It was Halloween, and the Great North Wind came cutting through the crowd of ninjas, princesses, superheroes, and fairies.

But it did not come for the costumed revelers – it came for the mosquitoes, and so we danced under the light of the Hunter’s Moon, celebrating the return of cold weather and hiking in Carteret County.

Our local trails are plentiful and wonderful, though you’d never know that in the summer. One step into the woods, and you’d be born away by the NC state bird (the mosquito) or bitten by a greenhead the size of a dragon. The only options are running faster than bugs can fly, wearing enough DEET to be personally deemed a biohazard, or dressing in a full bee suit.

That’s why we stick to the water in the summer and leave the trails for late fall and winter, like right now. That frost you see on the ground in the morning? That’s nature’s bug spray, and it signals the return of walking weather in Carteret County. Here are a few of my favorite hiking haunts:

1. The Neusiok Trail is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Since the traditional 50-year gift is gold, be sure to wear something golden on the trail this fall. And good shoes – the Neusiok is the longest trail in Eastern NC, part of the 1000 mile Mountains-To-Sea Trail, though there are short spurs available for the day tripper.

2. Emerald Isle Woods is accessible from Coast Guard Road and hides an intricately connected system of cool coastal trails, from forested dunes to water views. Or, you could enjoy free off-season parking at the Point and stroll along our island’s 24 miles of sandy beaches.

3. Access Patsy Pond Nature Trail across from the Coastal Federation on Highway 24. The paths circle through pine savanna and pond ecosystems; the area is burned periodically to maintain an open environment. For the observant hiker, there are carnivorous plants down low and red-cockaded woodpeckers up high.

4. Pronounced “cows,” the three-mile Elliot Coues Loop at Fort Macon alternates between open, sandy stretches through the dunes and shady forested sections bordering the sound. This trail is among the most popular, as Fort Macon is the third most visited NC State Park.

5. Hoop Pole Creek is less well known, a trail where there used to be a road, where there used to be an inlet. Access it from the Atlantic Beach Station parking lot and follow it to the end, where you can walk through a salt marsh at low tide. If you have kids or like to act like kids, there are some great climbing trees along the way.

6. Kids will also like the Hoffman Trail at the NC Aquarium, though you’ll need aquarium tickets (it’s less crowded this time of year!) Walk past the venomous snakes and bird viewing platforms, until you reach a supercool playset. Continue on a loop through the woods, to an old hunting blind, then back to the playset via a suspension bridge. There’s another trail in front of the Aquarium, too, if you still feel sprightly.

7. Gallants Channel now has a nature trail – it’s just after the new Beaufort bridge. The trail alternates between grassy, forested, and shoreside environments. At low tide, try mudlarking – searching for pieces of brick and flotsam from the past.

8. And one I’ve never experienced: North River Wetlands Preserve. If you’re not a Preserve member, you’ll need to pay five dollars to access the trail, but with 6,000 acres to explore, it should be worth it. If you get there before me, please report back!

So, lace up some sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and fill a big water jug. Go alone, go with friends, bring a puppy pal, or join the Carteret County Wildlife Club. And don’t forget to bring a book – the best part of hiking in my opinion is sitting at some spot with a great vista, a tasty snack, and a good book to read. I’ll see you on the trail!