Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Travel Guide

 
by grandmaR
 
  •   Things to Do
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  • Information sign
      Information sign
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  • Sign in the visitor's center
      Sign in the visitor's center
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  • Birds
      Birds
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  •   Things to Do
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Explore Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Things to Do  

Fishing

Fishing, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  I saw alot of people fishing along the islands but not off the beaches. I am sure you need a license. 

Inland side of the Street

Inland side of the Street, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  The vegitation ranges from salt marshes, to dunes. I suspect this is what the dunes looked like for millenia. 

Beach marker 127

Beach marker 127, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  On my return trip north I was on the ocean side of the road and stopped at this beach. There are a number of beaches all along the islands, but on Pea Island I believe you are only allowed to enter where there is a number. 

Where can you go and what can you see?

Where can you go and what can you see?, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  Pea Island is one of the best locations within the United States! Birds can be seen in the many salt flats, freshwater lagoons, and in the numerous marshes located in the refuge. The refuge was established in 1938. Stop by the Refuge Visitor Center, located on the east side... 

Snow Geese!

Snow Geese!, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  I do not know if they nested here over the winter or just resting during their migration north. I saw several flocks at the north end of the island. Besides snow geese, I saw black and white pelicans, several varieties of ducks, and egrets while driving down Pea Island.... 

North Pond Wildlife Trail

North Pond Wildlife Trail, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 grandmaR Says:  North Pond Wildlife Trail is a half-mile trail which offers spectacular wildlife observation any season.The best birding is during the fall and winter. The trail is located near the Visitor Center. Most visitors walk this trail to the end - a double-level tower - and then... 

Best in Spring and Fall

Best in Spring and Fall, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 grandmaR Says:  Pea Island was named for the wild pea vine which grows in there abundance. (Note - spelled with an A)The refuge was established in May 17, 1937. It has 5,834 acres of land, and 25,700 acres (Proclamation Boundary Waters) total and is located on the north end of Hatteras... 

Hotels  

Various: Avon buildings for rent

Various: Avon buildings for rent, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  There are many different types of accomodations available. If you desire spending a week at one of the many towns on the Outer Bank, it is suggested you make reservations well in advance. There are plenty of web sites advertising places for rent. There are also motels... 

Transportation  

Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet
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Bonner Bridge through the windshield
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According to NCDOT, this bridge is deteriorating severely. When the 2.4-mile span linking the northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island was opened to traffic in 1963, its life span was not intended to reach beyond the next century. In a 1993 report, engineers estimated that the bridge had about six more years of life left.

The 2.5- mile bridge spans one of the most dynamic marine environments in the world. Other challenging issues involved the busy navigational channel within a national wildlife refuge, a fragile marine habitat and a popular national recreational area.

The link below is to an aerial photo of the bridge.

You also need to be aware that the road is bordered by shifting sand (photo 2) which may not provide a solid surface for a car.

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Related to:
 Beaches
 National/State Park
 Architecture

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Local Customs  

Dike System
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Informational Sign
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This sign says:

"This dike system, along with the dunes, was constructed in the late 1930s and early 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Wax myrtles and live oaks help to stabilize the system and provide excellent songbird habitat. Many species, including the yellow-rumped warbler, common yellowthroat, northern cardinal, rufous-sided towhee, and seaside sparror are observed here during spring and fall migrations."

Written May 6, 2005

Related to:
 Beaches
 National/State Park
 Birdwatching

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Warnings and Dangers  

Prohibited Shellfish!
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These species are found from internal waters of the island to 3 miles out to sea. There is a limit to how much can be collected. The list includes: Blue Crab, Hard Clam, Eastern Oyster, Bay Scallop, Conches & Whilks, Mussels, and Shrimp.

Written Mar 1, 2007

Phone: 800-682-2632

Website: www.ncdmf.net/recreational/recguide.htm

Related to:
 Eco-Tourism
 National/State Park

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Sports & Outdoors  

Surf Fishing
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Rod holders for a car

Only the use of pole and line, rod and reel, or cast net is permitted in the Pea Island Refuge. But all along the Outer Banks, surf fishing is big.

Written May 5, 2005

Related to:
 Road Trip
 Fishing
 Beaches

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Favorites  

Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station

Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  Nice facilities. When I was there, a car pulled up to the gate with two coast guard men. They spoke into the box at the gate entrance and where allowed entry to fish off the pier! Now I wish I had joined! 

Fish Identification

Fish Identification, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 lonestar_philomath Says:  Beside the coast guard station on Pea Island there is a fisherman's dock where people can rent boats and a general store. There are also displays of fish that can be caught in the waters of the islands. 

Charles Kuralt Memorial

Charles Kuralt Memorial, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

 grandmaR Says:  You see signs about Charles Kuralt in various places such as the wildlife refuges and the Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor's Center. The Charles Kuralt Trail has been established to help people enjoy these wildlands and to recognize the broadcast journalist who shared the delights... 

Comments

Map of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge