Fort Fisher is most easly reached by taking the ferry from Southport. The ferry runs every 45 minutes, the crossing takes a half hour, and the cost for one car plus its passengers is only $5.

The fort site has no building remaining, but there are mounds of earth signifing civil war bunkers. These bunkers were more secure than a brick fort since they withstood canon fire better.

The Fort Fisher area is great for birding. Across from the historic site there is a gazebo from which you can usually see, especially in the spring and fall, ducks swimming in the ocean. Around the fort there is a quarter mile walk which comes close to the walk, providing other birding opportunities. There is also a nice walk that heads down the island, towards the ferry. Instead of taking the entire hike (2 miles round trip), you can save time by driving to the parking lot at the end of the island. This is a great spot to see gulls and terms. If you choose to hike the stone causeway towards the island, you have a good chance of seeing oyster catchers.

turtles and a skate