It was great to have you along. Red Wolf Recovery Program staff will be continually monitoring red wolf activity in the area of the closures throughout this time period. What other surprises can this refuge have in store? Nor is it set up like your typical National Park. These bogs occur in broad, low-lying shallow basins with no drainage and have sandy peat soil and woody shrubs throughout. At the end of Buffalo City Road you will find a parking lot, restrooms, and a launch location for canoes and kayaks. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place for a day-trip adventure near the Outer Banks. In addition to garnering a little education about the species, visitors will meet at the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail and will have an opportunity to hear the harmony of red wolf howls coming out of the refuge. Our first stop was along Bear Road to watch a little black bear far off moving along the treeline. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge - Tripadvisor Fall Its on an old military bombing range, parts of which are still closed to the public formed to preserve a unique wetland habitat called the pocosin. [2] It is roughly 28 miles (45 km) from north to south and 15 miles (24 km) from east to west and lies in North Carolina's Coastal Plain. I have looked and couldnt find anything. Roads and units in purple are closed to all traffic. Thank you, Fran! We had to scramble to get a photo as he dashed across the road and swam across the river to run through the field on the other side. Id never had the opportunity to watch wild river otters before. Pick up a paddling map at the visitor center and explore the waterways for a chance to see river otter, migratory birds and any number of reptiles and amphibians. But it is a lovely area to sit and watch the sunset. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the mainland of Dare and Hyde Counties, 15 miles west of Manteo, North Carolina. The Pitt County Animal Shelter has a two-year-old tabby cat available for adoption. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has helped meet the birds' challenge by providing state-of-the-art housing, including adding 12 new gourd houses. Along with prevalent numbers of ducks, geese, swans, deer, raccoons, rabbits, river otters, fish, and turtles, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is best known for having the largest concentration of black beer in the southeastern United States. It is a whopping 152,000-acre plot on North Carolina's coast located right off of Highway 64 on the way to the Outer Banks. Corolla The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare pocosin wetlands and their associated wildlife. Ive secretly been thinking that well see a wolf on our last day, but I havent dared utter the thought aloud. Im so glad that I made the trip. Pocosin is specifically a unique form of wetland environment, and comes from a Native American term which roughly translates to "swamp-on-a-hill." Make sure you go during dawn or dusk though to make it worth it :). Remember that camping and fires are not allowed, and it is illegal to litter, cut down timber, or remove certain plant life from the area. Manteo, NC 27954. The main gravel roads are all good. I want to come back again a little bit later in the spring when the years cubs will be out, but before the throngs of summer vacationers crowd the area. Explore the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge by Kayak Along the brushy and woodsy areas, visitors can stroll under towering pines until they encounter large fresh or saltwater ponds, brimming with migratory birds. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish and Wildlife Service captured as many species as possible from 1975 - 1980 and began captive-breeding programs with the hopes of someday re-releasing the species back into the wild. Summer Ventures: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge The plan of action worked, and the original captured 17 red wolves have reproduced and can now be found, temporarily relocated, in 35 state zoos or environmental centers. Subscribe here to receive an email whenever a new blog posts. Friday, we were at the refuge at sunrise. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolina. Hi Matt :) We scanned online sources like Tripadvisor before heading out, as this is where you can commonly count on the most recent advice / find other peoples recent experiences. And would I be able to use on CNBC for our story with credit to you of course? Shopping We went at dusk though, towards sunset, which is when youll have more likelihood of sightings :), Your email address will not be published. I am not sure this would be the case in the winter and spring. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find acres and acres of some of the most unique landscape along the "Inner" Banks, large concentrations of threatened or endangers species, and a whole new perspective on the Outer Banks wildlife scene. Gates will be installedat the road intersections and the roads will be closed to all traffic, including foot traffic. Hunting is especially popular on the refuge, and is allowed in most areas during the North Carolina state regulated seasons, providing that the hunters follow state guidelines. With COVID it doesnt look like there have been any super recent reviews, but for instance on Tripadvisor theres a review from October 2019 which says they saw a ton of bears further west from the visitors center by taking the entrances on Miltail Rd off of highway 64 or Borrow Pit Rd off of 264. The trail is universally . A complete map of the refuge can be found in the Refuge Tearsheet. And then we came up in back of a large bear waddling down Bear Road (where else?). I think we were just there too late in the morning. The refuge encompasses 152,000 acres of cropland, marshes, bogs, and swamps. There are few other visitors here today. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 4x4 Look for bubbles, she advised. If you are looking for adventure, a great way to explore the refuge is by canoe or kayak, using the refuges 15+ miles of color-coded Paddling Trails. We headed in late in the afternoon and came up to an area with a lengthy treeline come say 5pm the bears were coming out of the treeline in mass! Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Snoflo is the ultimate platform for outdoor enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals. The blind can be placed in several predetermined locations depending on the seasonal migrations of wildlife throughout the year. There! Visitors will find hiking and wildlife trails, observation platforms, fishing areas and kayaking and canoeing routes. We drove an hour from Pettigrew State Park later in the afternoon so we could have a chance to see black bears at dusk. The Refuge Administrative Office is located on Roanoke Island (in Manteo) on U.S. Highway 64. Love the photos, especially of the copperheads :) This is fairly close to meI think I need to make a trip there next spring! Alligator River NWR may open or close roads, including other sections of Grouse and Bear Roads, intermittently over the next few months based on red wolf activity and behavior. 2. Alligator River Kayak Tours | #1 Rated Tour by Coastal Kayak Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. These are great photos of the Alligator River Refuge. As the first bear sighting of the evening, 6 of us (Mike, Myself and the four occupants of the other vehicle) had scrambled in the same direction to all get a shot of the same bear, however soon enough there were more than enough bears to go around and our problem was choosing which one to shoot! Designated wildlife drive and trails offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is composed of 152,000 acres (615 km 2) lying in the mainland portions of Dare and Hyde Counties, North Carolina. Signs warn about not being responsible for towing. As it turns out, this section of North Carolina is one of the northernmost homes for alligators, and though rarely seen, an occasional visitor may catch a glimpse of one burrowed beneath the surface of the brackish waters. We froze in silence. In short, the mainland area never quite developed like its barrier island neighbors, and the area was so deserted that in 1959 the Air Force designated a rectangular parcel located in the middle of the refuge as a military bombing range. In the summer, you'll also want to bring along plenty of sunscreen or a hat as the hot North Carolina sun can certainly affect refuge visitors. According to the U.S. I cannot wait!! Explore this unusual habitat and learn about its exotic wildlife. Summer Ventures: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge The parents took a culvert to the other side, leaving the full-grown pup alone downstream on our side. Baby If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Repair and wildlife management activities have led to the temporary closures of several refuge units and roads. Keep travelling! We will bring meals and make a day of it. Southern Shores Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. Community We did see some interesting wildlife though no bears. Makeshift bridges lead visitors through some of the trickier marshy areas, however the trail leads from slightly wooded areas through thick, muddy parcels of land, so hikers should be sure and bring their waders. So glad you enjoyed the post! When you want to stop to watch wildlife, pull your vehicle to the side of the road and do not block traffic. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Pea Island National Wildlife The wildlife drive is more like a wildlife maze with each intersection offering 2 or more options of where to turn next. 252/473 1131. email: alligatorriver@fws.gov . And that I saw so much. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. Book Now Learn More From $70 All Ages 1.5 Hours Bioluminescence & Full Moon Night Kayak Tour The Outer Banks is a paradise for the vacationer who enjoys exploring. C$1,345.33. Before I knew it I had a bear walking casually towards me, with another positioned behind meand I wasnt swimming into the river to escape after having seen those snakes!!! Realtime monitoring plus weather forecasts for thousands of rivers and mountains. Be careful when driving to protect wildlife as well. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Thanks Natan! 708 N Hwy 64 Manteo, North Carolina 27954 Phone: 252-473-1131 Email: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge was established on March 14, 1984. The trails all lead to different areas such as Sawyer Lake or Alligator River. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge was established on March 14, 1984. The refuge also protects swamp forest and is fringed with marsh. You can spend hours on end driving the gravel roads here. This particular post I published a couple of years ago now, but from memory we rode around the reserve, and where we saw the bears was very long treeline which had a long thin strip of land running along the treeline, and a pond next to the strip of land. Science Apr 9, 2021 12:05 PM EDT Trekking out to my research sites near North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, I slog through knee-deep water on a section of trail. A stiff wind is blowing off the ocean, pushing sand across the road in an effort to reclaim it. Additionally, it has been at the forefront of recovery efforts for reintroducing the once extinct Red Wolf back into the wild. PDF U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Alligator River - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Visitors who are driving by should also be on the lookout for a number of turtles, which are perched on logs and branches throughout the bordering highway canals throughout the spring and summer months. I would not attempt it without a 4x4. Summer In addition to these mammals, reptiles and amphibians, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is also the temporary home to over 200 species of migratory birds, including decks, geese, shorebirds, woodcock, and even white swans. . Awesome post! Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions. Also rarely seen, but still present in the habitat is the American alligator. We usually hit it at both time as that is the best time to see bears and other animals on the move. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Other Manpower Programs 5 NTR NTR 4. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. Camping, fires, littering, target practice, and commercial guiding . He was several hundred yards from our car and wandering further away. The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare pocosin wetlands and their associated wildlife. This asphalt trail winds between a cattail marsh to the north and the barren fields to the south. Kitty Hawk For young environmentalists, a Preschool Young Naturalist program takes place Fridays year-round at the visitor center. Distance does not mean you need to despair when you are on the amazing barrier islands of the Outer Banks. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge - Tripadvisor Book the MAGIC BUS for your bear - Outer Banks Adventures - Facebook It was a full weekend. These initial communities became the towns of Manns Harbor, Stumpy Point, Engelhard, and Swan Quarter, and even today these small villages, which are roughly 10 miles apart from each other, have remained tiny towns comprised almost solely of locals. LOTS. If youve ever driven to North Carolinas Outer Banks, theres a chance you passed right through the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and didnt even know it. But then we spotted a truck parked a mile away along one of the treelines on Bear Road. Research and Investigations 3 6. The red trail is a loop around a small island in the creek that totals 1.5 miles long. Sunday morning, our last day, were up and out at the refuge early again. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Mid-day, we walked the Creff Cut Trail, hoping to find some snakes basking in the sun. 1. Master Plan NTR 2. Hatteras Essentially they are nutrient-deficient, mucky wetlands. Inquire at the visitor venter. The otters continued to close the distance between us. The refuge has more than 150,000 acres of wetland habitats and a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from wood ducks and alligators to black bears and red wolves. If you're planning a deep trip into the woods, off the marked trails, be sure and bring a cell phone, a GPS, or let someone know beforehand where you are exploring. As a result, the local swans have become a popular attraction to refuge visitors, as they can be seasonally observed in the hundreds if not thousands, wading in large saltwater and freshwater ponds throughout the area. Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, Lets Get Spooky! Unpaved roads, bear sightings, peaceful & quiet place! http://alligatorriver.fws.gov/ardirections.html. Palamedes Swallowtail Butterflies are everywhere. Three (!!!) Make sure to stay on the roads at least when snakes can be present because they are there - lots of water moccasins! She went back to grazing her way around the bend and was gone. The most reliable source for current information about red wolves is, Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation. Just curious what hotspots you found online? Patience is the biggest key, but the wait is always worthwhile! They make tough, durable gear that lasts, leaving you wondering how to keep, This cheap backpacking gear guide is brought to you by Morsel Spork, the makers of cutting-edge camping utensils, the only dining utensil you need on, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, Your Guide to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC, Yosemite Camping Reservations: Set Up Cancellation Text Notifications, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a North Carolina National Shockingly large. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS. When were there photos taken? If an area like this jumps out at you when youre there next, thats where we saw the bears pictured and filmed above. US Park Rangers regularly patrol the area to ensure that these guidelines are being followed. Thanks for sharing. Guided tram tours are offered weekly each Saturday in the summer months and monthly during the rest of the year, but the drive is best experienced, and explored, with your own set of wheels. Back near the heart of the refuge in the fallow fields, an enormous black bear was lying carelessly in the grass eating. No fee, it opens at sunrise and closes at sun set. user = "admin"; Wedding We had written down hot spots from online, and arrived just before sunset to increase our chances of spotting bears, however we just didnt believe that they were going casually stroll out onto the roads! It is bordered on the west by the Alligator River and the Intracoastal Waterway; on the north by Albemarle Sound; on the east by Croatan and Pamlico Sounds; and on the south by Long Shoal River and corporate farmland. Please be mindful of your behaviors and actions at all times when on the refuge. Tales of bears, snakes and wolves along with miles of nothingness on both Highways 64 and 264 made travelers uneasy at the thought of becoming stranded there. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to view wildlife from a distance. For years before the wildlife refuge was established, this stretch of wetlands, swamps and maritime forests were considered by vacationers and Outer Banks locals alike to be a vast and desolate no man's land. One is radio-collared. The descriptions below summarize current road status as of June 6, 2023. Additionally, Saturday Red Wolf Howlings are held during the spring and fall. We saw lots of bears crossing - some lots closer than others. The diversity of habitat types include high and low pocosin, bogs, fresh and brackish water marshes, hardwood swamps, and Atlantic white cedar swamps. Trying to find the best camping in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge ? It was pretty close just on the other side of the water easement. Not exactly what we think of as bear habitat. Your email address will not be published. Will have to add the Rescue Center to our list of activities :). September through May, three-hour tram tours take place once a month. Thats an unexpected sight. She lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with her family. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Repair and wildlife management activities have led to the temporary closures of several refuge roads to vehicles and/or general public access. The Gateway Visitor Center is among several outdoors sites of interest on the Outer Banks, including the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, the Wright Brothers National Memorial , Jockey's Ridge State Park, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Later, we would see one lope across the road in front of us. Sunset at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. A racer snake basks just off the path. Ryan Harper and Courtney Layton took a trip to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Bear Road is a dirt road and had deteriorated since our last visit - there's been a lot of rain. We didn't see wildlife straight away, however with patience and a sharp eye it wasn't long before we found ourselves surrounded by Black Bears and snakes! We saw a bear on October 28th. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is also home to river otters and the last remaining population of critically endangered red wolves in the world. There are additional back and side roads that are denoted as travel at your own risk. Kill Devil Hills The scenery also presents some of the most remarkable (and occasionally spooky) natural settings and landscapes for refuge visitors. Black bear walking towards me and one positioned behind surrounded! It was a large adult. Keep in mind this area is gravel road and out in the middle of no where so be sure to have cell phine service and battery life just in case. They do know that there are far fewer than there used to be, and sightings are rare. Surrounded by Black Bears: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Youre pumped full of adrenalin and excitement so we completely forgot about being scared :D. Amazing adventure. Easy-to-see markers are located throughout all four trails to guide visitors through the deep yet desolate waterways that snake through the refuge. Holidays Tearsheet Map Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Access a wealth of climate data and outdoor recreation reports, without ads. 'here' + '' +'. The refuge is known for its high concentration of black bear and for its efforts to conserve and grow the population of the critically endangered Red Wolf. Fishing With the nights deluge, the turtles are in heaven. S F Holston River At Riverside Nr Chilhowie. This will be our fourth time there and seeing the bears is still one of my favorite parts. Sadly we didnt spot an endangered Red Wolf, however the bear sightings from the evening truly made the experience worthwhile. During the winter months, large numbers of waterfowl and other migratory birds are present. He's noticed a loss of refuge land from climate change. The Refuge Camping Area in North Carolina is a secluded and peaceful campground situated in the midst of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Bears are supposedly found throughout the refuge but they tend to be easier to spot in many of the open fielded areas along Wildlife Drive. The Laurel Bay Unit is the farming unit west of Buffalo City Road. This One Of A Kind Bear Safari In North Carolina Is The Coolest Day You can also find many species of migratory birds, other threatened and endangered species, and many native wildlife (fish, shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, songbirds, etc). They were cautious of us, however they didnt approach. In fact, upon further research, it was discovered that this virtually uninhabited parcel of Dare County mainland was home to one of the most unique habitats in North Carolina, the "pocosin," and was subsequently a thriving home for a number of species that were hard to find anywhere else along the East Coast. Have an amazing trip Brenda! Then, Navigate the Wildlife Trails of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge . Rising sea levels are creating 'ghost forests' of coastal trees Visitors to the Outer Banks used to ensure they completed their journey before dark so to not break down in no-mans land. Next to the trail is a handicapped-friendly fishing dock, which is open year-round to the public and is a popular fishing hole with the Dare County locals. Joseph has many reptile species and both fresh and saltwater fish at home and in the pond in his backyard. She went back to grazing her way around the bend and was gone. In fact, throughout the entire Dare County mainland, despite the gradual settlements that were popping up on the coastline, only a cluster of residents took up residence, forming small towns along the Pamlico Sound borders of the refuge. Do you need to book in advance to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge? Have a wonderful trip :). Alligator River is a National Wildlife Refuge with a primary purpose of protecting and providing a natural habitat for endangered and rare species. The Alligator River NWR is the OBX's best kept secret. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Last year, Id heard about the black bears in the. The creek contains 4 different paddle routes that branch out from the launch site. Our first bear sighting was incredible. Watersports Best Trails in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge The campground has a swimming pool, bath house, internet and offers both waterfront and interior campsites. One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps.