GOOSE CREEK STATE PARK
Giant, old oaks draped in Spanish moss welcome you to this special world where broad, lazy Goose Creek joins the Pamlico River. A primitive camping area, picnic sites, swim beach and hiking and canoeing trails offer a variety of ways to savor the tranquil surroundings at Goose Creek State Park. And historic Bath, North Carolina's oldest incorporated town, is just six miles away.
Visit Goose Creek State Park. Unwind and soak up the peacefulness; a hectic pace is not permitted.
Park hoursNovember-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
Park office hours
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily
Closed state holidays
A primitive family campground is located between Goose and Flatty creeks. Twelve well-spaced tent sites amid large pines draped in Spanish moss include tables and grills. Toilet facilities and water are available nearby. Sites are available on a first-come basis for a fee.
The boat ramp at Dinah's Landing on the west side of Goose Creek is conveniently located near the river. Motorboating, sailing and windsurfing are popular activities. Boating regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission apply.
Canoeing: Tall, overhanging trees lining the creek banks and graceful water birds create a peacefulness best experienced by canoe. Access is available at Dinah's Landing and at the end of the campground. Canoeists must bring their own vessels as there are none for rent in the area. Be alert to storms and always wear a life vest.
Fish in the creek or the river; both have plenty of fresh and saltwater fish, especially in warmer weather. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, and white and yellow perch. A state fishing license is required; the rules of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission apply.
Goose Creek State Park is
Flatty Creek Trail ? Enter this one-mile loop from the parking area at the campground entrance. Boardwalks across freshwater and brackish-water wetlands lead to an elevated observation deck.
Goose Creek Trail ? This 1.9-mile, one-way trail from the picnic area to the camping area exhibits the beauty of the cypress swamp.
Ivey Gut Trail ? Travel the length of this two-mile, one-way trail from the main park road to the campground. Or, enter the shorter Ivey Gut Loop Trail from the camping area. Both provide views of Upper Goose Creek.
Live Oak Trail, Cemetery Loop ? This .4-mile loop follows the shoreline of the Pamlico River from the swim beach and then turns and passes a cemetery dating from the 1880s.
Palmetto Boardwalk Trail ? The Environmental Education Center and the Ivey Gut parking area are connected by this .7-mile, one-way trail, which is handicapped accessible. Enjoy the beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities of a hardwood swamp.
Mallard Creek Trail ? This 1.26-mile loop originates at the last parking lot at the end of the park road. A creek overlook provides a close-up view of a freshwater marsh. And, for a beautiful view of brackish marsh, take time to visit the Pamlico River overlook.
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Goose Creek State Park.
To arrange a special exploration of Goose Creek State Park for your group or class, contact the park office.
Educational materials about Goose Creek State Park have been developed for grades 4-6 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The Goose Creek program introduces students to wetland processes and functions and discusses how wetlands affect humans and the area's natural environment. The program also focuses on water quality, resource management, adaptations and stewardship. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators.
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can explore eight miles of trails or paddle along the creek for different perspectives. The Ivey Gut Trail is particularly popular among bird enthusiasts due to its variety of habitats attracting a wide range of birds.
Goose Creek State Park is located in Beaufort County on the north side of the Pamlico River. From I-95, take US 264 east. After driving through Washington, follow US 264 east for 10 miles. Then turn right onto Camp Leach Road and travel 2.3 miles to the park entrance.
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