Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Total Miles 29.7
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Summer, Spring
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a series of dirt and gravel roads located in Dare County, North Carolina, approximately 45 minutes west of Nags Head in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The roads offer a relaxing view of the wildlife and surrounding forest and swampland. One can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, endangered red wolves, and if you're lucky, alligators!

Photos of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Difficulty

Most of the trails are simple gravel roads. There are some secondary roads and trails that are dirt and become very muddy during and after rain. Most of the trail system is easily accomplished in 2WD, with the secondary roads sometimes requiring 4WD depending on weather.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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Colton Gomez
Jun 21, 2026
Open
It was a very warm sunny day today. There was multiple black bears wandering in the heat and plenty of open trail to get to. Most toads were open due to being dry and not having too much obstruction at all. This is a great easy trail for anyone to ride. No 4x4 required but there is some small bumps that would make it a little rough in a sedan. Beautiful views though and great trail to ride just outside of OBX
Jeff Strader
Jun 07, 2026
Open
Easy Gravel road. Saw 5 black bears.
Jeremy R
Apr 19, 2026
Open
Real easy trail, some of the side roads were more dirt/mud than gravel and had fun on those. Did see some snakes and bald eagles, no bears unfortunately.
Bo L
Jan 03, 2026
Open
Primary roads are essentially gravel roads, the secondary roads were soft, moderately rutted and a lot of fun! The picture was taken on the secondary roads in on of the drier areas.
Matthew C
Aug 09, 2025
Open
mostly gravel with few other cars, the southern section has smaller roads that shoot off and aren't all gravel and may be sandy or muddy. little alligator was soaking sun.
David H
Jul 25, 2025
Open
Easy relaxing trail good little trip away from the beach. got to see a 2 baby bears and a mommy bear and one large bear about 350lbs
will Williams
Mar 25, 2025
Open
Mostly gravel roads with a few off shooting spurs that were dirt. I think we saw a wolf🐺
rocky poovey
May 24, 2024
Open

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Map

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