South End Topsail Island walk The Point Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Oct 17, 2026; 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Cape Fear Group

Location: 88WW+P2 South Topsail Preserve, “The Point”, Topsail Beach, NC, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Suzanne Eggeling
   capefearsierraclub@gmail.com
   5405988207
James Ruddick
   capefearsierraclub@gmail.com

       


  Mr. Bryce Tholen, Education and Stewardship Coordinator with the Coastal Land Trust, will provide a very thorough and enlightening explanation of the reasons the south end of Topsail Island was 'saved' from developers, and how that area became acquired by the community.   You've read all about it, now come and see this beautiful, pristine and undeveloped area.

  Walking or hiking around The Point (also known as the Topsail Nature Preserve) offers one of the most serene, untouched coastal experiences in North Carolina. Because it is a protected preserve, there are no paved or built-out trail structures; instead, the route utilizes the natural shoreline where the Atlantic Ocean meets the New Topsail Inlet and the Sound. 

  As an environmental steward, Bryce will share information with us about local wildlife like nesting shore birds, and sea turtle habitat.  We'll view the uninhabited Hatoff Island, and hear why this may be the next island to preserve in the area.  Coastal conservation of these last remaining uninhabited islands is vital in North Carolina.  

  Our beach walk includes about 1.5 miles walking on soft sand, so consider beach type shoes.   Feel free to bring your beach chairs as we can sit awhile at the shore during Bryce's talk.  It's possible that it could be rainy or sunny, so prepare with water, a hat, or rain jacket etc.   Steady rain cancels.   

  PARKING:   Meet at parking area called South End Parking (metered lot); look for our SC banner -  Access #1.  This is located  'soundside', at the end of Shoreline Drive and Inlet Drive.  After crossing the bridge from the mainland, turn right until you reach the end of the road.  Give yourself plenty of time to travel and find the parking.  Sierra club will provide $10 per car towards the parking costs.
   TIMING:   Please meet at the parking area by 10:15am .  We should finish the walk/talk by 12 - 12:30.

  We'd like to suggest that we gather for lunch somewhere after the tour.  We'll seek out a good restaurant for lunch and let you know in advance. 

  Optional activities when in the area:  The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehab Center (advanced reservations required) is right down the road after you cross the bridge to the mainland.   They offer an excellent tour for all ages.   Or consider spending the night at the nearby Sea Vista Motel which is very close to our starting point.  We are not representing the motel and have no responsibility for the standard and experiences you may have there.   Many other hotels/motels are on the island.  

               

Level: Easy (Easy -walk on sand 1.5 miles)

Cost: CFSC will pay $10 towards parking

Signup Instructions: Sign up on the CFSC website

Recommended Items: sun block, water, sun hat

Signup Restrictions: people with mobility issues may face challenges, due to walking on soft sand at times.

Carpool: optional but encouraged due to limited parking.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels