Outer Banks Off-Road Safari

This trip will take us on grand tour of all the off-road driving spots on the Outer Banks.  This program would appeal to the huge population of truck owners we have here on base and if advertised right should fill up quickly.

There are at least 4 major spots we could explore on the trip, hitting all of them or just the ones we want.  They are Ocracoke Island, Cape Hatteras Point, Oregon Inlet, and Corolla.  Each spot is unique and offers something of interest.  For instance Corolla offers a good chance to see the wild ponies, as well as the option to drive up to Carova.  Carova is a small town with no paved roads (just sand) and no businesses. 

We would allow the participants to team up in groups of vehicles so they could help each other out if anyone got stuck.  And it is always more fun to go on safari with friends.

There are multiple options for camping up and down the banks, so for instance we could hit Ocracoke and Hatteras the first day and camp at the national park there.  The next day continue up to Oregon Inlet and Corolla and then drive home if it was a 2 day weekend trip.  The price for the trip would be low since we would just be paying for camp sites, and the participants would be responsible for most food and gas in their own vehicles.

There are lots of sites that offer tips and directions for driving off road, and here are just a few.
http://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks-4x4-driving.aspx
http://www.outer-banks.nc.us/newsinfo/randr.htm
http://www.outer-banks.com/ecnews/caha_orv_brochure.may08.pdf

South Carolina's Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is a short 4.5 hour drive from Jacksonville just outside Columbia, SC. It is one of the newest national parks in the USA, since it was just designated in 2003. The reason for it's being is it is the largest contiguous tract of old growth bottomland hardwoods in the United States. The park provides 20+ miles of short backcountry hiking, including about 2.3 miles of boardwalk. There are also many paddling trails (one 20 miles long) and is supposed to be one of the best ways to see the park wildlife, including otters, bobcats, and monster old growth trees. Some of the trees are up to 25 feet in circumference. There is also supposed to be a lot of good fishing.


There are FREE ranger guided canoe trips on most Saturdays and Sundays. There is also both developed campsites as well as free back country camping.

Here are some links to check out:

http://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm
http://usparks.about.com/od/congaree/p/Congaree-Overview.htm
http://www.sciway.net/city/congaree.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congaree_National_Park
Here is a youtube video showing the park:
http://youtubevideo.isgoodness.com/watch/video/id/_gSDsc35xt8