Trails

The refuge has three easy trails that provide wildlife viewing opportunities, passing through cypress groves, wetlands, and pine forests. 

The New Holland Trail passes through cypress groves and wetlands and is the ideal place for connecting with nature. The Outfall Trail provides excellent views of the historic Mattamuskeet Lodge and passes through pine woods. The Photo Blind Trail is lined with tall grasses on the path to a blind for photography located on the bank of Lake Mattamuskeet.

The Outfall Trail is a grass-surface trail, 0.25mi round trip trail .ocated just inside the gate off New Holland/Mattamuskeet Road. The trail begins at the bridge by the New Holland Pumphouse/Mattamuskeet Lodge historic building parking area and picnic grounds. Traverse along the pond created by the outfall canal, where it is easy to watch great egret and great blue heron. The trail is not marked but there are two peaceful habitat viewing benches.

Fisher Slough Trail

This trail is a short gravel-surface and boardwalk loop with an overlook on an open pond. Visitors may see turtles and a variety of birds.
Trail Length (mi)
0.20
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
10 minutes
Route Type
Loop
Suitability
Kid friendly
View Trail

Lodge Trail

The Outfall Trail is a grass-surface trail, 0.25mi round trip trail located just inside the gate off New Holland/Mattamuskeet Road. The trail begins at the bridge by the New Holland Pumphouse/Mattamuskeet Lodge historic building parking area and picnic grounds. Traverse along the pond created by the outfall canal, where it is easy to watch wading birds such as great egrets and great blue herons. The trail is not marked, but there are two peaceful habitat viewing benches.
Trail Length (mi)
0.13
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
10 minutes
Suitability
Kid friendly
View Trail

New Holland Trail

The New Holland Trail is across the walking bridge from the visitor center. A quarter mile of raised boardwalk trail traverses the site of a planned community which was partially constructed before the lake drainage project failed and the lake reflooded. The trail travels through stands of bald cypress and open marsh. Great egret, river otter, wood duck, and pileated woodpecker frequent the area. There is a map at the trailhead and interpretive signs along the trail.
Trail Length (mi)
0.30
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Route Type
Lollipop
Suitability
Kid friendly
View Trail

Photo Blind Trail

The Photo Blind Trail is a natural-surface trail lined with tall grasses on the path to a blind for photography located on the bank of Lake Mattamuskeet.
Trail Length (mi)
0.08
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
30 minutes
View Trail

Salyer's Ridge Trail

Trail Length (mi)
0.21
View Trail