Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in North Carolina, is the main feature of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Framed by cypress trees, the shallow lake is 14 miles long with an average depth of less than two feet. The refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife on the Atlantic Flyway, especially wintering waterfowl like Tundra swans, Canada geese, snow geese, and ducks.
Framing the south and east sides of the lake is a system of 15 managed wetland impoundments. My April trip focused on scouting these pockets for wading birds, seabirds, and waterfowl.
Wildlife Drive
This gravel loop begins at the main entrance road and circles the largest wetland impoundment. Shortly after starting the tour, there were two parking areas to pause and enjoy the landscape.
At the second, an eastern mud turtle ducked under its shell as I approached.
Out in the wetlands, great egrets and great blue herons stalked their prey across the shallow expanse, while anhingas, boat-tailed grackles, and a pair of Canada geese ventured closer to the roadside.
The drive then turned, traveling between canals and open fields. Along this stretch, a small group of hooded mergansers zipped through the canal as red-winged blackbirds trilled from the surrounding thickets.
I appreciate the ease of wildlife drives for those wanting to experience birding and wildlife sightings that are not always accessible in other natural areas. Those who move slowly through the corridor enjoy a front-row seat to basking turtles and the occasional alligator in still canal waters.
Observation Deck
Spanning across the heart of the lake, the causeway along Highway 94 offers multiple vantage points with benches and picnic tables. Along the causeway, an observation deck offers a perfect view of a stand of bald cypresses rising from the lake.
As I watched a double-crested cormorant cut across the basin, laughing gulls, white ibises, and a cattle egret swept through the sky above.
Hiking Trails
There are a couple of hiking options within the refuge.
- Outfall Trail is a 0.25-mile trail along the pond created by the outfall canal. It starts near the historic New Holland Pumphouse/Mattamuskeet Lodge.
- New Holland Trail follows a 0.3-mile wooden boardwalk through cypress groves and wetlands.
- A short Photo Blind Trail is lined with tall grass on the bank of Lake Mattamuskeet.
In springtime, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge leaves you with a deep appreciation for the coast’s quieter moments. It is an easy, worthwhile detour to add to your itinerary if you are vacationing near the Outer Banks.