Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolina.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants; to provide habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species, such as loggerhead sea turtles; and to provide opportunities for public enjoyment of wildlife and wildlands resources. The 5,000-acre refuge is located on the north end of Hatteras Island, a coastal barrier island and part of a chain of islands known as the Outer Banks, and includes beach, dunes, brackish ponds, and marshes. The bird list for Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge boasts more than 365 species.
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Interpretive Programs
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Visitor Center
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
Driving access is via North Carolina Highway 12, which passes through the refuge.
The refuge Visitors Center is approximately four miles south of the Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet and approximately eight miles north of Rodanthe.
In addition, there are several parking areas off of NC Highway 12 that provide access for Oregon Inlet, the Salt Flats Wildlife Trail, and the North Pond Photo Blind. Parking off the shoulders of NC Highway 12 (within the right-of-way) is allowed unless otherwise posted, but be warned that the sand can be very soft. Stuck vehicles are a near-daily occurrence.
