When it comes to trails that lead to abandoned places in North Carolina we are often writing about historical spots deep in the woods of the mountains in the Tar Heel State (like the remains of Rattlesnake Lodge, or the trail to the ghost town of Lost Cove), but this epic hike is along the coast. Further, it leads to what was once speculated to be the second-greatest tourist attraction in North Carolina. Read on to learn how a single WWII bunker could attain such high regard in the minds of tourists and locals alike. Here’s the Fort Fisher hermit trail in North Carolina.

The famed WWII bunker is located at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area located at Kure Beach.
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alltrails/Katie Griffith
It's here at the recreation area that you'll find a 2.2-mile trail (total, out, and back) that leads to a simple WWII bunker. Fort Fisher was an instrumental fixture during the Civil War. Later, during WWII, a series of concrete fortifications was built along the coast in North Carolina and that's likely when the concrete bunker was constructed.
As shown here, the bunker is without a door, and its original use is not clearly defined in any readily available information.
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TripAdvisor/TRAVEL00001Nc
However, the bunker became famous in the 1960s and 70s for an entirely different reason: it became home to one of the most famous people in North Carolina during the era. Here's how it happened:

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In 1955, at the age of 62, this man, Robert Harrill (shown here in an undated photo taken outside the bunker), left his unhappy life in Morganton and hitchhiked all the way to the coast.
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Wikipedia/Dincher
He took up residence in the bunker, not once, but twice! The first time, local authorities arrested him — and then arranged to have him transported all the way back to Morganton. But Harrill, who would become famously known as 'The Fort Fisher Hermit,' made his way back to Kure Beach and again took up residence within the bunker.
Soon, visitors and locals alike were visiting The Hermit on a regular basis, often posing for photos with the state's famous hermit.
Reginald Carson II/AllTrails
alltrails/Katie Griffith
Harrill sustained his life as a hermit by catching his food in the surrounding marshes and waters, as well as tending a small garden he had planted. But he also would willingly pose for photos (for a small fee) with frequent visitors who made the hike all the way out to the WWII bunker just to meet the famous Fort Fisher Hermit.

Learn more about the history of the Fort Fisher Hermit:

In June of 1972, after 17 years of sustaining life in the primitive dwelling, the famous Fort Fisher Hermit was found dead of an apparent heart attack in the bunker that still stands. He was 79 years old.

Have you heard of this WWII bunker at Kure Beach that’s famous beyond reason? Have you ever been to the Fort Fisher Hermit Trail in North Carolina? We’d love to know about it in the comments.

Getting to the WWII bunker is a short, round trip hike of only 2.2 miles (bring bug spray!) on the Basin Trail that originates near the visitor center at Fort Fisher Recreation Area in Kure Beach. Check out some of the other great trails in the Fort Fisher Recreation Area on AllTrails. For more excellent hikes, check out some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina.

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More to Explore

The Coolest Attractions in North Carolina

William Suphan | July 21, 2023

What are the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina?

The coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina include:

  • Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain, this is a thrilling challenge in the midst of gorgeous natural beauty.
  • Carova Beach. You need a 4X4 vehicle to get to this beach, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of wild horses.
  • Castle Monte Rouge. This odd castle near Durham has intriguing spires and sits all alone deep in the forest.
  • Church of the Frescoes. This tiny church in a tiny town has authentic Italian frescoes within that will amaze you.

 

Discover more about the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina. 

The coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina include:

  • Shangri La Stone Village. This miniature stone village was built with amazing detail by one person and is an amazing roadside attraction.
  • The Fairy Trail. Take this lovely hike at Bullington Gardens where you’ll see artistic scenes of fairy homes, tea settings, and tiny gardens.
  • Waterfall Scenic Byway. If you want a truly picturesque drive, especially during autumn, this 98-mile byway has the most beautiful views.
  • McGalliard Falls. Located near Valdese, this is the perfect place to go swimming at the bottom of a waterfall and enjoy a picnic.

 

Learn more about the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina. 

What are the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina?

The strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina include:

  • Maggie Valley. This whole valley is filled with strangeness with the Indian Death Tiki of Awesomeness and the Ghost Town In The Sky.
  • Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo. These plastic flamingos won’t do much, but hey, you can pet them for free and take one home if you like.
  • The Angus Barn Self-Kicking Machine. Feeling the need for penance? Get kicked by a rotating wheel of boots!
  • Tobacco Museum Talking Robot. If you want to wander deep into the Uncanny Valley, take a gander at this animatronic robot that will teach you the history of tobacco.

 

Find out more about the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina. 

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Fort Fisher, North Carolina 28449, USA