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Roanoke River
National Wildlife Refuge
114 W. Water Street
Windsor, NC   27983
E-mail: roanokeriver@fws.gov
Phone Number: 252-794-3808
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/roanokeriver/		 The Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest, least disturbed bottomland hardwood systems remaining in the eastern United States.
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  Recreation and Education Opportunities

Environmental Education
The refuge has numerous wildlife videos, teacher's packets, brochures, maps and posters. We also offer how-to instructions on projects ranging from creating a backyard habitat to building woodduck boxes. If you are interested in these offerings, please write or call the refuge for additional information.

Fishing
Fishing is limited to bank fishing along the Roanoke River. You must have a valid state fishing license.

Hunting
Special hunt permits are required to hunt on refuge lands. Permits are issued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Applications may be submitted through any of the 1,200 License Agents (most sporting goods stores, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc) in the state. Application procedures and hunt dates are located in the "Special Hunt Opportunities" booklet published annually by the NCWRC. Out of state hunters may obtain application forms by writing to:

Hunt Permit Applications; Division of Wildlife Management; 512 N. Salisbury St.; Raleigh; NC 27604-1188

Hunting opportunities include waterfowl, deer, turkey and small game. Primitive camping is allowed only in conjunction with refuge hunts due to safety concerns. Please contact refuge headquarters for specific rules and regulations.

The refuge is closed to the general public during permitted hunts for safety reasons.

Interpretation
The refuge offers one marked trail (the Charles Kuralt Trail) and numerous unmarked trails. The Charles Kuralt trail is approx. one mile long and is located approximately 10 miles south of Windsor. This trail is well marked with a sign along the highway and features a parking area and a kiosk containing interpretive panels about the Charles Kuralt Trail system, the Roanoke River Refuge and the surrounding habitat. The unmarked trails include the natural river levees and old logging roads. All sites, except along US HWYs 13/17, require a boat. To minimize wildlife disturbance, pets are not allowed on the refuge.

Wildlife Observation
Exceptional birding is possible in the Roanoke River wetlands from March through June, but is best from mid-April through mid-May. One-hundred and ninety-one birds have been identified along or near the refuge including fifty-one species of neotropical migrants. The natural river levees and trails off US HWYs 13/17 and the Kuralt Trail are favored locations for birders. There are also excellent opportunities to view and photograph birds and animals from the river along the refuge. Bald eagles, ospreys, otter and deer are just a few of the species you may run across.

Hours
Refuge Headquarters are open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Refuge lands are open to the public daily, dawn to dusk, except during permitted hunts.

Entrance Fees
Roanoke River Refuge does not charge entrance fees.

Entrance Fees
There are no use fees. 		 
 
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