Land of the Wild Goose
Currituck County slips southward from the Virginia line like a long, narrow finger surrounded by water. The heavily traveled Caratoke Highway (Highway 168) runs down the spine of the peninsula and is the gateway to the Outer Banks for millions of visitors every year. However, on either side of this Highway lies a beautiful land and pristine waters.
On the east side of Piney Island lies Currituck Sound and Corolla and finally the Atlantic Ocean. There are no inlets to the sea and the Sound is noted for its population of fish and waterfowl. In fact, the sound is on a migration path for ducks, Canada geese, swan and other birds. Dozens of old hunt clubs still dot the tiny islands in the sound. The land of Currituck is just as fertile and fresh produce is abundant in the summer and fall.
Towards the west of Piney Island , lies the Intracoastal Waterway and the North River which meanders slowly through the swamp and game lands, home to a wide variety of fresh water fish and reptiles. Adjacent to the North River are game lands and farmlands both home to bear, deer, raccoon, possum and many other mammals. The mainland, on the western bank, has several small communities.
Close to Piney Island along the Intracoastal Waterway is Coinjock, a familiar sight to current day water travelers long the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Just as close but to the east is Waterlily, a small community located on Churches Island.