Find Hotels Near Currituck Banks Reserve Corolla

Currituck Banks Reserve in Corolla is a stunning natural area which stretches along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The reserve encompasses over 7,000 acres of estuarine shoreline and habitats and provides sanctuary for a variety of wildlife. It also offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore the region's coastal beauty, as well as its many recreational activities.

The reserve is divided into two distinct areas – Currituck Banks and Lighthouse Beach – each offering its own unique attractions. The Currituck Banks area consists of maritime forests, salt marshes, beach dunes, and other coastal habitats associated with the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Here visitors can enjoy exploring the trails head off throughout this part of the reserve, allowing access to a variety of coastal views from dune overlooks. At Lighthouse Beach birds can be spotted on most days, as well as loggerhead sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs during nesting season in summertime.

The Reserve has been designated as a National Estuarine Research Reserve by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), meaning it is specially protected against human activity that could damage its fragile ecosystems. This makes it an ideal spot for bird-watchers who are looking to observe some of the local species including roseate spoonbills, black skimmers, glossy ibis and northern gannets; while kayakers will find plenty of waterways suitable for paddling through the mangrove swamps and marshlands that make up much of the area. Fishing opportunities are also plentiful here with flounder, red drum, speckled trout and bluefish filling up anglers’ buckets during peak season times.

For those looking to take a rest from their explorations there are ample picnic spots scattered troughout Currituck Banks Reserve where visitors can take in breathtaking sunsets over the sound or just watch from afar as boats set sail across these tranquil waters. Furthermore there are many fun amenities available such as nature trails for hiking or biking, interpretive exhibits about local wildlife that can be viewed at several stops along the way as well as educational programs organized by park staff so that visitors can keep learning about this special place before heading back home with fond memories of their trip to Currituck Banks Reserve in Corolla!