Fort Macon State Park – Elliott Coues Nature Trail

For one of the most rewarding trail experiences along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, the Elliott Coues Nature Trail is a real treasure. Set inside Fort Macon State Park on the eastern tip of Bogue Banks in Atlantic Beach, this beloved 3.2-mile loop is the park’s premier hiking and biking trail. The state park rates it as moderate due to its rolling sand dunes, occasional steep inclines, and loose sand.

The loop runs directly through the diverse coastal habitats surrounding Fort Macon. Hikers and cyclists pass through thick maritime forests, exposed sand ridges, sound-side salt marshes, and surprising WWII history. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the trail before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Trek Through Shifting Dunes and Maritime Forest

The trail connects the fort area to the swim beach area, with access from either the main fort parking lot or the beach access parking lot. The path begins under a dense canopy of live oaks, cedar trees, and wax myrtles. This sheltered maritime forest section offers welcome shade and serves as a sanctuary for local and migratory bird species. As a result, it’s become a favorite corridor for birdwatchers tracking the park’s diverse wildlife.

As you push deeper along the loop, the environment shifts dramatically. The maritime thicket gives way to expansive, sun-exposed sand dunes and quiet salt marshes. Navigating the sandy ridges requires a bit more legwork, but the elevation pays off with stunning views of the surrounding water. The terrain along these exposed sections transitions to natural sandy paths, so a steady pace is helpful as you navigate the undulating hills.

Along the way, the trail drops down toward the sound-side marshes. The path crosses over scenic wooden boardwalks where you can observe the rich coastal wetlands. Connecting paths, like the short marshside loop of the Yarrows Loop Trail, also branch off from this section of the loop.

Hidden WWII Bunkers and the Defense of “Torpedo Alley”

While the 19th-century masonry fort gets most of the historical attention, tracking through the rolling sand dunes along the Elliott Coues Trail reveals a much more modern story. Weathered concrete ruins still sit out in the sand landscape today. These are the remaining concrete bunkers and gun emplacements built quickly during World War II.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. military reactivated Fort Macon. The 244th Coast Artillery was stationed here to defend the deepwater shipping lanes of Beaufort Inlet and the commercial port at Morehead City from foreign naval attacks.

These dunes were a true front line during the war. The waters just past Bogue Banks and the Outer Banks became a hunting ground for German U-boats, who sank dozens of Allied merchant ships. The region earned the grim nickname “Torpedo Alley” as a result. To push back against the submarine threat, soldiers built underground concrete bunkers, observation towers, and searchlight stations directly into the sand dunes. They manned heavy 155 mm tractor-drawn guns along the coast.

Over the decades, shifting barrier-island winds and rolling dunes have reclaimed most of the temporary wartime camp. However, stumbling across these thick concrete battlements along the path brings the reality of North Carolina’s home-front defenses to life. (If you find this coastal wartime history fascinating, you’ll also want to explore our Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Basin Trail page further down the coast in Kure Beach, which features its own historic WWII bunker hidden along the salt marshes.)

Honoring a Legendary Coastal Naturalist

The loop is named in honor of Dr. Elliott Coues, a 19th-century army surgeon, historian, and world-renowned ornithologist. Coues was stationed at Fort Macon in the early 1870s, where he served as the post’s assistant surgeon.

During his time here, Coues meticulously documented the rich birdlife, mammal populations, and flora of Bogue Banks. He published some of the earliest scientific papers on the biodiversity of coastal North Carolina. Today, walking the nature trail serves as a direct bridge to his historic work. Modern hikers can observe the very same sand dunes, maritime thickets, and salt marshes that Coues studied over a century ago.

Good to Know

• Distance: 3.2-mile loop
• Surface type: Natural surface consisting of a dirt forest floor, wooden boardwalk structures, and sections of soft sand
• Elevation & difficulty: Moderate, featuring rolling dune climbs, multi-use paths, and minimal shade on the dune segments
• Trail use: Open to both hiking and biking
• Blaze: Yellow circles
• Parking infrastructure: Ample public parking is available at both the fort parking area and the swim beach access parking area
• Trail connectivity: Directly links to the Yarrows Loop Trail as a short northern extension around a natural wetland area; also provides direct access to the beachside Fishermans Path
• Notable features: Maritime forest with live oaks, cedar trees, and wax myrtles; salt marshes with wooden boardwalks; exposed sand dunes; WWII concrete bunkers and gun emplacements; sound-side wetland views
• Sun & weather preparation: The dune portions are entirely exposed to the elements; sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water are highly recommended
• Pets: Allowed on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet at all times; owners must clean up pet waste and dispose of it in garbage bins
• Best for: Hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers, history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers
• Pair with: A tour of the historic Fort Macon itself, a walk along the Yarrows Loop Trail, or a day exploring Atlantic Beach

A Rewarding Barrier Island Loop

The Elliott Coues Nature Trail delivers a complete, multi-sensory tour of the Crystal Coast’s natural environment. By taking travelers away from the bustling beaches and deep into the quiet maritime forest and sand ridges, it provides a peaceful, rugged escape that rounds out any visit to the state park. It’s a rewarding loop for anyone who wants to experience the barrier island as it has existed for generations.

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Resources

Fort Macon State Park Website

Coastal Review – Our Coast: Fort Macon and Elliott Coues

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Location

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Social Media

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