Facility Activities

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset for a variety of activities, from hiking and bicycling to birding and wildlife photography. Bank fishing and boating are also popular on the refuge. The refuge offers special hunts during the fall for white-tailed deer and waterfowl.  

All portions of the refuge are open to wildlife-dependent recreation from March 15 through October 15. Most of the refuge is closed to public access from October 16 through March 14 to reduce disturbance to wintering waterfowl. Mackay Island Road from NC 615 to the Dike Gate, the Great Marsh Loop Trail, the Kuralt Trail Overlook, and the Marsh Causeway are open year-round. 

The road to the Visitor Contact Station and Hegge Impoundment Overlook is open 10am to 4pm Monday through Friday, contingent on staffing availability.

Special "Open Roads Day" events are held throughout the year where visitors may drive the dike and trail system around the refuge impoundments to view wildlife. These are publicized in advance through local media and on the Events page. 

Roads throughout the refuge are graveled and visitors must maintain the posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge.  

Insect repellent and sun screen are a must. Wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Be aware that cottonmouth and other venomous reptiles call Mackay Island home. 

Archery

The refuge allows archery during white-tailed deer hunt days; see Hunting section for more information. 

Biking

Bicycling is allowed year-round on public thoroughfares through the refuge, such as the Marsh Causeway. The area beyond the dike gate at the end of Mackay Island Road is also open from March 15 to October 15. This area provides bicycling opportunities on seven miles of ...

Birding

Tundra swans, snow geese, and ducks, as well as a variety of other birds and animals can be seen at Mackay Island. The Kuralt Trail observation site, an elevated platform equipped with spotting scopes, provides an excellent view of the Great Marsh. During the fall...

Boating - motorized

Only non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted; gasoline or other internal combustion engines are prohibited. If these types of motors are permanently affixed or built into the boat, they must be temporarily rendered inoperable by removing gas tanks, batteries, etc....

Boating - non-motorized

The Great Marsh provides an excellent area for canoeing and kayaking. A small boat ramp, located near the dike gate on Mackay Island Road, is also available for access into the marshes. All refuge waters, ponds, canals and bays are closed to boating from October 16 through March 14 each...

Fishing

Striped bass, catfish, perch, and occasionally flounder can be caught from the bridge over Corey's Ditch. Largemouth bass, bream, and catfish are the most commonly caught species in the other areas. All state regulations apply. 

Bank fishing and crabbing is permitted year-...

Hiking

Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. 

Providing a scenic journey through a swamp-like habitat, the Great Marsh Trail (0.3 mile loop)...

Hunting

Hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns/rifles, pistols and archery equipment. Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge holds several hunts during the fall, each lasting three days. Hunters must sign and possess the annual refuge hunting brochure. The brochure can be downloaded from the...

Photography

Mackay Island NWR provides a number of good photography opportunities. The Kuralt Trail Overlook provides an elevated platform for an excellent view of the Great Marsh. During the fall and winter, tundra swans, ducks, and large concentrations of snow geese congregate in...

Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.
Education programs

The refuge does not have a developed environmental education program. Staff have taken groups out on the refuge to teach them about the marsh ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabit the marsh. Organized tours and programs are available upon request. If you are interested, please contact the...