VIDEO: Currituck Banks Reserve boardwalk has reopened after renovations

Arguably the best hiking trail on the Currituck Outer Banks has reopened after an extensive renovation. Twiddy and Co. Brand Ambassador Edward Ponton shares more details.

The Currituck Banks Reserve repair project that began at the end October replaced aging decking boards, seat boards on current benches, railings, and side guards of the existing boardwalk.

The structural components of the boardwalk (i.e., joists and pilings) were also replaced as needed depending on current condition.

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve received more than $122,000 in funding for repairs to the Currituck Banks Reserve boardwalk from the N.C. Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant Program during the 2020-21 grant cycle and was one of twelve projects that received funding.

The N. C. Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program is a grant program administered by the Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management that funds land acquisition, site improvements, and amenities for public access to coastal waters.

The Currituck Banks Reserve is one of 10 sites in the N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, protected for research, education and compatible traditional uses.

The boardwalk at the Currituck Banks Reserve was constructed in 2002 and provides access for walking, photography, and nature observation. The boardwalk winds through maritime forest and swamp before ending at a deck offering views of the Currituck Sound, and also provides access to the trailhead of the Maritime Forest Trail at the site.