Visit Us

From a multi-refuge Visitor Center full of exciting exhibits to the possibility of seeing charismatic mega-fauna like red wolves and black bear, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers year-round opportunities for learning and adventuring. The refuge is open all year round during daylight hours. We have great paddling trails, a wildlife drive, two wildlife walking trails, and all types of wildlife and habitat for you to learn about!

Activities

Don’t miss the National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island and its state-of-the-art exhibits—all free! Or, venture to the Dare County mainland to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge’s popular Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive, where locals compete to see who can count the most black bear in one evening. Wildlife abounds in the farming and moist soil management units along the Wildlife Drive. If you are looking for adventure, a great way to explore the refuge is by canoe or kayak, using the refuge’s 15+ miles of color-coded paddling trails. There are two half-mile, universally accessible wildlife trails for a leisurely stroll in a beautiful, quiet and secluded place. Enrich your experience by joining us for an open-air tram tour or interpretive program.For wildlife photographers, there are great photographic opportunities if you have patience. Hunting and fishing are allowed with restrictions. In fall, the refuge joins other eastern North Carolina refuges and partner organizations each year to host the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, a celebration of migrant waterfowl and other local wildlife.

Auto tour
Wildlife watching
Ranger-led programs
Hiking
Hunting
Fishing
Birding
Boating - non-motorized
Photography
Biking
Boating - motorized
Education programs
Accessible trails
Dog walking
Dog training
Horseback riding
Firewood cutting

Trails

The refuge has two half-mile trails. In addition, hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public, such as roads. 

Related Documents

Tearsheet Map Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Name
Tearsheet Map Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
PDF

Other Facilities in the Complex

A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex   structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure   because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs.  

There are 9 national wildlife refuges in the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Complex. The Project Leader for the Complex supervises the Refuge Managers who are responsible for managing these refuges. However, there are five distinct and separate administrative offices.  Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges are administered from the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Manteo, NC.  An administrative office at the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Knotts Island, NC manages both Mackay Island and Currituck National Wildlife Refuges. An office at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge administers Mattamuskeet, Swanquarter, and Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuges. Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Edenton National Fish Hatchery each have separate administrative offices.

All of the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Edenton National Fish Hatchery are open to public visits for nature-based recreational enjoyment. Priority public uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation.

A flock of black-and-white shorebirds with upturned beaks rest in perfectly still water
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants; to provide habitat and protection for...
National Wildlife Refuge
Rodanthe,NC
A flock of hundreds of snow geese taking off from an agricultural field
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge conserves a rare type of wetland habitat, known as "pocosin," derived from a Native American word meaning "swamp on a hill." The refuge encompasses vast acres of natural wetlands, including the unique southeastern pocosin peat wetlands, open water on Pungo and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Columbia,NC
A calm lake surface reflects a band of clouds and a line of cypress trees in the water
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge features the largest natural freshwater lake in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet, as well as marshes, swamp forests, and upland forests. The refuge supports large numbers of wintering waterfowl, as well as a variety of breeding songbirds, mammals such as black...
National Wildlife Refuge
Swan Quarter,NC
A forest fringed by grassy marsh is bordered by a partially submerged rock wall
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1932 and protects an extensive coastal brackish marsh on Pamlico Sound in Hyde County, North Carolina. The refuge is composed of both forested wetlands and open marsh and features thousands of migratory waterfowl during the winter, including...
National Wildlife Refuge
An open marsh landscape with bands of different species of grasses and rushes, colored bright green, brown, and gray
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 and features an extensive, relatively undisturbed coastal marsh, along with pocosin and woodland habitat. The marsh and surrounding waters provide wintering habitat for thousands of ducks and nesting habitat for colonial waterbirds and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Island,NC
A grassy marsh with open water in the foreground and a pine forest in the background
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
Congress established Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge on December 30, 1960, to protect migratory birds and their habitats and conserve endangered and threatened species. The refuge is located on Knotts Island in Currituck County, North Carolina, and includes lands in Virginia Beach, Virginia...
National Wildlife Refuge
Knotts Island,NC
A forest with an open understory, scraggly oak trees, and tall, straight pines
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve, protect and maintain healthy and viable populations of migratory birds, wildlife, fish and plants, including federal and state endangered species and trust species. The refuge restores, enhances and maintains the natural processes and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Knotts Island,NC
A calm river bordered by bare baldcypress trees
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge, in Bertie County, North Carolina, is named for the Roanoke River, which runs through the refuge. The refuge was established in 1991 to protect the forests in the Roanoke River floodplain, considered to be the largest intact, and least disturbed, bottomland...
National Wildlife Refuge
Windsor,NC

Rules and Policies

In addition to these provisions, all State laws, County codes, and Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations apply on the Refuge. If you have any questions about the legality of any activity, please contact the Refuge Manager.

General Regulations

  • The Refuge is open during daylight hours only (1/2 -hour before sunrise to 1/2 -hour after sunset).
  • Camping, open fires, feeding or baiting of wildlife, swimming in Refuge canals, or entering any area posted with “Area Closed” signs is prohibited.
  • All domestic pets (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) must be properly confined, leashed (10-foot maximum), or haltered and under owner control at all times.
  • Littering or dumping of garbage, refuse, sewage, debris, or other wastes or poisons is prohibited.
  • The use of a spotlight, automotive headlight, or other artificial light to spot, observe, locate, or take any animal is prohibited.
  • Taking, possessing, injuring, disturbing, damaging, destroying, or collecting any plant or animal (or attempting these actions) is prohibited.
  • Destroying, defacing, damaging, disturbing, or removing any private or public property, including any natural object or artifact, is prohibited. The use or possession of metal detectors or similar devices is prohibited.
  • Disturbing, molesting, or interfering with any person engaged in an authorized activity is prohibited. Engaging in any act of indecency or disorderly conduct (as defined by State or local laws) is prohibited.
  • Entering or remaining on the Refuge when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited.
  • Begging or soliciting in any form or conducting a commercial enterprise on the Refuge is prohibited unless authorized by a Commercial Special Use Permit.
  • Refuge visitors are reminded that the Wildlife Drive is adjacent to several hunting areas. Please be aware that hunting is allowed during specific seasons, and be cautious and courteous when visiting areas shared with other refuge users.

Vehicles/Roads/Trails

  • The speed limit on all Refuge roads, unless otherwise posted, is 35 miles per hour. State traffic laws that govern the use and operation of vehicles apply on the Refuge.
  • Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated roads.
  • Refuge roads closed to motorized vehicles are open for walking and bicycle riding, unless posted as closed to all entry. Horseback riding is allowed only on roads open to motorized vehicles. Groups of 6 or more horses must have a Refuge Special Use Permit.
  • Operating any vehicle or boat that does not bear valid license plates or identification numbers and that is not properly lighted, certified, registered, or inspected according to State laws is prohibited. ATV/UTVs (3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) are prohibited.
  • Stopping or parking a vehicle (either attended or unattended) on a road, trail, or firelane such that it blocks the free movement of other vehicles is prohibited.

Locations

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and Headquarters
(252) 473-1131
100 Conservation WayManteo,NC27954
Driving Directions

From the intersection of US Hwy 64 Business and the Bypass on Roanoke Island, follow US Hwy 64 Business west through Manteo to the north end of the island, approximately 5 miles.  The National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center, which houses administrative Offices for Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, is on the left, just past the Lost Colony, Elizabethan Gardens, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. 

Creef Cut Trailhead and Parking

The Creef Cut Trail starts where Milltail Road meets Highway 64. Milltail Road is part of the wildlife drive and one popular entrance to the refuge. A paved parking lot is available here.

Driving Directions

From the east: take the US Highway 64 bypass from Roanoke Island west across the bridge through the town of Manns Harbor. Milltail Road is 6 miles west of Manns Harbor, on the left.  

From the west: follow US Highway 64 across the Lindsey C. Warren bridge over the Alligator River. Milltail Road is approximately 7.5mi from the end of the bridge, on the right. 

Buffalo City Road Entrance

Buffalo City Road is part of the refuge Wildlife Drive. The Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail is found at the end of Buffalo City Road, along with a boat launch for the Milltail Creek Paddling trails.  

Driving Directions

From the east: take the US Highway 64 through the town of Manns Harbor. Buffalo City Road is approximately 10 miles west of the town, on the left. 

From the west: follow US Highway 64 across the Lindsey C. Warren bridge over the Alligator River. Buffalo City Road is 4 miles east of the end of the bridge, on the right.