Emily Pack
Sep 23, 2026
Ready to trade the beach for a dirt road adventure? Just 20 minutes past Manteo, the landscape starts to look a little different. This stretch of mainland Dare County is home to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a 154,000-acre refuge and one of the best places on the Outer Banks to spot wildlife, including one of the largest black bear populations in the eastern United States.
The History of Black Bears on the Outer Banks
Before Europeans came to the New World, black bears lived in all forested regions of North America and were abundant in North Carolina. However, black bears were often killed by early settlers to protect their families, crops, and livestock. By the mid-1900s, the black bear population was dwindling across the state of North Carolina. The comeback of the black bear is a North Carolina wildlife success story. Since the 1970s, over 500,000 acres of land have been designated as bear sanctuaries by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. These sanctuaries were key to the successful restoration of the black bear population.
Today, the largest population of black bears in eastern North Carolina and the eastern United States is found on the mainland side of Dare County, roughly 20 minutes west of Manteo. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge boasts more than 150,000 acres and is a unique place where the public can view North Carolina wildlife in their natural habitat.
Wildlife in the Refuge
The refuge was established in 1984. The majority of the protected area supports large populations of black bear, wintering waterfowl, river otter, and other wildlife species. It’s also the only place in the world where you can see the endangered red wolves in the wild.
To access the refuge, turn off 64 onto Miltail Road or Buffalo City Road. At the entrance, pick up a map and read the welcome signs for additional information. Cell Service can be spotty in the refuge, so having a physical map is helpful. Check out any road closures and conditions on their website.
Visitors will find dirt roads to explore the refuge, but also hiking and wildlife trails, observation platforms, fishing areas and kayaking and canoeing routes.
If and when you see wildlife, please remember that the refuge is not a zoo. Stay in your vehicle and observe wildlife from inside the vehicle. Never get out and approach wildlife or feed them.
You’re most likely to see black bears at first light and the last two hours before dusk, when bears will feed along the field edges of the wildlife drive. Don’t plan on visiting during the middle of the day, as that’s their nap time.
"Magic Bus" Outer Banks Adventure Tours
Guided Tours
If you’d rather take a guided tour, the refuge offers all sorts of transportation for its tours. From canoes to vans to open-air tram tours, their staff is happy to answer any questions as they explore with you through the refuge. Visit their website for more information.
Or, another local favorite, Outer Banks Adventure Tours, offers a “Magic Bus” one-of-a-kind wildlife tour to explore off the beaten path in comfort and style.
Safety Tips
Let someone know where you plan on exploring, as cell reception is very spotty!
The Gravel Roads can be hard to navigate, especially after heavy rain.
Black bears are highly intelligent, curious, and at times, comical. They are much more afraid of humans than we are of them. Stay in your vehicle, and never feed them!
Things to do on the way
On your way to East Lake, make a pit stop and enjoy the vibrant and historic town of Manteo. Explore local shops downtown and enjoy local seafood at some of the freshest spots you can find.
Some of our favorites include:
- Grabbing Coffee at Charis Coffee Company
- Picking up a new Beach Read from Downtown Books
- Watching a movie at the historic Pioneer Theater
- Enjoy fresh local seafood from Tale of the Whale or Darrell’s
Other Unique Wildlife along the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is home to all kinds of incredible wildlife. From the beautiful, wild-and-free Corolla Wild Horses and baby loggerhead sea turtles hatching along our shores to migrating birds visiting Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the black bears that call the Outer Banks home, there’s always something to discover in nature.
There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and experience the wildlife that makes the Outer Banks so special. Just remember: always admire wildlife from a safe distance and respect their home.