Springer’s Point is a 122-acre protected preserve and one of Ocracoke Island’s most treasured natural landmarks. A 0.8-mile trail leads you through shaded maritime forest, salt marsh, and wet grasslands before opening onto a soundside beach overlooking Teach’s Hole—the site where the pirate Blackbeard was killed in 1718.

The preserve protects some of the island’s last remaining maritime forest, with ancient live oaks, loblolly pines, and red cedars sheltering songbirds, butterflies, and small mammals. In the marshes and along the shoreline, you may spot herons, egrets, and other coastal birds. Interpretive signs along the path share insights into the area’s rich ecology and storied past, including its connections to pirates, pilots, and island families who once lived nearby.

Springer’s Point is located near the Ocracoke Lighthouse on Loop Road and is open year-round during daylight hours. There is no vehicle parking at the trailhead, so biking or walking is recommended. Limited parking is available less than half a mile away at Ocracoke Assembly of God Church, with donations accepted or further down Lighthouse Rd in the OTTDA parking lot.

This preserve is a quiet, contemplative place—perfect for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk through one of Ocracoke’s most historic and scenic landscapes. Be sure to bring insect repellent in warmer months.