Parks and Wildlife in the Outer Banks
Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods
A 1,400-acre maritime forest with more than five miles of hiking trails and information center.
Location: In Kill Devil Hills, turn west at traffic light across from McDonald's onto Ocean Acres Drive. Proceed about three-quarters of a mile through a residential neighborhood until the road turns to sand. Proceed down the hill. The visitor center is on the left.
Hours: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of The Nature Conservancy may visit anytime.
Admission: Donations are requested.
Facilities: Small gift shop, restrooms, parking lot, self-guided trails.
Contact: 701 W. Ocean Acres Dr. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 (252) 441-2525.
Web Site: www.nature.org/northcarolina
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge includes 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. Plant species including Atlantic white cedar, bald cypress, wildflowers and shrubs, are abundant. Free admission to the refuge, where visitors will find hiking and wildlife trails, fishing areas and kayaking and canoeing routes. Guided canoe tours are available for a fee.
Location: Follow 64/264 west from Manteo.
Hours: Refuge open daily during daylight hours.
Admission: Free; fee for guided canoe tours.
Services: Hiking trail and fishing areas; canoe and kayak trails.
Facilities: Wildlife trails, observation platforms; fishing dock (handicapped accessible).
Contact:
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-1131, ext. 19
www.fws.gov/alligatorriver
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The National Seashore extends more than 70 miles from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet covering 30,000 acres. The first national seashore in the country includes natural and historic attractions, such as lighthouses and lifesaving stations. Picnic areas, camping and interpretive programs are offered seasonally.
Location: Extends 75 miles from South Nags Head to Ocracoke.
Hours: N/A
Admission: Free
Services: Variety of programs available (reservations required).
Facilities: Free parking; restrooms.
Contact: 252-473-2111
Web Site: www.nps.gov/caha
The Elizabethan Gardens
Flower bordered walkways, antique garden statuary and majestic trees greet visitors at this 16th century pleasure garden created by The Garden Club of North Carolina as a living memorial to the lost colonists. Highlights include the thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden and formal sunken gardens.
Location: Adjacent to The Lost Colony's Waterside Theatre and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island.
Hours:
Open Year Round. Hours vary with season.
Admission:
Adults: $6.00
Seniors (62 and over): $5.00
Students (6 - 18): $4.00
Children 5 and under are Free
Services:
Weddings, Plant Sales
Facilities:
Gift and Plant shop and free parking.
Contact:
1411 Hwy. 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-3234
www.elizabethangardens.org
Jockeys Ridge State Park
This 426-acre park has the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast. Two self-guided trails and nature programs are offered year-round. Hang gliding, kite flying, hiking, visitor's center, museum, picnic facilities and restrooms.
Location: US 158 Bypass, Milepost 12 1/2, Nags Head.
Hours: Hours vary according to season.
Admission: Free
Services: Interpretive tours available (arrangements must be made in advance).
Facilities: Restrooms, visitor's center, free parking, picnic area. Also, handicapped accessible boardwalk with overlook and a soundside access with parking.
Contact: Jockey's Ridge State Park P.O. Box 592, Nags Head, NC 27959; (252) 441-7132.
Web Site: http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island presents the aquatic environments of coastal Carolina through its theme "Water of The Outer Banks." The aquarium's variety of exhibits promises to educate and entertain visitors. Journey through coastal freshwaters to see river otters, turtles and American alligators.
Explore saltwater habitats from grass flats to Gulf Stream waters. Gently stroke a stingray or touch a hermit crab at the touch tanks. Watch hundreds of fish flash by the 35-foot long viewing window of the 285,000-gallon "Graveyard of the Atlantic" tank. Sharks cruise by only inches away. History buffs will marvel at the one-third scale replica of the USS Monitor. Step into "Storms" to get an inside, personal look at Outer Banks hurricanes and nor'easters. Come face to face with an electric eel, giant tarantula, black widow spider, venomous snakes and lionfish in the newest exhibit, "Bite, Shock, Sting." Special programs daily.
Location: Just off of Hwy. 64/264, Airport Road on the north end of Roanoke Island.
Hours: Open daily year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (building closes at 6 p.m.)
Admission: Minimal fee; group discounts available. Pre-registered North Carolina school groups are free.
Services: Public programs offered year round; school programs available.
Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, waterfront picnic area, food service (summer only), parking .
Contact:
P.O. Box 967
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-3494
www.ncaquariums.com/newsite/ri/riindex.htm
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
The 6,000-acre refuge is a haven for more than 360 species of birds, such as Canada geese, snow geese and 25 species of duck during the winter. From spring to autumn, a large variety of wading, shore and upland birds can be seen. Observation platforms near parking areas.
Location: Between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe. Refuge information headquarters is located four miles south of the inlet.
Hours: Refuge open daily during daylight hours.
Admission: Free. Guided canoe tours are available for a fee.
Services: Public interpretive programs are scheduled weekly during the summer and fall.
Facilities: Free parking, observation platforms and towers with spotting scopes. Visitor center and restrooms.
Contact:
(252) 987-2394 or (252) 987-1118
www.fws.gov/peaisland
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