Tips to Visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

The Fort Fisher area has tons of fun things to do, whether you are a family, duo, or solo traveler. It’s also a great and fun day trip from Raleigh, NC as it’s just under three hours away! I’m always looking for fun things to do on my own, but I appreciate the appeal the things I find have for others. Even better if there are awesome things in the area to complement my trip (hint: there’s much more to do in Wilmington and the surrounding area!).

I lived in the Wilmington area for four years and visited Fort Fisher regularly, so I have a little experience here. It’s a unique site because it’s full of history, outdoor activities, and wildlife!

1. Where is Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?
2. Things to do in Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
a. Fort Fisher State Historic Site
b. Fort Fisher Aquarium
c. Condor Heritage Dive Site
d. Trails
e. Swimming
f. Off Roading
g. Visitor Center
h. Special Events
3. Accessibility
4. History of Fort Fisher
5. How Much Time Do I Need at Fort Fisher?
6. General Tips to Visit Fort Fisher and Kure Beach

Where is Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Fort Fisher is a six mile area on the East Coast of North Carolina. It’s nearly the most southern point, too – barely beat out by Calabash and a beach or two. It’s about two and a half hours from North Carolina’s capital Raleigh, and half an hour from Wilmington. I personally consider it a part of the Wilmington area, but everything in the recreation area has a Kure Beach address! It’s proximity to two major cities makes it a wonderful day trip that much less frequented than other spots along the coast.

Once you get to the recreation are, there will be one main road – if you go far enough, it seems like the world just stops! You’ll be at a marsh-y basin of the Cape Fear River, so be on the lookout for cute shorebirds, oysters, crabs, jellyfish, and more sea animals.

P. S. I support explaining where smaller, local places are, but I still love my rant in my Barcelona post about the inclusion of where places are.

Things to Do in the Recreation Area

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Fort Fisher was an integral spot during the Civil War – it’s defeat helped determine the downfall of the Confederacy. This importance has been preserved in the historic site – there is a building full of information as well as a walking trail with information boards.

The visitor center has a ten minute video (script available) detailing some of the history of Fort Fisher and it’s importance in the war. Unfortunately, less than 10% of the original fort remains, so the video and information boards are the most direct way to get history. It’s open from 8am-5pm excluding major holidays.

However! Seeing what’s left of the fort is worthwhile – my favorite time is at sunset because the trail, batteries, and wildlife are bathed in a gorgeous golden hue to compliment the history. The trail is only a quarter mile long, with mostly wide and flat paths. The trail heads into marsh grass and becomes wooden planks, and it becomes more narrow here. It is still wide enough for walking next to each other or wheelchairs, though.

P. S. Be sure to take some photos of, in, or around the amazing oak trees in this area. Their branches are breathtaking!

Fort Fisher Aquarium

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a wonderful attraction in Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Ethically, they are an organization that’s focused on conservation, be it research, education, or fieldwork. Many of its animals were stranded or rescued in some way, and they can’t survive in the wild on their own. It depends on the individual, but reasons range from neurological conditions, blindness, orphaning, and more. Despite their limitations, the animals at the aquarium are a joy.

A few animals you can expect to see at the aquarium are an albino alligator (Luna), a rescued bald eagle (Maverick), and a new exhibit featuring a family of otters (Asta, Oscar, Ray and Triton)- these animals are, of course, joined by the regular cast of characters at an aquarium like fishes, sharks, sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, etc.

In normal times, there are countless activities, special events, and programming. Favorites include on-floor animal encounters, story time, and creature features. Several of these have gone virtual for the time being. The aquarium is open daily from 9am-5pm except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adult (13-61) tickets are $13, seniors (62+) and military are $12, and children (3-12) are $11.

The Condor Heritage Dive Site

The Condor was a Civil War blockade runner designated a NC Heritage Dive Site in 2018. It’s one of the best preserved blockade runners in the country, and only 24 feet below water. This Underwater Archaeology Branch page has tons of info on how to see the incredible wreckage that’s still nearly intact.

Trails

The only named trail in the recreation area is Basin Trail, which is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that meanders through marshes in Fort Fisher. It begins at the visitors center and snakes down to the Observation Deck and reserve where there are beach views. Along the trail, you’ll also pass an old World War II bunker. In 1955, a 62-year-old man named Robert E. Harrill settled here after hitchhiking from the North Carolina mountains. He fed himself by fishing and scavenging for 17 years, eventually becoming known as the Fort Fisher Hermit. Visitors left donations in his frying pan until 1972 when he died of a heart attack. Now, I don’t know how this was legal, but the Recreation site wasn’t established until 1986, so he at least didn’t have to worry about that! 

Basin Trail has some sandy/rough areas, but most of it is solidly packed or has wooden slats for stability. There are a few sections where the trees narrow the path, and you must duck or push past branches – just make sure to be mindful.

Another option for trail walking is of course the historic loop surrounding the Fort. At only a quarter mile, it’s do-able for most people and provides a few spots of lovely scenery, including live oak trees, marsh grass and water, and old war equipment.

Furthermore, a walk along the six miles of beaches can provide a wonderful trail! With free parking, there’s plenty of places to park and have quick access to the beach. I prefer driving past Kure Beach near the Fort and finding parking there, but if it’s busy or in the busy season, park wherever you find a spot.

If you want more hiking options, look towards Carolina Beach State Park (less than 15 minutes away) outlined in Over 30 Things to do in Wilmington, NC.

Swimming

Swimming at the beach? Who would’ve guessed! While I can’t recommend swimming in the colder months (October-March), it’s possible any time of year. However, do NOT swim if there is a red flag – that means it would be very dangerous to do anything in the water, and even around it for some people.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a lifeguard in the designated swim area (it’s obvious). Also, keep in mind that there are no showers available at Fort Fisher or Kure Beach, only foot rinsing areas. If you choose to go swimming (even in a cloudy day), don’t forget sunscreen, snacks, water, and towels/shade!

Off Roading

Driving on the beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is another fun activity that’s available with a valid permit. Vehicles must be four-wheel-drive and have access along four of six miles from 8am to 5pm. The restricted two miles are clearly marked with ropes and signs. Please be sure to follow the guidelines for both safety (it’s a remote area and emergency services may be limited when rangers are off duty) and environmental reasons. Even if you don’t care about your personal safety, Fort Fisher is home to 16 rare species, including the loggerhead sea turtles. These turtles use the beach as a nesting area from late summer to fall, and certain birds use the beach as a nesting site too.

Permits are $20 per day Monday to Friday and $30 per day on Saturdays and Sundays. Annual passes are $150. Also keep in mind park staff is not equipped to rescue stranded vehicles, so be mindful of drop-offs and soft sand. You don’t want to be too shore of yourself! Be krillful (careful… *winces*).

Visitor Center

The visitor center is limited in it’s offerings of attractions, but it’s a great hub to start at. It’s where you can gets maps, kid’s activities, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and passes. It’s also where most events take place. There are nature exhibits and info boards that may be a fun quick read as well!

Special Events

There are tons of special events held in Fort Fisher Recreation Area under normal operating conditions. Shell Stroll, Turtle Talk, Salt Marsh Exploration, Bird Hike and Surf, and Fishing Basics are all common talks and gatherings that occur on the normal times. Each one is basically exactly like it sounds! The Shell Stroll involves a walk down the beach learning about shells, their formation, and some beach info, while Turtle Talk involves the discussion of different turtles, their habits, and local rescue initiatives. So, each event has lots of education with some exploration typically involved.

Accessibility

Three beach wheelchairs are free and available! They can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis from the visitor center from 8am-5pm. The Visitor Center address is 1000 Loggerhead Read, Kure Beach, NC 28449.

The Aquarium has several accessibility offerings. The building is wheelchair accessible, and they have some available if needed. They have social stories and helpful tips to prepare for a visit with autism or developmental differences. Plus, they have sensory packs for a variety of individuals – vision impaired, ASD, SPD, and more.

The historic area is wheelchair accessible with ramps and wide paths, and they have a script for the history video for hearing impaired individuals. However, they do not have anything for the information along the trail or elsewhere. Written information on boards is the extent along the outside trail.

History of Fort Fisher

Artifacts of the Cape Fear Native Americans like pottery fragments, arrowheads, and mounds of oyster shells have been found throughout the region. Little else is published about their history or habits, so if you have any insight feel free to send it my way. Records jump forward to colonization, where the native people defended their space for as long as they could. In 1730, the port city of Wilmington was settled, and it wasn’t long before the natives left (or were removed).

Fast forward to 1861, and Fort Fisher was built. It protected Wilmington from Union forces during the Civil War. By 1864, it was the only southern port trade left open to trade. After three attacks, the Fort was captured after a six-hour battle in early 1865. It was the largest land-sea battle fought in any war up to that time, and the Confederate supply line was broken. The Civil War ended just three months after Fort Fisher’s defeat.

A few years later in 1881, The Rocks, a long jetty built west of Fort Fisher to aid navigation, was completed. It closed the New Inlet and created The Basin, a lagoon still there today as Zeke’s Island. It is a component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve.

In the early 1940s, Fort Fisher was used as firing range for military personnel. It aided the war efforts throughout World War II, and you can still see a bunker along Basin Trail. In 1986, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area was established as a unit of the North Carolina State Park system when it was transferred from being a Historic Site.

How Much Time Do I Need?

Fort Fisher offers a huge variety of things to do, so how much time you spent there strongly depends on you and your interests. The aquarium and Fort Fisher can easily be done in a day for most people. Even if you’d like a little beach time or walking, one day will be full but viable. If you want some relaxation, add at least one more day. If you are interested in any special events, be sure to check the schedule to see when you should plan your visit.

If you’d like to do things in the surrounding area of Wilmington, you’ll need at least two more days!

General Tips

• Stop at the Visitor’s Center to pick up a map and any information you need.
• Buy tickets to the aquarium in advance. In normal times, try and get there early for fewer people!
• Don’t get in the water if there is a red flag signal.
• Bring sunscreen even if it’s cloudy!