Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

If you only have time for one hike in Kure Beach, make it the Basin Trail. Locals also call it the Hermit Trail. This out-and-back walk is 1.1 miles each way (2.2 miles round trip) and takes you through the heart of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. It might be the most rewarding short hike on the southern North Carolina coast. In less than an hour, you’ll pass through coastal marsh, maritime forest, sandy stretches behind dunes, and even a unique piece of Kure Beach history.

What to Expect on the Trail

The trail begins near the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area visitor center on Loggerhead Road and heads south through some of the most varied coastal scenery on Pleasure Island. The path is mostly flat with only a few small changes in elevation. It’s easy for kids and casual walkers, but still interesting for experienced hikers.

The trail winds through salt marsh and maritime forest, with boardwalks over the wettest spots. These boardwalks give you a great view to spot fiddler crabs in the mud, herons in the shallows, and many types of shorebirds. The trail ends at an observation deck overlooking The Basin, a quiet lagoon at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, with wide views across the water to Zeke’s Island Reserve. From the observation deck, you might even catch a massive cargo ship gliding up the Cape Fear River on its way to the Port of Wilmington — an unexpectedly cool sight against the wild, quiet backdrop of the basin.

Much of the trail is open to the sun, so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat if you’re hiking in warm weather. Closed shoes are best because there are soft sandy areas. The marsh also has mosquitoes and ticks in summer, so a bit of bug spray helps.

The Fort Fisher Hermit

About halfway along the trail, you’ll find the place that gives the hike its second name. There’s a small, weathered concrete bunker from World War II that was once home to one of Kure Beach’s most well-known residents.

Robert E. Harrill, known as the Fort Fisher Hermit, moved into the abandoned bunker in 1955 and lived there for almost 17 years. He survived by gathering food from the salt marsh and oyster beds nearby. Harrill became a local philosopher, sharing his ideas about “common sense” living with thousands of visitors who came to see him. By the late 1960s, he was said to be one of the most visited tourist attractions in North Carolina. He died in 1972, and the bunker still stands as a quiet reminder of his story.

Wildlife to Watch For

The Basin Trail is one of the top places for birdwatching in the area. Depending on the season, you might spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, ibis, ospreys, brown pelicans, terns, gulls, and many types of migratory shorebirds. The marsh is full of crabs, small fish, and sometimes river otters. The nearby waters have dolphins, sea turtles, and plenty of fish, which attract fishermen all year.

This is the kind of trail where walking slowly is worth it. There’s always something interesting to see if you take your time.

Good to Know

The trail is 1.1 miles each way, making it 2.2 miles round trip. Most people finish it in about an hour at a relaxed pace.
Dogs on leashes (no longer than 6 feet) are welcome on the trail all year. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
You can park at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area visitor center on Loggerhead Road.
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, especially in summer. It’s cooler, the light is better, and wildlife is usually more active then.
Check the tide and weather before you go, since some parts of the trail can be affected by high tides.

A Little Slice of Wild Kure Beach

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Basin Trail. It’s short, beautiful, and offers a look at the Kure Beach that existed long before today. Whether you want to stretch your legs after a morning at the beach or see something new, this trail packs a lot into its 2.2 miles—more than almost anywhere else on the island.