Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 8,219-acre wildlife sanctuary located in northeastern North Carolina.


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Summary

Established in 1960, the refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, alligators, turtles, and black bears.

There are several good reasons to visit Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region and observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and kayaking in the refuge's waterways.

One of the main points of interest at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which features exhibits on the wildlife and history of the refuge. The refuge also contains several hiking trails, including the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge Trail and the North Pond Loop Trail.

Interesting facts about the refuge include that it was named after Donald Mackay, a former chairman of the U.S. Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, and that it was once a farm before being acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The best time of year to visit Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months, when many species of birds migrate to the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers different experiences throughout the year. Visitors should be aware that some areas of the refuge may be closed during certain times of year for wildlife management purposes.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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