In 2023, more than 32,000 acres burned in the Great Lakes Fire, which began on April 19 and continued until heavy rains in June.

There is also a 14.1 mile trail, called the Weetock trail starting at the entrance to Long point landing road along NC Hwy 58 and continuing through the woods towards the Whiteoak river and turning around to end back on Hwy 58 roughly a quarter mile from the start point.

Some of the wildlife that can be found include black bear, raccoon, squirrel, bobcat, river otter, muskrat, mink, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, as well as osprey, peregrine falcon, various species of owls, quail, bald eagle, wild turkey, and alligator.

There are a few sandy areas within the forest that provide pristine habitat for the eastern diamondback rattlesnakes.

The Croatan National Forest offers a variety of habitats that provide excellent homes and safe havens for wildlife.

Croatan is also the site of many nearly-impenetrable pocosin pine savannas, old growth beech and oak forests, saltwater estuaries, and bogs.