The Inlet Inn Traveler's Guide: The Rachel Carson Reserve
Exploring the Wild Islands You Can See from Your Balcony
A Note from the General Manager:
“You know that beautiful strip of green marsh and white sand you see across the water from your rocking chair? That isn’t just a view—it’s a world-famous research reserve. While Shackleford Banks gets the fame for its horses and shelling, the Rachel Carson Reserve is the quiet, secret jewel of Beaufort. Walk the pristine 3 mile beach on the south side (Bird Shoal) and you’ll likely see some of the Reserve’s small herd of wild horses and a sand dollar or two!“
What is it?
Named after the marine biologist who wrote The Sea Around Us (partly inspired by her time here), this reserve is a complex of islands: Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, Horse Island, Carrot Island, and Middle Marsh.
It is home to a separate herd of wild horses (different from the Shackleford herd!), river otters, gray foxes, and over 200 species of birds.
How to Explore
Because Shackleford is an isolated barrier island, you can only reach it by boat.
1. The Paddle (Most Immersive) – This is the best way to see the reserve. Rent a kayak or SUP from Beaufort Paddle.
- The Route: Paddle across Taylor’s Creek. It’s a short, easy paddle, even for beginners.
- The Reward: You can glide right up to the grassy edges where the horses often graze at high tide. The perspective from the water is unmatched—just remember to keep your distance!
2. Hop on the Island Ferry Adventures (the smaller skiffs) for a quick drop-off.
- Ask for “The Boardwalk”: Have them drop you at the Carrot Island Boardwalk. It offers a stable, elevated path perfect for snapping photos without getting your feet muddy.
- The Town Marsh stop offers a 1.1 mile loop trail, perfect for a hike during low tide!
- Bird Shoal offers a 3 mile beach walk with views of Shackleford Banks and offers great swimming (but no life guards, so be careful out there!).
The "Must-See" Wildlife Checklist
- The Horses: Roughly 20 wild horses live here. They are often easier to spot than the ones on Shackleford because the islands are narrower. Look for them on the Town Marsh mounds.
- Fiddler Crabs: Thousands of them scuttle along the mudflats. They are fun to watch but will vanish into their holes if you move too fast.
- Birds, birds, birds! Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars.
- Dolphins: Taylor’s Creek is a dolphin highway. Listen for the “puff” sound of their blowholes as you sit on the Inlet Inn porches.
The Insider’s Tip: "Deep Creek"
If you take a kayak, ask the rental crew to point you toward Deep Creek. It cuts through the middle of the islands. It feels like a tunnel of green silence—pure magic and completely sheltered from the wind.
