Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area covering about 150,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and mixed woodlands along North Carolina's Atlantic coastal plain. The refuge features hiking trails, observation platforms, and water access points spread throughout that visitors can explore from sunrise to sunset each day.

Established in 1984, the refuge converted former agricultural and timber lands into a sanctuary for endangered species and their natural habitats. This transformation redirected the land's future from resource extraction toward protection and restoration of the coastal ecosystem.

Local communities have long understood the tidal marshes and waterways as sources of food and survival shaped by generations of observation. This deep knowledge of how to live with the land remains visible in how people move through and relate to the landscape today.

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily, with most trails and platforms accessible without special permits. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather and insects, which can be heavy during warmer months.

The refuge runs a red wolf breeding program, one of the few places where this critically endangered predator roams freely in the wild. This population plays a vital role in global efforts to prevent the species from disappearing entirely.