Hike Gooseberry Island

Begin an hour before sunset at the intersection between West Beach and East Beach Road. The intersecting roads will lead you to a paved causeway over the ocean. Waves typically clash on either side of you as you drive over the ocean. There is a free parking lot once you reach the opening.

To reach the two abandoned fort towers from World War II, begin down the sandy pathway behind the rusted gate. The path will lead you through the island with minimal twists and turns. Gooseberries, wildflowers, and shrubbery take over the edge of the trail. 

Keep a look out for the old hidden paved roads that once stretched down the island. Old house foundations can also be found hidden beneath the brush. The Hurricane of 1938 and the final blows of Hurricane Carol in 1954 wiped out all summer housing and foundations left on the island. 

The path will divert to the right narrowing down toward the two lookout towers. Continue to walk down the path to the towers, but be careful of the broken glass along the way. The U.S. Army took over 6 acres of the land and constructed a Fire Control base and hidden  bunker on the peninsula in the 1930s. The towers never saw battle nor fired their guns once during World War II. Now, decades later the structures may appear forgotten and spoiled in distasteful graffiti, but they are a reminder of the past.

The same small trail will open up to the shimmering ocean. Follow to the left to a slender path leading through the swaying grass. The space will open up to a rocky seashore. Murky red oranges, and purples crowning the edges of each stone. Take a seat and enjoy the sunset cast over the ocean.

Begin your journey back with enough light to then watch the moon set over the ocean on the other side of the island. This small, special hike truly encompasses the beauty the East Coast has to offer.