Buxton Woods Trail at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Length: .75 mile loop
Time: 45 minutes, including time to read the information panels
Difficulty: Easy
The Buxton Woods Trail is a nature trail that starts near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. If you are coming down Lighthouse Road from NC-12, instead of turning left to go to the Hatteras Island Visitor Center and lighthouse, stay straight and park in the lot just past the turnoff. The Buxton Woods picnic area is at this location as well.
The trail is flat and easy, taking hikers through a rare forested area on the sandy island of Hatteras. It is not a true loop trail, but a lollypop trail—you hike out on the stick before coming to the loop portion, then hike back on the stick. The only intersection is where the loop starts. You can go either way, for the trail is not meant to be hiked in any particular direction. There are no unmarked intersections or side trails that you can get lost on. There is no trail map that I am aware of, but one is not needed. All you need to do is find the trailhead.
Typical terrain of the Buxton Woods Trail at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Numerous wayside exhibits lining the trail explain how the forest came to be. One sign warns of highly venomous Cottonmouth snakes that live along the trail, and I was lucky enough (unlucky to some) to see one during my hike, so the signs aren’t just crying “Wolf.” Another hiker had warned me that the snake was resting up ahead on a rock. By the time I got there it was still around, but slightly in the brush, so I couldn’t get a good photo. I also saw a toad, a likely snack for the cottonmouth.
Cottonmouth Snake on Hatteras Island
Toad
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Last updated on March 6, 2024
