Facility Activities

Mattamuskeet NWR is a popular place for visitors to enjoy a variety of wildlife-dependent recreation. During fall and winter, concentrations of swan, geese, and ducks are a delight to both wildlife observers and photographers. Visitors are welcome to walk or bicycle throughout the refuge; however, visitors are cautioned to review the corresponding map and observe refuge regulatory signs, as some areas are closed to the public during the winter. The refuge’s canals, marshes, and Lake Mattamuskeet are frequented by anglers catching largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and other species. The refuge also hosts special white-tailed deer and waterfowl hunts.

Hunting

Most of North Carolina's wintering tundra swans can be found at and near Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Hunters lucky enough to draw a tag have an excellent chance at getting one of these trophy birds at the refuge. Hunters also find a great variety of ducks at the refuge, including...

Fishing

Refuge waters include Lake Mattamuskeet (40,000 acres) with an average depth of two feet. Shallow-draft boats with small motors, canoes or waders are recommended. Five culverts can be fished from NC Hwy. 94. Four outlet canals connect Lake Mattamuskeet with Pamlico Sound. There is good fishing...

Auto tour

The refuge has designated a Wildlife Drive, a 3-mile loop that begins on the main entrance road and circles the refuge’s largest wetland impoundment. The drive has several observation platforms, providing vantage points over the large marsh and excellent opportunities to see waterfowl.

Birding

Viewing waterfowl and other wildlife species is particularly good along the Highway 94 Causeway, which travels across Lake Mattamuskeet, and along the refuge Entrance Road and Wildlife Drive, which run from Highway 94 to the refuge headquarters and along the south side of the Entrance Road...

Boating - motorized

The lake is very shallow, only suitable for small boats. Boating on the refuge is allowed March 1 through October 31. There are two boat ramps onto the lake: one on the east side of the lake at Rose Bay Canal and one near the Refuge Headquarters on Central Outfall Canal.

Boating - non-motorized

The lake is very shallow, only suitable for small boats. Boating on the refuge is allowed March 1 through October 31. There are two boat ramps onto the lake: one on the east side of the lake at Rose Bay Canal and one near the Refuge Headquarters on Central Outfall Canal.

Dog walking

All pets must be on leash.

Education programs

The refuge has a range of interpretive displays and information. Contact the refuge to arrange an educational group visit. 

Photography

The large concentrations of birds and abundant wildlife provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. In addition, the scenic lakes, forests, and marshes provide many opportunities for stunning landscape photography. There is a photography blind on Lake Mattamuskeet, located north of...

Hiking

See the trails section for opportunities for hiking and walking on the refuge.

Wildlife watching

Viewing waterfowl and other wildlife species is particularly good along the Highway 94 Causeway, which travels across Lake Mattamuskeet, and along the refuge Entrance Road and Wildlife Drive which run from Highway 94 to the refuge headquarters and along the south side of the Entrance Road...

Shell fishing

Taking blue crabs at the water control structures is a very popular sport, enjoyed by all age groups. The refuge's blue crab population is noteworthy for its large individuals, relative to other crabs in the state. 

The refuge is open year-round for bank fishing and crabbing. All...