECKSThere are two covered deck spaces both with relaxing areas and dining spaces.OUTDOOR SHOWERThere is an outdoor shower with cold and hot water located on the ground level.PARKINGThere is ample parking under the home as well as plenty of driveway parking.GRILLA gas grille is located on the ground level for your culinary expressions.BEACH/OUTDOOR AMENITIESFor your convenience there are Beach Chairs, Sunshades, Beach Umbrella, Cooler, Beach Towels, Corn Hole, Bocce Ball, Spike Ball, sand toys, etc.BIKESThere are numerous bicycles supplied for guests use.***DOG GUIDELINES AND FEES***We are a dog friendly property. The owner will allow up to 3 dogs. Guests with dog(s) will be charge a $150 dog fee at time of booking. There is an additional dog fee of $99 for the second and third dog. The initial $150 should be charged at the time of booking. If the fee is not charged at the time of booking, the host will inform guests of the payment process for the initial dog fee and the additional dog fee, if it applies.Guests who choose to bring dogs without registering them or bring more than 3 dogs may be escorted off the property and no refund will be given.1. Please leash your dog at all times when outside of the home.2. Pick-up all dog waste.3. Protect the furnishings and linens with protective covers included.4. Please be courteous to our neighbors and do not allow your dog to bark excessively while outside. 5. Do not leave your dog(s) unattended on the deck/porch.6. Please do not leave your dog inside the home unattended. Please crate your dog(s) when it will be left alone. Even the most well adjusted and well behaved dog can become anxious in an unfamiliar place.7. Dogs must be housebroken.
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10