Lake Mattamuskeet Reviews

Even though this is a beautiful area, it is very much off the beaten path. We did not plan for a lengthy visit, so it probably was not worth the extra effort to get there, as we took a side trip on our way to the Outer Banks. There were not many good signs to clarify directions to the best wildlife viewing areas and the wildlife was not as abundant as we had expected.

Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is one of 11 NWRs on the Charles Kuralt Trail ... the 'refuge road.'

On this trip to eastern NC, we decided to travel up the Outer Banks from Cedar Island in our usual manner, but rather than return by the same route, we came back by way of Alligator River NWR, Lake Mattamuskeet, and the river ferries across the Pamlico River and the Neuse River.

We stayed on US 264 to the south side of the lake, rather than taking the North Lake Road about a mile west of Engelhard. About 2/3 of the way around the south side of the lake, US 264 intersects with NC 94, which is actually a causeway crossing the lake and intersecting on the north shore with North Lake Road. Going north on 94 for about a mile-and-a-half brings you to Headquarters Road. This well-maintained gravel road runs along a levee with the lake to the north and a lagoon to the south. The lake is not really visible from this road due to the heavy forest and other growth, but the lagoon is right at the edge of the road, and though mostly drained, was full of wildlife. We inched along, stopping every time we saw a new critter - it didn't seem like we would ever get to the visitors' center - to take some pictures.

It was magnificent. It was a warm day, partly cloudy, and breezy. The wind helped keep our noise muffled, and also helped keep mosquitoes at bay. About 4/5 mile from the turnoff onto Headquarters Road, we came to an overlook platform, From there we were able to get some shots of turtles, herons, geese - adult and gosling - glossy and white ibis - a couple of muskrats, a white-tail deer ... it was magnificent. Oh ... and a red-tailed hawk. We saw a couple of ospreys.

There are some excellent displays about wildlife and the lake environment at the visitors' center. We asked the ranger there about the best place to take critter photos; she told us that at this time of the year (June) the lagoon we had just passed was the best. The real peak time seems to be in the fall.

Mattamuskeet is a natural lake, the largest in North Carolina, though very shallow. The lake bed is only about four or five feet below sea level. It is fed only through rain water and natural runoff from the local area.

This is an excellent site for wildlife photographers, waterfowl hunters during the hunting season, and hikers who enjoy primitive sites and areas.

Scenic lake and wildlife refuge. This is home to many waterfowl....there are several observation areas. Looks to be good for fishing and hunting. Good for photography! Beware of the mosquitoes!

We recently had the opportunity to travel to Lake Mattamuskeet, NC and was really impressed with the unchanged, natural slow vibe of a real eastern NC fishing town, Swan Quarter. Even though the town is very small, there is a hidden gem here, a real authentic fishing mariana where you can buy local fresh caught shrimp, flounder and crabs right off the boats. The local people are very friendly and once you see the town, you can hop on the ferry and it will take you and your car over to Ocracoke Island. This area of NC is a true picture of life on the eastern shore.

Wonderful time here.....over the course of 3 days I saw tundra swans, deer, beaver, bald eagle, a gazillion vultures, an egret rookery loaded with egrets, a couple of northern harriers, a few cattle egret, great blue egrets, a handful of VERY uncooperative camera shy wood ducks, bitterns, TONS of coots, some kingfishers, northern shovelers, ducks I still need to id, some sanderlings, a few black crowned night herons, and the most awesome bird of all (on this trip)- the least bittern.

Go, stay, explore, enjoy.......and return again....I know I will-yearly!!!!

We came to Lake Mattamuskeet to see waterfowl; and waterfowls we SAW! Hundreds, perhaps thousands of Tundra swans; more pintails than I have ever seen anywhere. Ducks and more ducks. The Snow Geese flew in the day we left. Wildlife drive is about a mile long and provides excellent view of calm water. There are several other roads you can drive on for good views. Several very short hikes, and you can take longer ones. Visitors center has wonderful exhibit of local birds and beasts and good interpretive information. Strongly suggest bringing your scope. Mornings are cold - plan to wrap up. Check schedule for hunting days to get the most access for birding.

We found this place by mistake but I sure am glad we did!! Such a beautiful and peaceful place with breathtaking water views. We will visit again soon!!

We drove 7 hours to attend their annual open house and take the tram tour. Worth the trip! Nice visitors center. Lots of hiking trails. Saw plenty of. Tundra Swans, various ducks, Snow Geese, young Bald Eagles. Tram only operates on special occasions. Watch their website and call as soon as reservations are open. It fills up quick. Don't forget your binoculars.

Fishing is good here. However it is a very remote area so plan for that. But if you're looking for a good getaway place, this is a good one.

Very remote and great place that is is hidden. It is a man-made lake that is home to Bald Eagles and so many great birds. I have seen so many species that I have added to my life list just from this area alone. Black-crowned Night Herons hiding so close to you in plain sight. The lodge is so quaint and historic....the only down side is it is a little bit of a drive and there are not really any hotels nearby, but worth the drive.

Scenic lake and wildlife refuge. Wonderful spot for birding, photography, fishing and hunting. There are some good observation areas and walking trails. Enjoy!

Visited on a whim, glad we did. Very friendly staff. Hiked the area and also drove to some wildlife viewing spots. Good picnic area. Great photo spot.
Lots of wildlife to see. Good place to paddle and watch.

My family and I visited Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge this weekend. We toured the waterfowl impoundments and saw a wide variety of ducks and geese, as well as Tundra Swan. We saw over a dozen whitetailed deer. We saw Bald Eagles flying around the lake and over the impoundments.

The best time for viewing wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon. Everything seems very active at those times.

There are several good restaurants nearby; notable the Lone Goose in Fairfield, on the north side of the lake, And Martelle's on Hwy 264 near Englehard NC.

I highly recommend this trip to anyone.

I've fished the area since late 70's and love it. But fair warning - it's remote, buggy, and boating the lake is very challenging. It's shallow and full of weeds, stumps, and trees. Please do not boat the lake without good local knowledge. When the wind is up (which is most days), water gets blown from one shore to the other. So you might leave the west side of the lake in the morning to fish and be able to barely cross shallow areas. But if it blows all day then there might be a couple less inches of water when you come back and you might get stuck.

Have a paddle or push pole. You'll need it. If you get out and walk then be prepared for mosquitoes the likes of which you have probably never experienced. And then there are the snakes and occasional gator.

The park office will give good advice and the pumping station is fascinating historically.

I never tired of watching the osprey nest on the short cypress trees all over the lake.

Enjoy and be safe!

We visited here in January to see the Tundra swans - there were some, but not very many.
The helpful people in the "office" suggested we went to Pungo Lake (see separate review) where there were thousands of swans.
Overall, Mattamuskeet was absolutely beautiful and almost deserted at this time of year. I have been told it gets crowded in the Summer.
The visitors "office" had several displays and a video, but it was all less interesting to me than actually going outside and viewing the birds. The wetlands, as opposed to the lake, had much more birding opportunities with good viewing platforms. Make sure you take a telescope or binoculars. Near the office, cross over the bridge towards the lake and then hang a hard right - you can drive for miles along the side of the lake and see plenty of wildlife (we saw a possum, a fox and many deer).

Mattamuskeet is a little-known wonder. Drive out to the end of the Wilderness Drive and walk out on the docks... all you will hear is nature... no highway noise. And no garbage floating in the water. The people in this area were so friendly. It is worth traveling off the beaten path for this place.

We were attracted to the area as a getaway day trip from the hustle & bustle of the outer banks. We've visited several times since 1998. There is a Nat'l Wildlife Refuge visitor's center where you can learn about trails.

The pumping station was built to pump out the entire lake to be used for farming (1916). After 3 tries, the venture failed was eventually purchased by the Nat'l Parks. Although the refuge is maintained by the park service, the pumping station is now owned by NC state. Some repairs were made to the roof of the "lodge" but more $ are needed to finish the refurbishing. You cannot go inside the lodge or climb the stack

My wife and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to climb to the top in the early 2000s when a school group needed chaperones at the top. We were impressed by the view - could see for miles since the area is flat. Hopefully, the tower will be restored. There are excellent resources to read about this place.

The refuge has a visitor center that is only open when there are volunteers available. Besides the largest natural lake in North Carolina (where you'll see many people fishing along 94), you can see the old lodge that closed in the 70's. The wildlife loop road is short and worth doing. There is a road to the left of the visitor center called the Waterfowl Hunt Area with numbered sites. At the start of it is a nice boardwalk loop trail called the New Holland Trail. Driving to end of the road to site 16 is another short loop trail looking over some nice open water. There is an observation deck there.

We made the drive from Nags Head out to the lake for the potential photo opportunity of the trees growing in the lake. In total fairness, the light/overcast skies weren't the best for photos, but we continued on anyway. We stopped at the lookout point on the 94 that crosses the middle of the lake. The gazebo was covered in spiderwebs and infested with spiders. I know this the great outdoors and the spiders are destined to make their way in, but it really felt like there is no attempt to clean this place up ever. Beautiful spot and has the potential to really be great but it needs some upkeep!

I am a native of the area. If you read all the reviews they adequately reflect that this is, indeed, as Nature Lovers Paradise. The varieties of water foul is unbelievable.

Since I am a avid fisherman, Lake Mattamuskeet has some of the largest White Perch in any water way. Small boats are allowed, but the bank fishing is excellent as well. The Lake has Stripped Bass (Rock Fish), Largemouth Bass, Bream, Crappie, Flounder, Blue Cat Fish as well as other species. Back to the White Perch. Yesterday I caught 4 White Perch 13 Inches or larger; none under 10 inches.

Roanoke Sportsman in Williamston can give you all the info you need about fishing and have all your tackle and bait. There is only one motel, Hideaway, but it is older and may not fit your needs. Harris Steak and Seafood Restaurant is excellent. There are several campgrounds in the area. If you stay in Williamston, the best Motel for the money as well as providing amenities, is Quality Inn at 102 East Blvd. It has had several renovations and is rated the Best or Second best Motel in Williamston, which includes Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express. As a Econo Lodge, it won the Gold Award from Choice Properties. The GM is a personal Friend, but that has not caused my opinion to be biased.

Hardison's BBQ Restaurant, located on US Jamesville, is an excellent place to eat. They have daily specials which includes drink and tax, for $7.00. The menu is limited and they do not take debit or credit cards.

As a traveler and sports person, I like to hear from the locals about the areas I travel in and what their opinions are about the businesses from their perspective.

So we were super early for our swan quarter ferry to ocracoke so we decided to do some exploring and came across this really neat wildlife refuge. There are pull-off areas and observation decks. There is also a scenic drive that loops around. We saw plenty of birds, ducks, and turtles. Certainly beat sitting at the ferry dock for several hours! So go a little early for your ferry and enjoy north Carolina's coast at its best. Its a free attraction but the area is VERY sparse to say the least...not much for food or facilities around but we did find a hole in the wall gas station that made a decent burger. Enjoy!

Mattamuskeet is rather quiet, which is excellent when you're trying to escape the busy city life while stepping back into nature. There are many opportunities here: walking the board walk and gravel roads, bird watching (especially in winter), canoeing/kayaking and boating, and fishing/crabbing. Just make sure to bring your freshwater fishing license. In the cooler months there's waterfowl and deer hunting, but you would have to call the visitor center for information on that. Speaking of the visitor center, it is very well done and educational! Try the air boat tour or ask the volunteers in the gift shop for a scavenger hunt and other opportunities. The gift shop is well done with beautiful shirts, a collection of books, and much more for all ages. You must check out Mattamuskeet!

Come in the winter when it's good and cold, so that the birds are here. Last time we came there were swan right on the edge of the water, no more than 10 yards from me. There's a great observation deck where you can get a really good look. This place is great for photography. It is a remote area, so definitely plan for that.

This town is so very interesting....steeped in history and intrigue. The lake is huge but not very deep...and evidently has tons of birds "resting" during their migration. The lake itself isn't very deep but is very pretty. Not much else going on in town but if you are driving to catch a ferry to Ocracoke, please take time to see this gorgeous place.

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula in Hyde County, is a premier destination of birding and wildlife photography. The highlight of the refuge is Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in North Carolina at more than 40,000 acres. It's a very shallow lake - 4 to 5 feet maximum depth, with an average depth of only 1.5 feet. The shallow depth allows for the growth of aquatic plants that attract migratory waterfowl in the winter, the best time to visit. Not only are there lots of "good" wildlife to watch and photograph in the winter, but the cool weather gets rid of the more pesky wildlife, like mosquitoes and poisonous snakes. The lake is bisected by NC-94 and there is an overlook facing east right about in the middle of the lake. Since the overlook faces east, this is a great place to watch the sunrise. Wildlife is most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so you might as well wake up a little earlier and catch a beautiful sunrise. Another great spot for wildlife viewing is the wetland impoundment near the visitor center. Wildlife Drive and Headquarters Road, which run from NC-94 to the visitor center and Mattamuskeet Lodge, run along the south side of the lake. In between the two roads is the impoundment and there are pulloffs and overlooks along the roads. I've only visited once in late November, but in only a couple of hours, we managed to see literally thousands of geese, ducks, and swans, as well as bald eagles, great blue herons, night herons, egrets, turkey vultures, and ibises. The visitor center has some nice displays on the cultural and natural history of the refuge and the staff are extremely helpful and friendly, offering suggestions for the best places to see wildlife and helping identify birds that we had taken pictures of. They also offer guided safari tours of the refuge; I haven't made it to one of these but would love to do it sometime. Check the website for details.

It's a fabulous lake with lots of wildlife. If you go in the winter, expect to see plenty of waterfowl. The impoundments have Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, and lots of assorted ducks. Access is easy, but be sure to check their website so you will know when certain areas are closed because of hunting.

visited lake mattamuskeet for the first time this july and was impressed, gorgeous lake with a lot of nature around. I do wildlife photography and was able to get a lot of great pictures around the area. Osprey, eagles, bear, musk rats, a lot of other types of birds.

I will be going back in the fall to see the tundra swans.

You really need to see the lake to appreciate how big it is. We enjoyed the visitor's center and the viewing stands. The tundra swans had left, but lots of other waterfowl around.

Going to Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge makes you feel like you have entered another world--one where the swans, ducks, herons, hawks, and eagles outnumber the humans. It also is the home of an amazing story of people trying to interfere with natural processes, the consequences of that interference, and the reclaiming of the wetlands by wildlife. For a short safari experience, it can't be beat, and the road to and from has lots of interesting sites, too.

stopped here on the way back home from OBX. It is out in the boonies-but worth the drive. The nature road to the visitors center is nice. Great wildlife can be seen. The center had several hands on exhibits and many taxidermist animals on display. The staff was friendly. Drive the causeway it get an understanding of the size of the lake. Wonderful presrve-glad I stopped.