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Kayak Hammocks Beach State Park Waterways

Swansboro, North Carolina

4.8/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Nathan Eckman

Kayak through a diverse eco-system of waterways. Escape the crowds for a few hours, or camp on the beach and escape for a few days. Variety of routes can accommodates beginner and intermediate kayakers.

The number of routes one can take to kayak to Hammocks Beach State Park are endless. One quick look at google maps and you'll see the path from mainland to the island is scattered by a hodgepodge series of small islands (some only a few feet wide).

First timers should launch from the dock off Hammock beach road in Swansboro, NC.

Time of adventure varies on route taken and if you're camping on Hammocks Beach State park (reservations are required). Kayaking routes can vary but on average expect about 5-7 miles for a roundtrip lasting around 5 hours.

Ferry rides are available for a quicker route to the beach for those looking to camp or hike on Hammocks Beach - see official website and this paddle map for details.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Kayaking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Kayak Hammocks Beach State Park Waterways Reviews

Paddled out to Bear Island during Covid, had the whole island to ourselves.

Spent 4 hours out her a couple weeks ago. It was a prefect day, no rough waters and zero boat traffic. Plenty of small beach access around to stretch and enjoy lunch.

I booked the Paddle to Bear Island excursion online through PaddleNC and it was a very wonderful experience. Our small group of 4 (including myself) had an extremely knowledgeable guide. He showed us all kinds of wildlife along the way. The paddle itself took about 2 hours each way to Bear Island. It goes by quickly as you’re observing the beauty surrounding you. Once to Bear Island, our guide let us explore on our own for about an hour before we headed back to Hammocks Beach SP.

Launch from the Hammocks Beach kayak launch at low tide. Paddle across the Intracoastal and follow the trail to Bear Island. Explore. Let high tide take you home. You will only need to dip your paddle to steer.

Great space to get away, lots of wildlife.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Flanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop

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