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Tyrell County Visitors Center
Start your adventure at the Tyrell County Visitors Center in Columbia, where you can put in for a paddle along the scenic Scuppernong River. As you move upstream, the wide-open water gives way to a more intimate, winding route — perfect for a peaceful afternoon on the water.
Red Wolf Evening Tour
Wrap up your paddle in time for the 45-minute drive to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Shortly after the red wolf was placed on the Endangered Species List in 1967, efforts began to boost their numbers. Today, around 20 red wolves call the region home, and you can chat with them Friday evenings in the summer with the help of a naturalist who speaks their language.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Return to the refuge in the morning for one of three paddling options: The Sandy Ridge Loop (1.5 miles); the Sawyer Lake paddle (2 miles) for a short, immersive experience; or the Milltail Creek route, where you can paddle upstream (5.5 miles) or downstream to the Alligator River (4 miles), keeping an eye out for gators sunning on logs. Prefer a guide? Book a tour with Kitty Hawk Kites for an expert-led adventure.
National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center
Learn more about the diverse ecosystems of eastern North Carolina with interactive exhibits and dioramas at this visitors center, located across the Croatan Sound. The center uses dioramas and interactive exhibits to explain the role of the refuges.
Queen Anne Creek
Walk down South Broad Street to the Town Harbor, where you can rent a canoe or kayak for a scenic paddle on Queen Anne Creek. This urban paddle gives you a unique view of the waterfront and Edenton’s historic Cotton Mill Village.
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Stretch your legs with a hike through one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. With 8-plus miles of trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot birds, amphibians and reptiles in this unique coastal habitat.
Kitty Hawk Kites
For a magical evening on the water, join Kitty Hawk Kites for a sunset paddle in Nags Head (available on select days May through August), or opt for a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour on select nights to witness nature’s own underwater light show.
Dillard Creek Trail
Explore this 4-mile paddle trail, which starts at the base of an old milldam and winds through a secluded landscape of bald cypress and coastal hardwoods. Move quietly, and you might catch a glimpse of wood ducks and yellow sliders before they slip away.
Visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Tyrell County Visitors Center
Stop 2
Red Wolf Evening Tour
Stop 3
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Stop 4
National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center
Stop 5
Queen Anne Creek
Stop 6
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Stop 7
Kitty Hawk Kites
Stop 8