108 steps and five landings lead to the top of Old Baldy Lighthouse, where the view stretches across Bald Head Island and the Cape Fear estuary. Bald Head Island encompasses four ecosystems: beach, dune ridge, maritime forest and marsh. History, wildlife watching and beach activities offer different focuses for planning your trip.

Lighthouse, Museum and Island History

Old Baldy Lighthouse was built in 1817 from soft red bricks and covered with stucco. Visitors can climb the steps and landings to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the view.

The Smith Island Museum of History is located in the Keeper’s Cottage at Old Baldy Lighthouse and provides information about the historical significance of Bald Head Island. Fort Holmes tells another chapter of the island’s history: the structure guarded the Old Inlet entrance to Cape Fear. Together, the lighthouse, museum and fort offer different insights into the area’s history.

Forest, Marsh and Birdlife

The nature trails in Bald Head Woods Reserve pass through upland and wetland areas that are representative of local maritime forest communities. The M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail offers a special view of the marshland: the vista from there extends nearly 360 degrees across the marsh, and trail markers identify the flora.

The Audubon Society designated Bald Head Island an Important Bird Area because of its wide variety of bird species. The island’s habitats provide suitable living environments for both resident and migratory bird species. This is helpful context for wildlife watching, without promising sightings of any particular species.

Guided Nature Experiences and Beach Activities

The Island Nature Tour visits wildlife-watching spots in the island’s maritime forest, salt marsh and beaches. It offers the opportunity to observe birds, reptiles and mammals in their natural habitats. Bald Head Island Birding Tours focus on the island’s bird species; the tours are guided, and binoculars and field guides are provided. For these activities, it is advisable to check dates and booking details before your visit.

Kayak the Creeks is a guided kayak tour through Bald Head Island’s unspoiled creeks. It offers opportunities to observe wildlife and learn about marsh ecology. The activities have different focuses: birdwatching, wildlife across several habitats, or marsh ecology on a kayak tour.

East Beach is ideal for beach activities such as boogie boarding and surfing. Protecting the island’s nature is also part of the destination: the Bald Head Island Conservancy monitors and protects loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the island’s beaches.

Getting There and Getting Around

Bald Head Island can be reached by a 20-minute commercial passenger ferry departing from Deep Point Marina in Southport. Check the ferry schedule before you travel so you can include the crossing in your plans. Cars are not allowed on Bald Head Island; bicycles and golf carts can be rented by the day at Bald Head Marina.

Discover more destinations: Southport, Ocean Isle Beach, Caswell Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash, Shallotte, Leland, Oak Island

For the broader travel overview: Brunswick.