Hatteras Village Park’s Sea Breeze Nature Trail reopens after much-needed repairs

The Hatteras Village Park’s Sea Breeze Nature Trail reopened in mid-October after a series of much-needed repairs were conducted to make the trail safer for all visitors.

The Sea Breeze Nature Trail first opened around 2011 as a snapshot of Hatteras Village’s maritime forest and salt marsh environments, and the wildlife that frequents the area. Located along Eagle Pass Road, the roughly .25-mile trail features elevated boardwalks and an observation deck over the water, which has become a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature fans.

But after a decade in operation, by August 2023, it was clear that the wooden boardwalks and walkways had seen some wear and tear.

“There was some termite damage from a couple of years ago, a hole or two that went all the way through the wood, and some loose hand railings which were definitely a concern,” said Karla Jarvis of the Hatteras Village Civic Association. “One of our [regular trail visitors] let us know about these safety issues and said, ‘You need to close it.’”

The Sea Breeze Trail was temporarily closed in August and remained closed for more than a month as a contractor was researched and hired to conduct the punch list of repairs.

Officially reopening on October 11 once the $5,000 worth of repairs were complete, (which were paid for by Hatteras Village’s special tax district), the Sea Breeze Trail will be up and running for the site’s annual and upcoming holiday-themed events.

“There’s more work to be done, and we’re looking at what we need to do in the long term to be proactive,” said Jarvis. “But right now, it’s structurally sound enough to take us through the winter events.”

In fact, the Sea Breeze Trail opened just in time for the annual Haunted Trail, which takes place on Saturday, October 28, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. This year’s Halloween theme is “Witches in the Woods,” and attendees can park at the Hatteras Village Community Building & Library before being transported to the trail where plenty of shocks and surprises await. The Oct. 28 event is one night only, and the cost is $5 per brave attendee.

“We’re excited about the upcoming Haunted Trail, and the Winter Lights event during the holidays, and we’re happy that the trail is back open to [the public],” said Jarvis. “I personally know several people who walk it every day, and people will definitely notice a difference when they pay the trail a visit.”