Fodor's Expert Review Springer's Point Preserve
Ocracoke Island
Free
This quarter-mile trail through a 124-acre preserve leads to Springer's Point, a sound-side beach where Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) gathered with fellow pirates and ultimately met his demise in a battle with British naval lieutenant Robert Maynard. The enchanting trail traverses maritime forest and coastal marsh.
There is no parking at the trailhead—walk or bike from the village.