Alligator River Canoe and Small Boat Trail
Fairfield, Hyde County
This 21 mile trail is part of the Albemarle Region Canoe and Small Boat Trails System. It is made to order for the endurance canoeist who wishes to test himself. This beautiful stream winds through brackish marshes with picturesque snags left from a former forest. It is composed of three section, the first from the access off North Carolina Highway 94 to the landing at Kilkenny located on State Road 1322 in Tyrrell County. The second section continues on to another access located on North Carolina Highway 94 near the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Hyde County. The third continues up either New Lake Fork or the headwaters of the Alligator River. Sections 2 & 3 cross the Intracoastal Waterway, which during certain times of the year is heavy with yacht traffic. Hyde County
Bennett Vineyards
Edward
Bennett Vineyards is the largest muscadine and scuppernong vineyard in the Carolinas and lies on a 138-acre parcel of colonial grant land in North Carolina east of U.S. Highway 17 between the neuse and the Pamlico rivers. The wine is made in barrels in a converted tobacco barn using recipes and techniques that emulate those of the earliest colonisits. The winery offers tours and tastings. ncwines.com
Croatan National Forest
Havelock
This coastal national forest contains 159,000 acres of estuary, hardwood forest, longleaf pine and pocosin. Recreation areas for camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, hiking and wildlife observation. Fishing and hunting. Free. Fee for developed campgrounds. recreation.gov unca.edu unca.edu (2) ncnatural.com
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Seven Springs, south of Kinston
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
A Day At The Farm
Cove City (West of New Bern)
Enjoy this historic dairy farm where you'll see the old dairy barns, milking equipment and period antiques. Other areas of interest include a pumpkin patch, peanut patch, fish and duck pond, farm animals, a swinging playground, hayrides and much more! adayatthefarm.com
Goose Creek State Park
Bath
Nature beckons you to experience the mysterious wonders of marsh and swamp along the borders of the Pamlico River and Goose Creek. Canoe the unhurried creeks, fish on the shores of the Pamlico River or learn more about wetlands. Birders and hikers are welcome. ## Goose Creek State Park seeks to preserve and to educate the public about the plantlife, wildlife, and ecosystems of the Goose Creek, Mallard Creek, Flatty Creek, and Pamlico River area through educational programs, permanent and traveling exhibits in the Environmental Education Center, and ongoing conservation projects in partnership with regional and local organizations. Permanent collections include mounted specimens of many of the animal species found in and around Goose Creek State Park. A five minute film is available to introduce visitors to sights in the park. The park's newletter, The Waterline, can accessed on the NC State Parks website, www.ncparks.net. Goose Creek State Park
Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation: Neuseway Nature Park, Planetarium, Health & Science Museum
Kinston
Environmental Education programs at the Neuseway Nature Center revolve around a touch tank, indigenous plants and wildlife exhibits. A separate facility features hands-on health and science exhibits, a live butterfly and hummingbird habitat, a planetarium and an observation deck. A green roof garden and information on solar energy also contribute to the educational programming at the center. Neuseway Park
Lake Mattamuskeet Canoe and Small Boat Trail
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
This 9-mile trail is part of the Albemarle Region Canoe and Small Boat Trails System. It is located on the south shore of Lake Mattamuskeet. The lake is part of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and is a year round home to many species of waterfowl. During the migratory season the number increases dramatically, but canoe access is prohibited from November until March. Offering a wonderful family outing, this area is protected even for the beginner. Hyde County
Lake Mattamuskeet
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
This Hyde County lake is North Carolina's largest natural lake. It averages only two feet in depth, but it is 18 miles long and 5-6 miles wide, containing about 40,000 acres. It is located on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service bears the responsibility for the protection and management of the many wildlife forms found on and in the lake. Boating and sport fishing for large mouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream, crappie and other species is permitted on the lake and adjacent canals from March 1 through November 1 each year. Herring dipping and blue crab fishing are also a very poplar sport. During the fall and winter, concentrations of Canada geese, tundra swans and ducks of many species are abundant on the lake. The endangered bald eagle also makes the lake its home. Other wildlife such as white-tailed deer, marsh and cottontail rabbis, gray squirrels and black bear are found around the lake. Lake Mattamuskeet
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1934 primarily as a resting and breeding area for migratory birds. It is one of over 500 national wildlife refuges protected and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for the benefit of wildlife species and their habitats. The refuge consists of 50,180 acres of water, marsh, timber and croplands and North Carolina's largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet. The refuge is open to the public for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. Great photo opportunities available. Several prime wildlife viewing areas available. Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge"> recreation.gov
Mill Creek Farms
Pollocksville
From mid-September to December 24th enjoy a range of events from hayrides to choosing your own Christmas tree. Farm tours by appointment; pumpkins, Indian corn, and gourds begin the season which concludes with Christmas events. millcreekfarms.net
North Carolina Estuarium
Washington
Explore science, art, nature and history where the rivers meet the sea at the Pamlico/Tar River estuary. Seasonal river tours are available and groups are welcome (reservations suggested for groups.) ## The North Carolina Estuarium is a unique combination of science museum, history museum, and educational center. Its mission is to promote sustainable community-driven economic well being and stewardship in the Albemarle-Pamlico region through environmental education and nature-based and cultural tourism. The Estuarium defines and interprets the historical and modern day significance of the estuary through interactive exhibits including native living creatures, environmental artworks, creative audio-visual components, historic artifacts, K-12 educational programs, games, and activities, and river excursions aboard ECU's Aqualab. North Carolina Estuarium
Parker Farm Produce
Pollocksville
At Parker Farm Produce you get fresh produce beginning in mid-April with the sale of strawberries (pick your own if you choose) and seasonal vegetables in the spring, followed by summer sweet corn, tomatoes, melons and other seasonal fruits and vegetables, and in the fall with seasonal vegetables and sweet potatoes cured on site. co.jones.nc.us
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge and Gull Rock
Hyde County
Swan Quarter Refuge is 16,411 acres of salt marsh island and forested wetlands interspersed with potholes, creeks, and drains. Marsh vegetation is dominated by black needlerush and sawgrass. The mainland is forested by loblolly pine, pond pine, and bald cypress. Approximately 8,800 acres are part of the National Wilderness preservation System and as such is protected from all construction, drainage, and managed timber practices which guarantees the integrity of these invaluable wildlands for years to come. The refuge provides wintering habitat for hundreds of black ducks, mergansers, bufflehead, ruddy ducks and thousands of canvasbacks, redheads, surf scoters, and scaup. Additionally, it provides nesting habitat for osprey, black ducks, and colonial waterbirds and supports one of the northernmost populations of the American alligator. Bald eagles use the area in the winter and may find nesting habitat on the refuge. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, swamp rabbits, river otter, and occasionally black bear use the refuge too. Visitors can enjoy such recreational opportunities as wildlife observation, fishing, and waterfowl hunting. Visitors are welcome to hike or bike through the two undeveloped trails on the refuge during daylight hours. A 1,000-foot fishing pier is available along with fishing by boat around the marsh edges. A 6,120 acre area of marsh is open to duck and coot hunting in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations. Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge nature.org recreation.gov
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Garden
New Bern
Tryon Palace, built between 1767 and 1770, was the first permanent capitol of the British colony of North Carolina. It became North Carolina's first state capitol after independence was declared, then abandoned after Raleigh became capitol in 1794. The main structure was destroyed in a fire, but was restored by an effort spearheaded by New Bern native Mrs. James Edwin Latham. The maintenance and operation of the Palace was transferred to the state, which reopened the site in 1959. The Palace is comprised of the house and grounds, objects concerning Royal Governors William Tryon and Josiah Martin, materials from North Carolina Governors Richard Caswell, Abner Nash, Alexander Martin, and Richard Dobbs Spaight, several restored houses adjacent to the Palace grounds and several research collections. ## Tryon Palace was the 18th-century residence of the governor of the colony and state of North Carolina. The site also includes 14 acres of beautiful period gardens and three historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tryon Palace
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