Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is administered by Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge from their Headquarters in Manteo, North Carolina. Don’t miss the National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island and its state-of-the-art exhibits—all free!
While visiting the Outer Banks, venture to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for both birds and birders. Drop the Visitor Center to view displays on local wildlife. Then, try out one of the scopes trained on North Pond to view various species of birds found there seasonally. There are two short, universally accessible wildlife trails on Pea Island. The North Pond Wildlife Trail is half a mile long and terminates at a two level tower which offers spectacular views of the surrounding ponds. The best birding is during the fall and winter. This trail is located near the Visitor Center. There is also a service road that completely encircles North Pond, and visitors may choose to walk the whole route, though insect activity and traffic along the portion on Highway 12 make this less enjoyable for some. The Salt Flats Wildlife Trail is slightly shorter and located on the north end of North Pond, terminating at a disabled- accessible overlook providing views of the Salt Flats area and North Pond. During the summer, join refuge staff for programs on topics ranging from sea turtles to life in the sound to bird adaptations. The refuge also offers guided canoe tours around the sound during the summer months.
Know Before You Go
When visiting Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, it is always a good idea to bring drinking water, sunscreen, bug repellent, a light jacket, and a hat and sunglasses. Depending on the season, the bugs can be bad along the wildlife trails. Many visitors also bring their own scopes or binoculars and an identification guide for better wildlife viewing.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife; the refuge is especially noted for birding opportunities. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.