People come to the Outer Banks to enjoy our beautiful beach and the ocean but we have a wealth of other areas and for you to enjoy during the season and off season. This is part one of a series of Hidden Treasures on The Outer Banks that we want to introduce you to. You will find that a week on the Outer Banks is not enough time. When you return for a long weekend or off- season week, you will find deep discounts on rentals and specials at various restaurant’s you wanted to try during the season but were too busy for you to get in.
- Don’t miss the National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island and its state-of-the-art exhibits—all free!
- Then, 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 these farming and moist soil management units.
- 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. Explore the Milltail Creek Paddling Trails!
- There are two, half-mile, universally accessible wildlife trails for a leisurely stroll in a beautiful, quiet and secluded place.
- During spring, summer, and fall, enrich your experience by joining us for a guided tour. Depending on the season, the refuge offers guided canoe tours, tram tours, and Red Wolf howling’s, weekly to monthly. We also have other guided programs including the Young Naturalist program for preschoolers and others all the way to adults.
- For wildlife photographers, there is a great portable photo blind that is moved around from place to place and free for your use!
The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
Roads throughout the refuge are graveled.
Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. Bicycling is allowed only on designated public access routes/roads. Bikes are not allowed on walking trails. Horseback riding is allowed on signed refuge public access routes open to motor vehicles.
Fishing is allowed as per state regulations.
Hunting is permitted on the refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Hunters should consult the North Carolina state hunting regulations. Special refuge hunting regulations also apply.
You will find fishermen along the roads in this area of the mainland. They even fish for Crappies in the winter. This is a popular area to fish for fresh water or brackish water fish all year long.
There are tours available various times of the year and it is truly an experience you will remember.
When you visit off season, that is also a great time to look for that investment or 2nd home. We can easily get in and out of the homes as most are not rented. Give us a call while you are here and let us share other hidden areas of:
The Outer Banks!
