Basics
- Location:
- Alligator River Route is located on the eastern portion of North Carolina
- Length:
- 71 miles (114 km)
- Time:
- 1.5 hours
- Fees:
- No fees to drive the byway.
Description
Alligator River Route travels through the wetlands of North Carolina from Lake Mattamuskeet to Roanoke Island. It passes through swamp lands and wildlife refugees, where migratory birds gather and endangered species are protected.
The road follows Route 94 north from New Holland, then east on Route 64. After crossing Croatan Sound, the byway continues on Route 64/264 to its terminus at Roanoke Island.
Along the way, historic towns and old Native American villages greet the traveler. Places like Croatan Sound and Manteo give the visitor an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the American Indian history and lifestyle. And, it provides a bird's eye view of what life may have been like during the early years of this nation.
Attractions
Helpful Links
Attractions
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (NC)
Opportunities for recreation in a natural setting abound at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This unique area is full of rare and not-so-rare wildlife and birds. Visitors will be able to explore the swampy area and all of its intriguing characteristics. Trails throughout the refuge invite visitors to explore or to try hunting or fishing. Although trails are available, the refuge is still very much a wilderness that can be difficult to navigate.
Directions
Along the Alligator River
Bodie Island Lighthouse (NC)
This lighthouse was built in 1872 to replace the one that was destroyed in the Civil War.
Directions
Located near the byway on the Outer Banks
Chicomacomico Lifesaving Station (NC)
This lifesaving station is famous for a rescue that occurred in World War I.
Directions
Located near the byway off of NC 12.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (NC)
The disappearance and fate of all settlers of Roanoke Colony remains a mystery to this day.
Directions
Fort Raleigh NHS is on Roanoke Island, and is located off US 64-264, three miles north of Manteo, NC. The site is 2 miles southeast of Norfolk, VA and 197 miles east of Raleigh, NC.
Lake Mattamuskeet (NC)
The name for Lake Mattamuskeet comes from an Indian word for"shallow lake" or "moving swamp." Only 5 feet deep, the lake isfreshwater. Residents once attempted to drain the lake for farmingpurposes, but the lake is now preserved as a wildlife refuge.Visitors can enjoy a visit to this now serene lake.
Directions
This shallow lake is located at the end of the byway on NC 94.
Manteo (NC)
Although Manteo was founded at the turn of the century, it has roots in one of the most historic places in the country.
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NC)
Established in 1990, this refuge protects a unique type of swamp called pocosin, an Indian word meaning swamp on a hill.
Roanoke Island Festival Park (NC)
History of the 16th century is celebrated here. Learn about Roanoke Island's mysterious past.
Directions
Just off the byway on Roanoke Island
