North Carolina Opened Two New Coastal Paddling Trails

The state launched new routes at Zeke’s Island and Masonboro Island to celebrate National Estuaries Week.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in National Parks

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sea kayak on calm marshy water, representing new public access trails in North Carolina. — The North Carolina Coastal Reserve has opened two new paddling trails at Zeke’s Island and Masonboro Island to celebrate National Estuaries Week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support increasing recreational access, such as paddling trails, to protected coastal areas in your community?

The North Carolina Coastal Reserve has opened two new paddling trails at the Zeke’s Island and Masonboro Island sites. The initiative comes as part of the state’s celebration of National Estuaries Week.

Why it matters

These new trails provide improved public access to the state's protected coastal ecosystems. The projects are supported by ongoing legislative funding dedicated to maintaining these managed environments.

The Zeke's Island paddle trail features a three-mile loop across a 1,600-acre reserve, with access provided at the Federal Point Boat Ramp. The North Carolina Coastal Reserve currently manages 10 sites across 44,000 acres of protected land and water.

The players

North Carolina Coastal Reserve

This agency manages 10 coastal sites that protect over 44,000 acres of land and water across the state.

The details

Signage for the new trails was installed during the spring of 2026 to help guide visitors through the protected waters. Paddlers are invited to share feedback on the trail experience by scanning a QR code located at the boat ramp.

Zeke's Island joined the National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1985.
State authorities funded and installed trail signage in the spring of 2026.
The new paddling trails opened in September 2026.

Roadmap

The development of these trails follows the maintenance framework established by Senate Bill 257 to ensure the longevity of protected coastal sites. This investment reflects a broader state commitment to balancing recreational access with the preservation of sensitive estuarine environments.

Visitors can access the three-mile Zeke’s Island loop starting at the Federal Point Boat Ramp on Pleasure Island. Paddlers should use the QR codes posted at the boat ramp to provide feedback on trail conditions and navigation.

The takeaway

These trails offer a new way for residents to explore the state's protected estuaries while contributing to ongoing management efforts. Users should utilize the provided QR codes to report trail feedback, which helps officials maintain these sites.