Freedom Trail Map

Length: 2.25 miles, round trip
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

The Freedom Trail at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site takes its name from the early days of the Civil War when the Union army quickly overran the Confederates stationed in the Outer Banks. As a result, runaway slaves knew that if they could get to Roanoke Island, they would be protected. I’m not sure if the Freedom Trail is an actual route taken by the slaves or if it is simply symbolic of a route they might have taken after crossing the Croatan Sound from the mainland.

The Freedom Trail starts at the parking area at the end of National Park Drive. If you are departing from the Visitor Center, take a left out of the parking lot to head back to Highway 64. The first right you come to—not far down the road—is National Park Drive. At the end is a big cul-de-sac with parking all along the outside of the loop. This is also the parking lot for the Elizabethan Gardens.

The trailhead is at the 10 o’clock position of the cul-de-sac (from where you come in). The trail is an out-and-back trail, 1.1 miles one way. It is mainly flat and smooth, and there is no chance of getting lost.

Typical terrain of the Freedom Trail at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

The trail ends at the Croatan Sound near the William B. Umstead Memorial Bridge (aka Old Manns Harbor Bridge). If you came to the park for early Colonial history, this trail may not be worth your time, for it has nothing to do with Fort Raleigh. Hike it only if you are interested in Civil War history or just want some exercise and a view of the sound.