Explore the Town Marsh – Inner Loop Trail (Green)

For one of the most accessible nature walks within the Rachel Carson Reserve along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, the Town Marsh Inner Loop Trail (Green) is a real treasure. Set on Town Marsh just across Taylor’s Creek from Beaufort, NC, this beloved 0.9-mile green-blazed loop winds through salt marshes, tidal flats, and maritime forests.

The trail is accessible year-round and welcoming for hikers of all ages. With gentle terrain, easy-to-follow green blazes, and a starting point at the northwest beach of Town Marsh, the Inner Loop offers a thoughtful first taste of the broader Rachel Carson Reserve trail system. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the Town Marsh Inner Loop Trail before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A 0.9-Mile Green-Blazed Loop from the Northwest Beach

The Inner Loop Trail begins at the northwest beach of Town Marsh and runs for 0.9 miles through the island’s interior habitats. The trail is clearly marked with green blazes, making it easy for first-time visitors to follow without needing a printed map.

The gentle, mostly level terrain makes the Inner Loop one of the most welcoming trails in the entire Rachel Carson Reserve. As a result, it’s a comfortable choice for hikers of all ages and fitness levels — including families with young children.

Through Salt Marshes, Tidal Flats, and Maritime Forest

The Inner Loop winds through a thoughtful mix of coastal ecosystems, giving visitors a real sense of the island’s full ecological diversity. The trail passes through:

Salt marshes — Home to crabs, oysters, and a remarkable array of bird species
Tidal flats — Exposed sand and mud areas that shift dramatically with the tide
Maritime forests — Shaded paths under live oaks, red cedars, and wax myrtles

Together, these habitats represent the broader character of the Rachel Carson Reserve in a compact, walkable loop.

Birdwatching and Feral Horses

The Inner Loop is one of the most rewarding birdwatching trails in eastern NC. Visitors regularly spot a striking mix of common shorebirds and rare migrants throughout the 0.9-mile loop, including:

Wilson’s plovers — A rare nesting shorebird along Town Marsh’s sandy beaches
Piping plovers — A federally threatened species whose habitat is increasingly limited
Herons, egrets, and ibises — Common in the salt marshes and tidal flats
Various migratory songbirds through the maritime forest interior

Beyond the birds, hikers can often spot the Reserve’s famous feral horses grazing in the distance. The horses have roamed the islands since their introduction in the 1940s and are a beloved sight on the trail.

Trail Tips — Sturdy Shoes and Tide Schedules

While the Inner Loop’s terrain is gentle, the coastal environment introduces a few practical considerations worth keeping in mind:

Sturdy shoes are advisable — Occasional muddy patches along the trail can make sneakers a poor choice in wet conditions
Check tide schedules — Some sections of the broader trail system are only accessible at low tide
Combine with the Outer Loop — Hikers wanting more distance can connect to the Town Marsh Outer Loop Trail (Blue) for a longer loop tracing the outer perimeter of the island
Sun and insects — Bring sunscreen and bug spray, especially in warmer months

The gentle terrain combined with these simple preparations makes the Inner Loop one of the most family-friendly outdoor experiences in Carteret County.

Good to Know

Distance: 0.9-mile loop
Blaze: Green
Difficulty: Easy — gentle terrain welcoming for all ages
Trail surface: Natural surface with occasional muddy patches; sturdy shoes recommended
Location: Town Marsh Island within the Rachel Carson Reserve
Trailhead access: Starts at the northwest beach of Town Marsh
Access to Town Marsh: Private boat, kayak, or local ferry from the Beaufort waterfront
Open: Accessible year-round
Habitats: Salt marshes, tidal flats, maritime forests
Wildlife: 200+ bird species (including rare Wilson’s plovers and federally threatened piping plovers); feral horses grazing in the distance
Trail connections: Can be combined with the Outer Loop Trail (Blue) for additional distance
Important tip: Check tide schedules before extending beyond the marked loop — some areas are only accessible at low tide
Best for: Birdwatchers, families with young children, photographers, casual hikers, and visitors new to the Rachel Carson Reserve
Pair with: A walk along the Outer Loop Trail (Blue), a low-tide walk to Bird Shoal, a daytime visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, or a dinner along the Beaufort waterfront
Located on Town Marsh island within the Rachel Carson Reserve, just across Taylor’s Creek from the Beaufort waterfront

A Beaufort Highlight

The Town Marsh Inner Loop Trail is the kind of trail that genuinely welcomes everyone. The 0.9-mile distance is short enough for casual walkers and families with young children, but long enough to offer a real sense of the broader Rachel Carson Reserve experience.

The diversity of habitats packed into the loop is striking. Salt marshes, tidal flats, and maritime forests all show up within a short walk. As a result, hikers get a layered look at NC’s coastal ecology without committing to a longer trek.

The wildlife draw rounds out the experience. Wilson’s plovers, piping plovers, herons, egrets, and migratory songbirds all use Town Marsh as part of the Atlantic Flyway. Furthermore, the chance to spot the Reserve’s famous feral horses grazing in the distance adds a beloved touch to every walk.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher with binoculars in hand, a parent introducing kids to coastal nature, or simply a visitor seeking a quieter alternative to busier NC beaches, this is one of the most genuinely rewarding short loops you can hike in Carteret County.