If you're heading over to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, one good mode of transportation to check around is the tram. You'll be able to see wide-open spaces, wildlife, and a lot more out there up close. You could also explore areas that are too weak or inconvenient for you to get into on foot this way.
The trams in Outer Bank towns are really just small engine-powered trains that run on tracks or designated pathways through pedestrian areas, parks, attractions, as well as whole neighborhoods. They provide a service so visitors can park their car and then go places further away than they would normally have to walk across a bridge for.
Most of the trams are free while some also have guided tours you can buy. They run frequently during peak seasons like spring and fall. When you are traveling to any of the Outer Banks towns, the local tram systems offer a fun and environmentally friendly way to get around. They're excellent for avoiding parking problems in popular attractions, shopping centres or waterfront restaurants, and especially at beach access points.
Open-Air Tram Tours of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Ogling at the wild or plant life at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge sitting in a tram is a different experience altogether. The tram benches aren't padded, so you can bring a seat cushion, towel or blanket to soften the ride. A friendly guide will tell you all about the kinds of plant and animal life that thrive here. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own drinks, snacks, comfortable walking shoes and insect repellent. You need to make a reservation for any tram tour. It costs $10 per person age 13 and up. Children 12 and under ride free with a paying adult who can supervise them.
The tram tours work 8:30-11 a.m. on Thursdays from June through August. The second Saturday of each month from September through May has a three-hour excursion. Monthly tour times are 9 a.m. to noon. Trams do not run in heavy wind, rain or lightning. You can board the tram at the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot at Milltail Road and U.S. Highway 64 intersection in Eagle Lake. This Open-air Tram Tour opens up the Outer Banks wild side and is an experience like no other for lovers of nature of all ages.
The Ocracoke Village Tram
The Ocracoke Village Tram is a free ride service in the village. It makes a continuous 30-minute loop from Silver Lake Ferry Terminal along Irvin Garrish Highway to Ride to Wind Surf Shop and then back via Back Road. Riders can get on and off the tram wherever they please. Especially people who arrive on the Express Passenger Ferry, which runs from mid-May to mid-September, benefit a lot via this tram service.
The Ocracoke Express Tram route includes the Historic Ocracoke Light Station as an option for drop-offs and pickups. Visitors are now able to access this historic location via tram. Due to the limited number of parking spots available near the light station, visitors are encouraged to use the tram when visiting here. Tram pickup locations are located throughout the village and vehicle/cart parking is available at the Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry pickup location on Silver Lake Harbor.
Riding the Trams
Taking a ride on a tram in the Outer Banks is always a good time. Sit back, relax, and be driven while enjoying views of the woodlands and charming villages which dot this coastal paradise. Most trams are open air, this way you can feel the fresh ocean breeze as they take you for a spin.
The conductors who operate these trams often give interesting narration on sights along the line, while alighting and boarding from the tram enables one to visit different spot as a convenient matter of course. So, ride the trams while visiting the Outer Banks as it provides a very pleasant way to see all that this corner of North Carolina has offer and is affordable too.