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North Carolina
301

State of North Carolina Parks

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USA Parks
North Carolina
Coastal - Eastern Region
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge © Kyleen Kendall
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge © Omar
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MACKAY ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
MACKAY ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
316 Marsh Causeway
Knotts Island, North Carolina   27950 0039
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Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1960 to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, primarily the greater snow goose. Located between Back Bay in Virginia and the Currituck Sound in NC, the refuge is comprised primarly of marsh habitat. This area has long been recognized for supporting significant migratory waterfowl populations and sport fishery resources.

The refuge is strategically located along the Atlantic Flyway, making it an important wintering area for ducks, geese, and tundra swans. At times, flocks of over 12,000 snow geese may be observed on the refuge after their arrival in November. Many other wildlife species such as wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, neotropical migrants, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians use refuge habitats for food, cover, and nesting. A pair of bald eagles also nest on the refuge.

About 74 percent of the refuge is slightly brackish marsh habitat, dominated by cattails, black needlerush, and giant cordgrass. The remaining habitat includes farmland, marsh impoundments, brush and typical upland and lowland Eastern pine-hardwood forest. Vegetation in these areas includes loblolly pine, sweet gum, black gum, cypress, red maple, hickory, and oak.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes


Location
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is located near Chesapeake, Elizabeth City and Moyock


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 8 A favorite park of mine since I was 14 by Linda
park review stars; one to five If you like wetlands than this is a paradise! so many different birds to observe and enjoy! I did notice a large colony of Nutria the last time I was there in Oct 2014. Makes me worry that the little strip of asphalt will be further compromised by their tunneling. If you can send me any info on this I would be very interested.
July 17 Home of DUI.. Great Refuge by RETREAT
park review stars; one to five LOCAL COMMUNITY IS KNOTTS ISLAND, NC. Great fishing and waterfowl hunting. Good Family fishing on refuge.
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Area Campgrounds
Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday
1631 Waterlily Road
Coinjock, NC
252-453-2732
North River Campground
256 Garrington Island Road
Shiloh, NC
252-336-4414
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Mackay Island NWR is located near Knotts Island, NC. From Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach, VA, travel south. Once in NC, this road is called NC Highway 615 South. The office entrance road is located on the right about 1 mile south of the state line. The refuge may also be reached by taking the free ferry from Currituck, NC. Once on Knotts Island, you can reach the office entrance road by traveling 9.2 miles on NC Highway 615 North. The ferry has a 45-minute crossing time, and leaves Currituck, NC at 6 am, 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:30 pm, 7 days a week.

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North Carolina
301

State of North Carolina Parks

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