Fort Macon State Park – Elliott Coues Nature Trail

The Elliott Coues Nature Trail at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, offers a picturesque 3.2-mile loop that meanders through a diverse coastal landscape. Named after Dr. Elliott Coues, a 19th-century naturalist and army surgeon stationed at the fort, the trail highlights the area’s rich natural beauty, which includes maritime forests, salt marshes, and sand dunes. Hikers can also enjoy impressive views of Fort Macon itself, as well as WWII Guns and the remnants of a WWII bunker.

The trail is suitable for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts, featuring shaded paths beneath live oaks and red cedars, boardwalks over wetlands, and elevated vantage points overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Bogue Sound, and Beaufort Inlet. Accessible from both the fort and beach parking areas, this trail provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as shorebirds, deer, and herons, making it an ideal destination for exercise and exploration in a historically significant setting.

Resources

Fort Macon State Park Website

Coastal Review – Our Coast: Fort Macon and Elliott Coues

Location

Social Media

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@thesociableadventurer 🌿 **Explore the Elliott Coues Nature Trail!** 🌊 Located at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC, this stunning 3.2-mile loop takes you through diverse coastal landscapes, including beautiful maritime forests, salt marshes, and scenic sand dunes. 🏞️ 👣 Perfect for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers, you’ll wander beneath shady live oaks, stroll along boardwalks over wetlands, and enjoy breathtaking views of Fort Macon, WWII guns, and historical bunkers. 🌅 Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like shorebirds, deer, and herons! Whether you’re looking for exercise or a peaceful escape, this trail is a must-visit! 🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️📸 Ready to explore? https://thesociableadventurer.com/fort-macon-state-park-elliott-coues-nature-trail/ #AtlanticBeachNC #AtlanticBeach #CarteretCounty #CarteretCountyNC #VisitNC #CelebratingNC #discover_carolinas #discoverNC #bestofthetarheelstate #NC #NorthCarolina #Adventure #Discover #Explore #TheSociableAdventurer #EasternNC #Beach #Hiking #NCHiker #NCHiking #NCTrails #greattrailsstate #greattrailsnc #ParksandRecreation #HikingAdventures #NatureLovers #Photography #NCStateParks #FortMacon #NCHistory #CivilWarHistory #WWIIHistory @Visit NC ♬ Angeline – Rayland Baxter

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🌿 **Explore the Elliott Coues Nature Trail!** 🌊 Located at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC, this stunning 3.2-mile loop takes you through diverse coastal landscapes. thesociableadventurer.com/fort-macon-s… #AtlanticBeachNC #Hiking #NC #Wildlife #Trails #Beach #CoastalNC #Hike

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— thesociableadvtr.bsky.social (@thesociableadvtr.bsky.social) April 6, 2025 at 4:09 PM

🌿 **Explore the Elliott Coues Nature Trail!** 🌊

Located at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC, this stunning 3.2-mile loop takes you through diverse coastal landscapes.https://t.co/mkdV3cAlcH #AtlanticBeachNC #Hiking #NC #Wildlife #Trails #Beach #CoastalNC #Hike pic.twitter.com/g73vtc1MfR
— The Sociable Adventurer (@TheSociableAdv) April 6, 2025