Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (35.863586, -75.860633)
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Quick Facts
Counties: Dare, Hyde, Tyrell
Acres: 152,000
Trails: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
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| Trail Information |
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| Trail |
Miles |
Difficulty |
| Creef Cut Wildlife Trail |
0.5 |
Easy |
| Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail |
0.5 |
Easy |
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Overview
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge comprises 152,000 acres on the Albermarle-Pamlico penninsula. Most of this land was set aside as a wildlife refuge in 1984 after attempts at corporate farming proved non-feasible. In 2007 the last unprotected tracts along the Alligator River were purchased by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Nature Conservancy, giving Alligator River the distinction of being the only fully-protected river in the state.
The refuge contains much of the remaining pocosin-a subcategory of wetland unique to the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Most of this refuge is impassable to hikers, but there is a one-mile hiking trail. Better wildlife viewing is possible via the 13 miles of canoe trails. A 13 mile wildlife drive, open to vehicles and bicycles, provides access to the bulk of the refuge.
Wildlife
Alligator River is one of the few remaining habitats supporting black bears on the eastern seaboard. The refuge is also notable for its population of between 50-100 red wolves, reintroduced by the Red Wolf Recovery Project. A population of endangered American alligators can be found here. As with the nearby Mattamuskeet refuge, this area is important to migratory waterfowl. Bird species including the prothonary warbler, Swainson's warbler, black-throated green warbler, ducks, geese, swans, herons, shorebirds, quail, red-cockaded woodpeckers, American woodcock and raptors make their homes in the refuge. Species such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, rabbits, and river otters are common.
Plant Life
The pocosin, a boglike wetland characterized by dense growth, is the dominant geographical feature. Common plant species include Atlantic white cedar, pond pine, sweetgum, red maple, sycamore, muscadine, Virginia creeper, pitcher plants, phragmites, pickerel weed, sun dews, wax myrtle, and low bush cranberries.
Landmarks
Wildlife Drive
Location
Alligator River is located mainly in Dare county. From Raleigh/Durham take I-40E to US-64E and drive for about 3 hours. About 12 miles east of Columbia, US-64E crosses the Alligator River. To get to the Creef Cut Wildlife trailhead and Wildlife Drive, continue on US-64E for about 7 miles after the bridge and on your right will be Milltail Rd. Turn right onto Milltail Rd and you'll see a sign for the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail and a small parking lot immediately to your left.
Hours
Sunrise - Sunset
External Links 
Official Site
Outer Bank's Alligator River
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