Facility Activities

Hunting, fishing, boating, birding, and hiking are the most popular activities on Roanoke River NWR. The refuge is open seven days a week from sunup to sundown except during permitted deer and turkey hunt days. On permitted deer and turkey hunt days the Refuge is closed to all without a valid permit. The refuge is also open to small game hunting with a Lower Roanoke River Game Lands small game permit; visitors may encounter hunters during that state season. Visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

The Refuge has one designated Hiking Trail, the Kuralt Trail, which is a little over 1 mile long round-trip. It is located off of Hwy 13/17N. There are two maintained roads along Hwy 13/17 that are also available for walking.

You will need to bring sturdy shoes/boots as the walking is on rough terrain and frequently floods. During spring/summer, mosquitos, black flies, ticks, and snakes may be encountered.  Dawn and dusk are optimal wildlife viewing times.
 

Hunting

Spread out along the river whose name it bears, Roanoke River NWR consists of many separate tracts that protect the river's bottomland hardwood forest. Several of these tracts are open to hunts for a variety of game. With its mix of upland ridges and the bottomland forest, the refuge is...

Birding

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge offers memorable birding opportunities. Much of the refuge is accessible only by boat; however, we think it's worth the effort! The Refuge is home to numerous local and migratory birds. Check our bird brochure for optimum viewing seasons. While the only...

Fishing

Anglers may walk across the Conine Island Tract from U.S. Highway 13/17 to gain fishing access to the Roanoke River and Conine Creek, unless a permitted hunt is underway. The refuge’s backswamps and river tributaries are not open to fishing. 

Hiking

The Refuge has only one designated hiking trail, the Kuralt Trail, which is a little over 1 mile long. It is located off of Hwy 13/17N. There are two maintained roads along Hwy 13/17 that are also available for walking. You will need to bring sturdy shoes/boots as the walking is on rough terrain...

Photography

Whether by boat or on a road or trail, the refuge offers opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife. Refuge visitors can photograph wildlife in all areas open to the public. While our only maintained trail is the Kuralt Trail, the Refuge also maintains Conine North and Askew East and West...

Boating - non-motorized

Much of the refuge is best experienced by boat along the Roanoke River. Public boat ramps providing access to the Roanoke River are available in Hamilton, Williamston, Jamesville, Plymouth, off Hwy 13/17, and off Hwy 45. There is also a canoe/kayak launch at Moratoc Park, located just upstream...

Boating - motorized

Much of the refuge is best experienced by boat along the Roanoke River. Public boat ramps providing access to the Roanoke River are available in Hamilton, Jamesville, Plymouth, off Hwy 13/17, and off Hwy 45.

Education programs

The Refuge works in partnership with local schools, business, and civic groups in providing talks and programs highlighting environmental education.  Highlights of our partnerships include working with Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center on summer programs for local youth; presenting a viewing...

Archery

The refuge offers archery as part of permitted hunts. See the Hunting section or contact the Refuge office for details.