The Adventure Company
Kayak tour company. Kayak tours, lessons, rentals and sales. Historical bicycle tours of Southport. Open all year with adventure travel trips during the winter months. theadventurecompany.net
Alligator River Canoe and Small Boat Trail
Fairfield, Hyde County
This 21 mile trail is part of the Albemarle Region Canoe and Small Boat Trails System. It is made to order for the endurance canoeist who wishes to test himself. This beautiful stream winds through brackish marshes with picturesque snags left from a former forest. It is composed of three section, the first from the access off North Carolina Highway 94 to the landing at Kilkenny located on State Road 1322 in Tyrrell County. The second section continues on to another access located on North Carolina Highway 94 near the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Hyde County. The third continues up either New Lake Fork or the headwaters of the Alligator River. Sections 2 & 3 cross the Intracoastal Waterway, which during certain times of the year is heavy with yacht traffic. Hyde County
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge has over 150,000 acres of wetland habitats and a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from wood ducks and alligators to black bears and red wolves. Plant species including the Atlantic white cedar, bald cypress, wildflowers and shrubs are abundant. Hiking and wildlife trails plus fishing areas. Trails for kayaking and canoeing; guided canoe tours are available for a fee. On Hwy 64/264 west from Manteo. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Barrier Island Kayaks
Sea Kayaking on the Intracoastal Waterway in Swansboro, North Carolina. Popular destinations for your sea kayak adventure include Bear Island, Shark Tooth Island, Huggins Island and Bogue Inlet. barrierislandkayaks.com
Cape Fear River Watch
Located in downtown Wilmington, NC, Greenfield Park and Lake is a beautiful recreation area for the whole family. A five-mile scenic path weaves through a natural garden setting surrounding the 90-acre lake. The park has an abundance of trees, flowers, Spanish moss, turtles, and waterfowl. Cape Fear River Watch operates canoe and paddleboat rentals for the City of Wilmington. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seasonally. Paddleboats and canoes rent for $5 for the first half hour, or $8 for the first hour. Bike rentals are also available cfrw.us
Carolina Beach State Park
The Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall, located by the entrance to the park, offers environmental education programs and exhibits. The interactive maps and exhibits highlight the park's flora and fauna, but focus specifically on the carnivorous plants that are unique to their area. Spot the rare Venus flytrap and other species of plants. Wind your way through habitats along intriguing trails or enjoy fishing and boating. Covers 712 acres with five miles of hiking trails, and boat ramps, slips and fuel dock. Campsites, picnic areas, group camping. Free. Fee for camping, ramps and slips. Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Coastal Adventures & Kayak Carolina
Fishing, kayaking, sightseeing, Isalnd Trader Gift Shop. Rentals - bikes, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, fishing gear and more. Guided nature tours and instruction. The program begins with a brief introductory clinic covering basic strokes, safety, and getting comfortable in the kayak. Then you will venture out into the coastal marshlands to view birds and other creatures. No experience necessary. carolinacoastaladventures.com
Cape Fear Outfitters
Wrightsville Beach ,Surf City, Topsail Beach
Choose one of the several tried-and-true tours or customize your own water-oriented adventure. Trips arranged for up to 25 people to places like Masonboro Island, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located just south of Wrightsville Beach (4-5 hours); the protected basin and barrier islands near Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (4 hours); canoe or kayak along the Black River amidst a background of ancient cypress trees and abundant wildlife (4-5 hours); or explore the northeast Cape Fear River's lovely natural setting (4-5 hours). Guides are seasoned paddlers with First Aid and CPR certifications. Reservations required. Call for year-round schedule of kayak and canoe activities. capefearoutfitters.com
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Island
The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 to help protect wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. Fall and winter months bring thousands of waterfowl to the Refuge. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge nature.org recreation.gov
cape lookout national seashore
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island
cape lookout national seashore consists of three undeveloped barrier islands covering 55 miles. Activities include: fishing, swimming, birding, boating, Windsurfing, kayaking and shelling. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on south Core Banks and is accessible by public ferry or private boat. Primitive camping allowed. Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray. Pets are allowed on leash, but they are not allowed on public ferries or in concession lodgings. cape lookout national seashore, which includes the Cape Lookout Historic District, conserves and preserves for the future the outstanding natural resources of a dynamic coastal barrier island system; protects and interprets the significant cultural resources of the past and contemporary maritime history; provides for public education and enrichment through proactive interpretation and scientific study; and provides for sustainable use of recreation resources and opportunities. cape lookout national seashore"> nature.org recreation.gov
Core Sound Kayaks & Touring Company
Beaufort
Core Sound Kayaks & Cape Lookout Outfitters provides Crystal Coast visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Down East area, which is off the beaten path. The Cape Lookout area -- Harkers Island, Brown's Island, North River and Ward's Creek -- is a beautiful island setting, still untouched by development. Estuaries and sounds are full of nature's creations to discover and explore. It's an experience for all ages and experience levels. We provide instruction, guide service and rentals. capelookoutadventures.com
Carolina Outdoors
Discover the unique eco-system and natural history of the Outer Banks with the area's leader in eco-tourism. Kitty Hawk Kites is also the world's largest hang-gliding school and kite store with adventures in rock wall climbing, kite surfing, parasailing, paragliding and more! ## This watersports division of Kitty Hawk Kites has quickly become the Outer Banks' leading Kayak Eco-tour operator with a variety of flat water tours in addition to sea & surf kayak lessons. They operate many watersports and retail locations along the Outer Banks from Corolla through Hatteras(Outposts in Nags Head, Duck, Corolla, Manteo, Avon, Hatteras ) offering Eco-tours, a full line of sea, surf and touring kayaks for sale and rental as well as a full line of accessories and adventure wear. Ask about kid's programming available in the summer months, and be sure to visit during one of their popular paddling events. Kitty Hawk Kites
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Carova Beach
The refuge hosts almost 20,000 visitors annually. It is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, throughout the year. Hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, and waterfowl hunting are the primary wildlife-dependent activities that may be enjoyed on the refuge. Wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors with a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Piping plover and loggerhead sea turtles occasionally nest on the refuge. Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources and provides a wide variety of recreational and research opportunities relating to the cultural history and natural heritage of the Outer Banks, Shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Main offices and research facilities for Fort Raleigh, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are located at the Fort Raleigh facility. Preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks. National park includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visitors centers at Buxton (year-round), Bodie Island and Ocracoke (seasonal). Free. Fee for camping. Cape Hatteras National Seashore recreation.gov
Cape Hatteras National Seashore & Ocracoke Campground
Ocracoke Island
Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore in the country. It extends from Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet and includes 13 miles of pristine beach on Ocracoke Island. Local folks call this area "the park" and it offers a wide variety of activities such as birding, boating, camping, cycling, fishing, surfing, swimming, seashelling and wind-boarding! For a wonderful look at nature, visit the Hammock Hills Nature Trail on the island. Local shops on the island offer a variety of rentals such as bikes, kayaks, wind boards, etc.to help you explore this area. Ocracoke Island has the uniqueness of having the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other. These factors give the visitor a choice of water activities, depending on their abilities. There is also a National Park Campground on the island, situated between the two bodies of water with easy highway access nearby. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
This coastal national forest contains 159,000 acres of estuary, hardwood forest, longleaf pine and pocosin. Recreation areas for camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, hiking and wildlife observation. Fishing and hunting. Free. Fee for developed campgrounds. recreation.gov unca.edu unca.edu (2) ncnatural.com
Cabin Lake Recreational Park
Beulaville
A 167 acre county park located in the eastern part of Duplin County near the town of Beulaville. A 69 acre lake provides canoeing, fishing and swimming. RV hookups, camp sites, nature trail, picnic shelter and a bathhouse. duplinonline.com
Cashie Wetlands Walk
Windsor
Boardwalk in a natural wetlands environment with cypress trees and other swampland flora. Walk takes visitor to the edge of the Cashie River, which is 20 miles long, as deep as 80 feet in places, and begins and ends within the county of Bertie. An observation deck allows views of several different species of endangered waterfowl as well as other swampland animals in their natural habitats. Canoes available at no charge. Free. Windsor
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and State Natural Area
Camden County, Gates County
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge on the North Carolina - Virginia border features 25,000 acres of one of the largest protected areas of swamp wilderness in the United States.
Edenton Harbor Kayak Rentals
Paddling along the Albemarle Sound, Pembroke and Queen Anne Creek has become much more accessible with the addition of rentals from Edenton Harbor. Monday - Sunday 9 am - 9 pm. Call 252-482-8232 for more information. townofEdenton.com
FishStalkers
Learn to kayak fish from local guides who can take you where the boats can't go! See why kayak fishing is one of the fastest growing sports today. Whether it's your first time out or you're looking for an ultimate adventure on the open water, our guides will work hard to accommodate your needs. fishstalkers.com
A 158 acre city park, lake, many cypress trees, playgrounds, paddleboat, canoes, picnicking areas off South 3rd Street. Famous for the Azalea displays during the Azalea Festival. Considered one of the finest municipal gardens in the South. Wilmington.nc.us
Goose Creek State Park
Nature beckons you to experience the mysterious wonders of marsh and swamp along the borders of the Pamlico River and Goose Creek. Canoe the unhurried creeks, fish on the shores of the Pamlico River or learn more about wetlands. Birders and hikers are welcome. ## Goose Creek State Park seeks to preserve and to educate the public about the plantlife, wildlife, and ecosystems of the Goose Creek, Mallard Creek, Flatty Creek, and Pamlico River area through educational programs, permanent and traveling exhibits in the Environmental Education Center, and ongoing conservation projects in partnership with regional and local organizations. Permanent collections include mounted specimens of many of the animal species found in and around Goose Creek State Park. A five minute film is available to introduce visitors to sights in the park. The park's newletter, The Waterline, can accessed on the NC State Parks website, www.ncparks.net. Goose Creek State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park
Venture to Bear Island and be rewarded with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. An 892-acre barren island with 3.5 miles of pristine beach. Backpack and primitive camping, swimming, wildlife viewing and shelling. Surf fishing is a favorite pastime year round but is best in the fall. Passenger ferry service is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children 6-12. Fee for camping is $9. Hammocks Beach State Park
Holland's Shelter Creek Outdoor Adventure
Burgaw
Stay in one of the ten cabins or at one of the full hook-up RV sites at Holland's Creek while enjoying several outdoor activities - boat and canoe rentals, hunting and fishing supplies, seafood restaurant on premises. hollandssheltercreek.com
Herring's Outdoor Sports
Surf City
Kayak rentals, boogie board and bicycle rentals, bait and tackle and all fishing supplies. herringsoutdoorsports.com
Jones Lake State Park
Elizabethtown
Jones Lake is one of the few remaining Carolina bay lakes, the origin of which has been a subject of speculation and debate. Family tent camping. Each site has a picnic table and communal water system. Bathhouse in center of campground with hot showers and electrical outlets. Swimming allowed. Boats, canoes and paddleboats for rent. Fishing with North Carolina license. Large picnic area beside the lake. Hiking trails. Free, Fee for camping. Jones Lake State Park
Julie's Rentals
Shallotte
Beach equipment rentals- bicycles, chairs , umbrellas, boogie boards, kayaks, movies and linens. juliesrentals.com
Kitty Hawk Sports
The Outer Banks oldest and most complete watersports business featuring waverunners, jet skiing, parasailing, Windsurfing, sailboats, kayaks, surfboards, waterbikes, pedal boats, and bumper boats. Everything for the wet set. Lessons, rentals, and sales. khsports.com
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lake Waccamaw
One of the most unique bodies of water in the world. Animals found nowhere else on earth, rare plants and endangered animals. Boating (no ramp in park, two nearby), fishing and picnicking. Free. Fee for camping. Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lake Mattamuskeet
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
This Hyde County lake is North Carolina's largest natural lake. It averages only two feet in depth, but it is 18 miles long and 5-6 miles wide, containing about 40,000 acres. It is located on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service bears the responsibility for the protection and management of the many wildlife forms found on and in the lake. Boating and sport fishing for large mouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream, crappie and other species is permitted on the lake and adjacent canals from March 1 through November 1 each year. Herring dipping and blue crab fishing are also a very poplar sport. During the fall and winter, concentrations of Canada geese, tundra swans and ducks of many species are abundant on the lake. The endangered bald eagle also makes the lake its home. Other wildlife such as white-tailed deer, marsh and cottontail rabbis, gray squirrels and black bear are found around the lake. Lake Mattamuskeet
Lake Mattamuskeet Canoe and Small Boat Trail
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
This 9-mile trail is part of the Albemarle Region Canoe and Small Boat Trails System. It is located on the south shore of Lake Mattamuskeet. The lake is part of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and is a year round home to many species of waterfowl. During the migratory season the number increases dramatically, but canoe access is prohibited from November until March. Offering a wonderful family outing, this area is protected even for the beginner. Hyde County
Merchants Millpond State Park
Gates County
Discover one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Massive cypress & gum trees covered with Spanish moss form a canopy for the dark waters of the 750-acre cypress millpond ~ a wilderness sanctuary for wetland wildlife. Paddle quietly through the pond and creek and encounter beavers, otters, owls, etc. Over 10 miles of hiking trails. Fee for camping and canoes. Or bring your own kayak or canoe. Merchants Millpond
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
Knotts Island
8,646 acres in the northeastern part of Currituck County. Visitors Center is in the Kitchen Tract Hunt Club, A small boat launch for boats of 16 foot or smaller, 20 miles of canals and creeks. Open for walking, biking, fishing and wildlife observation. Access to Back Bay of VA and the Currituck Sound. Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge"> recreation.gov
Missing Mill Park
Located just a few walking blocks from downtown Historic Hertford and on the beautiful Perquimans River, Missing Mill Park offers a nature boardwalk, picnic tables, canoe & kayak launch and fishing pier. Perquimans County Tourism
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1934 primarily as a resting and breeding area for migratory birds. It is one of over 500 national wildlife refuges protected and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for the benefit of wildlife species and their habitats. The refuge consists of 50,180 acres of water, marsh, timber and croplands and North Carolina's largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet. The refuge is open to the public for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. Great photo opportunities available. Several prime wildlife viewing areas available. Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge"> recreation.gov
North Carolina Maritime Museum
The North Carolina Maritime Museum documents, collects, preserves, and researches the maritime history, and its Corollary natural history, of coastal North Carolina for the purpose of interpreting this history through educational services and exhibits for our contemporary society, and passing intact its material culture to future generations. The museum complex includes the main exhibit hall and the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center for the construction and restoration of wooden boats. The museum also maintains the Charles R. McNeill Library and archives with books, journals, photographs and manuscripts on or relating to maritime history. ## The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
preserves and interprets all aspects of the rich maritime heritage of the state through educational exhibits, programs and field trips. Exhibits take visitors from the dugout canoes of native Americans through the variety of sail rigs and hull designs of explorers, traders and privateers. They recall the brave traditions of the US Lifesaving Service and the African American heritage in that service and the menhaden fishery, tools of wooden boat builders and navigators, and repair shops of the earliest outboard engines. Artifacts from the shipwreck that is proving to be Blackbeard the pirate's flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge add the excitement of one of the most significant archeological finds of this century. In the museum's Watercraft Center, visitors watch the construction and restoration of wooden boats. Educational programming includes the Cape Lookout Studies Program, Boatbuilding Skills Classes, Summer Science School for Children and the Junior Sailing Program as well as field trips to coastal habitats, kayaking, adult, family, and private sailing instruction, sliding seat rowing, fossil hunting trips, birding trips, marine life collecting cruises, wildflower and mushroom walks. Quarterly calendars of year around museum activities are available on request. NC Maritime Museum
Outer Island Kayak Adventures
Beaufort
Guided sea kayak tours and professional instruction is offered on the southern Outer Banks in the cape lookout national seashore. These undeveloped islands are the perfect place for exploring by kayak. Day trips, camping overnights and bed & breakfast inn trips are offered. Call 252-222-3420 or e-mail trips@outerislandkayak.com. outerislandkayak.com
Outer Banks Sail and Kayak
Sailing, kayaking and sailing charters (captained or bareboat) on the beautiful Southern Outer Banks. Learn to sail at any level from beginner to advanced and even larger sailboat. obsk.com
Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education
Life by Water's Rhythms , is the theme of this educational facility dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina s wildlife, natural history and cultural heritage. Located in Corolla,at Historic Corolla Park between the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead in Historic Corolla. The center offers both indoor and outdoor classes and attractions. Admission and all classes are free. Registration is required. Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education (also see NCWildlife main site)
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, Visitor Center 4 miles south of Inlet. 6,000-acre refuge, haven for 365+ bird species. Observation platforms, parking. Bird walks, summer adult, children's programs; bird walks spring, summer, fall. Life-Saving Station kiosk, parking area south of Visitor Center. Guided canoe tours are available for a fee. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge"> recreation.gov
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Washington, Hyde and Tyrrell counties. In 1990 the Conservation Fund donated land to the US Fish & Wildlife Service. This led to the establishment of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, covering 111,000 acres. The refuge includes portions of the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers. Visitors may observe a variety of wildlife, birds, natural vegetation and beauty. Facilities include restrooms, the Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center for the Sounds visitor center, free parking and picnic area. Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge recreation.gov
Pettigrew State Park
Creswell
An angler's paradise, this park is the home of Lake Phelps, a 16,600-acre natural lake; a virgin forest; and recreational facilities including a family campground, group camping, trails, picnic areas, boat ramp, exhibits, fishing pier and play fields. Ideal for shallow draft sailboats, canoeing and Windsurfing. View displays of prehistoric Indian culture in the exhibit hall or visit nearby Somerset Place, a state historic site. Free. Fee for camping. ## Pettigrew State Park borders Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge including Phelps Lake. The site of James Johnston Pettigrew's family home, the Pettigrew family cemetery, and Somerset Place State Historic Site are all located inside the perimeters of the park. The park's public collections include two Algonquian dugout canoes excavated from Phelps Lake. Pettigrew State Park
River Rat Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Boat Rentals
Newport
River Rat rents canoes, kayaks, & paddle boats. We also have live bait and tackle. riverratnc.com
Roanoke/Cashie River Center
Windsor
Focus on the vast floodplain and bottomland swamp system of the lower Roanoke basin. Historic items on the center property, including an "in situ" brick vault, a 150-year-old grave marker, and an outbuilding from a historic home what will house various artifacts, allow for interpretation of the Windsor area's past. ## The Partnership for the Sounds seeks to promote sustainable, community driven economic well-being and stewardship in the Albemarle-Pamlico Region through environmental education and nature-based and cultural tourism. Specifically, the Roanoke-Cashie River Center features a natural area and park with a boardwalk and canoe/small boat access to the Cashie River on the premises, an amphitheater for special events, exhibits of historical artifacts, science and nature displays, and educational programming on the history, heritage, and natural resources of the Roanoke and Cashie River area. partnershipforthesounds.org
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
Windsor
Established in 1989, the refuge is home to animals such as deer, otter, beaver, muskrat, and black bear, as well as more than 191 species of migrating birds. Informal trail systems are open to the public for hiking and birdwatching, including the new Charles Kuralt Trail which opened in spring 2000; some of the trails and refuge are only accessible by boat. Hunting by special permit only. Refuge is closed to public during permitted hunts for safety reasons. Special wildlife observation areas along Hwy.13/17 are available seasonably. Special fishing regulations apply in selected tributaries within the refuge boundaries. Fishing is permitted in the Roanoke River proper. Owned and operated by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge recreation.gov
Roanoke River Paddle Trail & Canoe Camping Platforms
Jamesville, Martin County
An emerging destination in northeast North Carolina, the Lower Roanoke River and its tributaries offer a unique wilderness experience for kayakers and canoeists. Meandering through the Coastal plain to the Atlantic Ocean, the Roanoke spreads out through the largest intact bottomland hardwood swamp forest east of the Mississippi. The area is home to black bear, river otter, white-tail deer, bobcat, beaver, and mink. Over 200 bird species have been identified including bald eagles. It is a birdwatcher's paradise. The River is renowned for its abundance of striped bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, lunker catfish, gar and bowfin. Thousand year-old bald cypress trees and towering tupelos form a lush canopy overhead. Seven camping platforms off the river have been completed as part of Phase One of the development of this water trail by Roanoke River Partners. To complete Phase One, three more platforms will be constructed between Hamilton, Plymouth and up the Cashie River to Windsor with nearly 140 miles of water trail linking the platforms. Phase Two will extend the paddle camping trail up to Roanoke Rapids, increasing the trail total to 200+ miles. Reservations for the Trail can be made at Roberson's Marina in Jamesville. Visitors will be educated about the trail system, and will sign a liability waiver and a "pack-in and pack-out" waste policy agreement to be used with the platforms. A per-person rental fee is paid to hold the reservation and receive a permit. Call 252-794-6501 to reserve a platform and visit us at www.roanokeriverpartners.org roanokeriverpartners.org
Salt Marsh Kayak Company
Rentals, tours, instruction and sales of kayaks. Rentals and instruction on Hobie Cat sailboats. saltmarshkayak.com
Summer Science School For Children
Beaufort
The Summer Science School for Children entering 1st - 10th grades offers hands-on classes to investigate North Carolina's coastal environment and maritime history. Day classes range from boat models and mariners, fishing fossils, kayaking, maritime archaeology, mystery and history, pirates, seashore life and surfing. A cooperative program with the Cape Lookout Environmental Education Center provides lodging for classes held at Cape Lookout. NC Maritime Museum
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge and Gull Rock
Hyde County
Swan Quarter Refuge is 16,411 acres of salt marsh island and forested wetlands interspersed with potholes, creeks, and drains. Marsh vegetation is dominated by black needlerush and sawgrass. The mainland is forested by loblolly pine, pond pine, and bald cypress. Approximately 8,800 acres are part of the National Wilderness preservation System and as such is protected from all construction, drainage, and managed timber practices which guarantees the integrity of these invaluable wildlands for years to come. The refuge provides wintering habitat for hundreds of black ducks, mergansers, bufflehead, ruddy ducks and thousands of canvasbacks, redheads, surf scoters, and scaup. Additionally, it provides nesting habitat for osprey, black ducks, and colonial waterbirds and supports one of the northernmost populations of the American alligator. Bald eagles use the area in the winter and may find nesting habitat on the refuge. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, swamp rabbits, river otter, and occasionally black bear use the refuge too. Visitors can enjoy such recreational opportunities as wildlife observation, fishing, and waterfowl hunting. Visitors are welcome to hike or bike through the two undeveloped trails on the refuge during daylight hours. A 1,000-foot fishing pier is available along with fishing by boat around the marsh edges. A 6,120 acre area of marsh is open to duck and coot hunting in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations. Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge nature.org recreation.gov
Watersmyth Kayaking
We offer professional and certified kayak instruction and kayak tours. Classes in kayaking are offered for all skill levels. Our kayak tours take people to every aquatic eco-system in southeast NC. watersmythkayaking.com
White Oak River Kayaking
Kayak rentals and guided tours on the White Oak River and Intracoastal salt marshes. Kayaks can be taken (or delivered) to other locations or launched at our site. Bear Island, Sharks tooth island, Huggins Island, Jones Island are among the popular destinations. whiteoakriverkayaking.com
Winfall Landing Park
Winfall
Waterfront park in the community of Winfall featuring picnic area and boardwalk ideal for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Adjacent town office building has space available for private gatherings. townofwinfall.com
Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve
With a sum total of 1,160 acres, the Zeke's Island component of the North Carolina NERR is comprised of three islands, the Reserve site encompassing 42 acres of high ground on Zeke's Island, 138 acres of upland on North Island and 3 acres on No Name Island. A small parking lot and boat ramp are maintained by the state Wildlife Resources Commission on the shore of the basin area. There are no trails on Zeke's Island. Zeke's Island is open year round, but is accessible only by small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Zeke's Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve
