Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge has an incredible Wildlife Drive where black bear, wild turkeys, all kinds of birds of prey, waterfowl, and other wildlife may be seen. Locals drive around after supper and compare notes about how many bears they have seen in different fields. There's even a chance to see an elusive...

The refuge offers a range of programs about the wildlife and habitats on the refuge, such as bears and red wolves. Open-air tram tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month, November thru May and on Wednesdays June thru August. Canoe tours are typically offered...

There are two half-mile (one-way) universally accessible trails on the refuge: the Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail and Creef Cut Wildlife Trail. In addition, hiking is open in all areas open to the public, including many miles of refuge roads. Refuge roads closed to...

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge contains approximately 160,000 acres, most of which are open to hunting. There are more than 150 miles of old logging roads that provide hunting access, some for vehicles and some on foot. Vehicular access is restricted to designated roads. Visitors...

Sport fishing is allowed on any open area of the Refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Waters available for fishing include East Lake, South Lake, Whipping Creek Lake, Sawyer Lake and Swan Lake. Brackish bays/estuaries include Pamlico Sound and Alligator River. Streams...

The refuge is a birding hotspot, with excellent habitat for field and forest birds. In winter, the farm fields support thousands of wintering waterfowl, including elegant tundra swans. The field habitats are also home to species such as the declining northern bobwhite quail, northern...

The refuge has four paddling trails starting at the end of Buffalo City Road. There is a canoe/kayak launch and parking for vehicles, including those with trailers, at the end of the road (note that parking can fill up quickly during peak summer season). There is another...

We welcome beginning and expert photographers alike to record their outdoor adventures on film, memory card or internal hard drive! The Wildlife Drive is a great place to start.

Bicycling is allowed only on designated public access routes/roads. Bikes are not allowed on walking trails.

There are three North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramps, suitable for small boats, near the refuge; one off of Mashoes Road provides access to East Lake, another off of Old Ferry Landing Road provides access to Alligator River,...

Is your school, youth, environmental or other group interested in learning more about the wildlife, plants, habitats and ecology of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge?  Refuges are wild places, and we want to teach you more about them!  We offer much for children and...

There are two trails on the refuge. The Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is fully accessible and meets ADA requirements. The Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail is a half-mile and more rustic and "wild" than Creef Cut Trail. Though it is possible for wheelchairs and strollers to use this trail...

Pets are allowed on refuge trails and roads. All domestic pets (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) must be properly confined, leashed (10-foot maximum), or haltered and under owner control at all times.

The training of chase dogs is permitted only during modern gun deer season. Please see the Hunting section for more information. The use of dogs is restricted to designated areas. All dogs must be confined or leashed and under owner control when not engaged in hunting. Hunters may walk on closed...

Horseback riding is allowed only on roads open to motorized vehicles. Groups of 6 or more horses must have a Refuge Special Use Permit. For questions, please contact the refuge.

Firewood cutting requires a special use permit; contact the refuge for more details. There is no guarantee you will receive the permit, and you should apply early enough to allow 2-4 weeks for processing.