Sunset Point Overlook Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildlife

This trail is heavily traveled by hikers, strollers, etc. and is relatively narrow and short. It is not ideal for running but makes a nice spot for a cool-down.

The Sunset Point Overlook Trail offers visitors the opportunity to view both Back Bay and the freshwater marsh. The trail forms a loop beginning from the Visitor Center. Begin the trail by going south (left as you are leaving the building). At the first split in the trail take a right in order to reach Back Bay. At the bay turn left to take the trail a short distance to the overlook platform. (Sunsets from this platform are stunning.) Continue straight on the trail's loop portion after the platform to reach the split you found at the beginning. You'll end back at the Visitor Center.

You can also take a connector trail to reach the Reese F. Lukei, Jr. Raptor Trail (formerly known as the Bay Trail) for a longer stroll through the marsh. You'll find this connector between the Sunset Overlook Platform and the split in the trail, on the marsh side of the loop.

A variety of plants and animals can be seen on the trail. Plants include cordgrass, a variety of sedges and rushes, Phragmites (invasive), salt bush (groundsel tree), wax myrtle shrubs, persimmon trees, vines and underwater vegetation.

Wildlife you may see varies throughout the year. In the winter ducks, geese and swans are often seen on the bay. In the warmer months yellow-bellied slider turtles, several different snakes (including Eastern cottonmouth, Eastern ribbon, rainbow and Eastern ratsnakes), bullfrogs, green frogs, green tree frogs, great blue herons, great egrets and song birds may be seen in and around the marsh.