Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

This half-mile, universally-accessible trail is ideal for school groups or families, as well as individuals. The kiosk at the trailhead provides information about the refuge and the habitats and wildlife that occur. To the left is a universally-accessible fishing platform. Billy’s Ditch links this site directly with South Lake, so there is a constant supply of crappie, bluegill, and other freshwater fish. A state fishing license is required.

 Interpretive signs along the trail identify vegetation types and wildlife that may be seen. A 200-foot boardwalk takes you out onto the freshwater marsh to the north of the trail. On the south, an overlook provides viewing of the Creef Moist Soil management area where waterfowl, raptors, and other migratory birds may be seen. Depending on the season, biting flies may be present. Insect repellent is recommended. Horses and bicycles are prohibited on the walking trail. All pets must be on a leash to protect wildlife and plant life on the trail.

NOTICE: The end boardwalk loop is currently closed due to maintenance needs. The rest of the trail remains open for hiking and walking.

The Coastal National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center has a series of short natural-surface walking trails with interpretational signs. Dogs must be on leash. Exploring off trail is encouraged. Enjoy nature!

A georeferenced map can be found at https://www.fws.gov/media/coastal-north-carolina-nwrs-gateway-visitor-center-trail-map

The Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail is a half-mile and more rustic and "wild" than Creef Cut Trail. Though it is possible for wheelchairs and strollers to use this trail comfortably, the surface does not meet ADA requirements. This trail is a half-mile long, but is not a loop trail so the entire walk out and back is one mile.

The trail parallels a portion of the Milltail Paddling Trails and it is common to see and hear paddlers along the way. The trail wanders among sphagnum moss beds and cypress knees and has approximately 1400 feet of boardwalk. It runs along the north bank of Milltail Creek, cutting through both forested wetlands and herbaceous marsh habitats. The forest features loblolly pine, oaks, bald cypress, and sweetgum. The marsh offers cattail, maidencane, switchgrass, pickerelweed, duck potato, sedges, and ferns.

Common wildlife species that may be seen or heard along the trail include pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, wood ducks, prothonotary warblers, otters, white-tailed deer, and black bear. There are also a variety of reptiles and amphibians in the water and on the trail. If you walk to the right of the trail sign at the entrance, you can walk to an overlook which will give you a wonderful view of Milltail Creek. You may even spot an alligator!