The Hermit Walk: Footsteps Along Fort Fisher’s Wild Edge
For all ages! • 2 hours • One of a kind North Carolina experience!
The wind comes off the Atlantic with a salt-flecked insistence, pushing the live oaks into gentle bows and teasing the marsh grass into a synchronized shiver. You start down the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher, the sandy path flexing underfoot, and the coast begins to talk. Waves thud a measured drumbeat against the shoals. Ospreys stitch slow figure-eights over the brackish water. And out here, on the quiet fringe of Pleasure Island, the story of the Fort Fisher Hermit lifts from the dunes like a whispered rumor.
Trail Wisdom
Mind the Sand
Soft sand sections can be calf-burners; pace yourself and choose low-tide windows for firmer footing.
Sun Is Real
There’s limited shade once you leave the maritime forest—wear a brimmed hat and reapply SPF, even on breezy days.
Stay On Trail
Dunes and marsh edges are fragile; keep to marked paths to protect nesting shorebirds and stabilize vegetation.
Bug Plan
Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active near the marsh—bring repellent or wear lightweight long sleeves.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Coquina rock outcrops visible at lower tides south of the trail
- •Quiet marsh overlooks near Zeke’s Island Reserve boundaries
Wildlife
Osprey, Fiddler crabs
Conservation Note
This dune and marsh ecosystem is sensitive to foot traffic and erosion; stay on marked paths, pack out all trash, and give wildlife plenty of space, especially during nesting season.
Fort Fisher defended the Cape Fear River approaches during the Civil War and later hosted WWII-era installations—the same period that produced the bunker where Robert E. Harrill lived.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers in maritime forest, Cooler hiking temps
Challenges: Gnats and mosquitoes at dusk, Changeable coastal winds
Mild temperatures and fresh growth make for comfortable miles; mornings offer the clearest views across the marsh.
summer
Best for: Family outings, Warm ocean breezes
Challenges: Heat and high UV, Afternoon thunderstorms
Start early or late to beat the heat, carry extra water, and expect fast-moving storms that demand quick turnarounds.
fall
Best for: Golden light and photography, Migratory birdwatching
Challenges: Occasional tropical systems, Shorter daylight
Crisp air, stable weather, and long slanting light make fall the sweet spot for both walking and learning.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Wind chill near the water, Limited services midweek
Bundle up and enjoy solitude; the maritime forest muffles the wind, but open sections can feel raw on gusty days.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Breathable Sun HatEssential
Protects face and neck during exposed sections of trail and beach.
Lightweight Trail ShoesEssential
Offers traction on sandy stretches and stability on roots and boardwalks.
Electrolyte Water BottleEssential
Replaces salts lost to heat and humidity, especially on sunny days.
Insect Repellent
Useful near marsh edges where mosquitoes and gnats are active.
Common Questions
Where does The Hermit Walk start?
The tour meets at the Basin Trail entrance at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area near Kure Beach.
How difficult is the walk?
It’s an easy, mostly flat two-hour walk on sand, boardwalk, and forest path suitable for most fitness levels.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes—children interested in nature and history tend to enjoy the mix of trail time and storytelling.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and carry at least one bottle of water per person.
Are restrooms available on the route?
Restrooms are available at the park area near the trailhead; there are no facilities once you’re on the trail.
Will we visit the Fort Fisher Hermit’s bunker?
Yes, the walk includes a visit to the bunker site as part of the guided narrative about Robert E. Harrill’s life.
What to Pack
Sun hat and SPF for exposed stretches; 1–2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated; Lightweight closed-toe shoes for sand and roots; Bug repellent for marshy sections and dusk departures.
Did You Know
Robert E. Harrill, known as the Fort Fisher Hermit, lived in a World War II-era bunker near Fort Fisher from the mid-1950s until his death in 1972 and became a regional folk figure who drew thousands of visitors.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early to find parking and restrooms near the trailhead; Check tide and wind forecasts for easier walking and better wildlife viewing; Consider the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry for a scenic approach; Combine the walk with the Fort Fisher Historic Site or NC Aquarium for a full-day itinerary.
Local Flavor
Post-walk, swing by Freddie’s Restaurante in Kure Beach for a hearty plate and a locals’ vibe, or head to Carolina Beach for Britt’s Donuts (seasonal) and a stroll on the boardwalk. Craft beer fans should check out Good Hops Brewing for a pint and post-trail debrief.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM). Trailhead: Basin Trail entrance at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Drive time from Kure Beach: ~10 minutes (3.5 miles). Cell service: Spotty in marsh sections. Permits/fees: No permit required; observe park hours and posted guidelines.
Sustainability Note
You’re walking through a fragile dune and marsh system that buffers storms and shelters wildlife; stay on designated routes, avoid disturbing shorebirds and turtle nests, and pack out every scrap.