Coquina Outcrop

The coquina outcrop near Fort Fisher is the only naturally occurring rocky formation in North Carolina.  Also known as The Rocky Outcrop, this is a fascinating and rare natural wonder.  The touch tank at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher was inspired by the coquina outcrop in Kure Beach, 

There is an excellent geocache that focuses on this coquina outcrop that can be found here.   If you are new to geocaching, click on this link to see our guide to geocaching and a list of recommended caches.  Spoiler Alert!  If you prefer find this location by geocaching, do not scroll down.  
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Coquina outcrop. The rock wall and gazebo can be seen in the background.

Directions

  • Parking:  The coquina outcrop is close to Fort Fisher State Historic Site which has a free parking lot.  Just walk across the crosswalk towards the Atlantic Ocean.  There is additional parking near the Fort Fisher Recreation Site.  This free parking lot is along Battle Acre Road. 
  • The Fort Fisher United Daughters of the Confederacy monument is located on the grassy field near Battle Acre Road.  
  • The rocky sea wall was built by the Army Corp of Engineers to protect the Fort Fisher State Historic Site.  
  • To reach the coquina outcrop, head north (towards Carolina Beach) along the path near the sea wall until to reach a gazebo. 
  • Continue north from the gazebo until you reach the beach.   Continue walking until you reach the coquina outcrop.  

View Coquina Outcrop in a larger map

What to Pack:

  1. Beverages/Snacks
  2. Sunscreen
  3. Swimwear
  4. Bug Spray

Tidal Chart for The Coquina Outcrop

The coquina outcrop can only be viewed at low tide.  Please plan ahead and check tidal charts before planning your trip to view the coquina outcrop.  The widget below shows the tide for Wilmington Beach, North Carolina which is located between Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.  It is about 3 miles north of the coquina outcrop.  
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The rock wall

Book Recommendation

If you prefer traveling to place like coquina outcrop that aren't typically listed tourist brochures, this is the book for you.  The Backroads of North Carolina has amazing color photographs and invaluable information.  It makes planning a day trips and weekend retreats seem effortless.