Currituck Banks Reserve, North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve Adventures
A coastal gem in North Carolina, the Currituck Banks Reserve offers visitors a glimpse into a pristine estuarine environment teeming with wildlife and scenic beauty.
About Currituck Banks Reserve, North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Currituck Banks Reserve is part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserves, located on the northern Outer Banks. This protected area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including maritime forests, shrub thickets, grasslands, and salt marshes. These habitats support an abundance of wildlife, such as waterfowl, wading birds, and the iconic wild horses of Corolla. The Reserve has a rich history of human settlement and activity, initially inhabited by Indigenous peoples and later explored by European settlers. Today, it serves as a living laboratory for research, education, and stewardship of coastal resources. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities like hiking, bird watching, and photography, all within a serene and preserved natural landscape.
Highlights
Boardwalk Trail providing access to diverse ecosystems
Opportunity to witness the wild horses of Corolla
Excellent birdwatching with numerous unique species
Scenic views of the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean
Notable Natural Features
Currituck Sound
A vast estuarine system supporting diverse aquatic life and scenic vistas.
Maritime Forest
Dense, coastal forest providing important habitat for local wildlife.
Corolla Wild Horses
Famous bands of wild horses that roam the reserve, descended from Spanish mustangs.