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The 173-acre Bald Head Woods component is part of the Smith Island barrier island complex, located at the southernmost point of the state. Smith Island lies just east of the Cape Fear River, and is bounded on the south and east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the north by the Zeke’s Island site.
The “highlands” of this barrier island complex consist of Bald Head, Middle and Bluff Islands. These are actually three forested dune ridges, separated by salt marshes. The Bald Head Woods component of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve is located in the central portion of Bald Head Island and is managed by the Division of Coastal Management.
One of the significant features of Bald Head Woods is the extremely old, large trees in this maritime forest. Live oak and laurel oak are the major species, making up a canopy that shelters the plants from salt spray. The thick undergrowth consists of wild olive, American holly, yaupon, and catbrier. The lack of light favors shade-tolerant plants like ebony spleenwort. Cabbage palmetto appears throughout the forest. A freshwater pond provides habitat and breeding grounds for amphibians and reptiles such as the southern toad, squirrel tree frog, eastern mud turtle, and black racer. The pond also supports a small population of black ducks. Gray squirrels, raccoons and opossums inhabit the forest, as do Carolina wrens, cardinals and painted buntings. Catbirds, towhees, blue jays and twenty-two species of warblers migrate through in the fall.
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Getting to the site
Bald Head Island may be accessed from the Southport marina by commercial ferry (about $15 per person) to cross the Cape Fear River.
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Visiting the site
Cars are not allowed on the island, but bicycles and golf carts may be rented, and maps are available to direct visitors to Bald Head Woods. An interpretive trail leads from the parking lot, and the first loop of the trail is wheelchair accessible.
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Management Partners
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