Paddling Trips
Tuesday November 9, 2010 Trips
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (New) (Family Friendly) (A)
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles, as well as Black Bear, Red Wolves and assorted turtles. Buffalo City Road boat access. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 9 am-Noon. Abbey Reibel, refuge staff.
Backcountry Expedition Kayak Tour
The unique combination of off-road 4x4 and kayak eco-touring explores 30 miles
of beach and backcountry lanes by SUV and the northern Currituck waterways by kayak.You’re likely to see some of the Currituck “wild horses” - possible descendants from the Spanish mustangs. Trained naturalists discuss local ecology, history and shore life. No private boats permitted. Kayaking dependent on weather conditions. Backcountry Outfitters in Corolla Light Town Center. Cost $50. Noon-3:30 pm. Backcountry Outfitters and Guides.
Maritime Forest Sunset Kayak Tour
Kitty Hawk Woods, one of only three maritime forests remaining on the Outer
Banks, offers a unique experience as kayakers paddle through an amber-colored creek under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. Turtles, snakes, and other reptiles are very common in this area, as are birds such as herons, egrets, woodpeckers, kingfishers, Red-tailed Hawks and eagles. At sunset, paddle through the marsh section and possibly witness local wildlife feeding. A great kayak tour for the beginner as well as the experienced paddler. The woods provide shelter from the wind, and the water is shallow. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Cost $35. 3-6 pm. Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Alligator River Night Canoe Tour (New)
Go where few have gone before, Milltail Creek at night. Join the refuge staff on this special tour of the Alligator River when the refuge is usually closed to visitors. Explore the world of the American Alligator as you paddle out from Buffalo City into Milltail Creek and their world. You’ll learn about the natural history of the Alligator and the cultural history of Buffalo City while exploring the shores of Milltail Creek. Bring a flashlight! Buffalo City Road boat access. Cost $35. 4:30-7:30 pm. Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Wednesday November 10, 2010 Trips
Pea Island Refuge Sunrise Kayak Tour (A)
Enjoy a sunrise kayak tour though Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The shallow waters bring an abundance of shore birds. Oystercatchers, plovers, gulls, cormorants and pelicans gather to feed. On occasion, catch a glimpse of migratory Snow Geese. This is a stunningly beautiful paddle between islands of marsh grass during the first light of day. New Inlet boat access. Cost $35. 6-9 am. Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Scuppernong River Canoe Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
What is a pocosin? Why is the water in the Scuppernong River black? Why should
these areas be protected? What benefits do pocosins have to people? Bring the family along to answer these questions and explore the fascinating ecology of unique pocosin wetlands and riverine systems with a paddle trip up the Scuppernong River. Learn about the migratory birds and other wildlife species that occur here. Identify pocosin plants and understand how man’s land use history has contributed to present-day conditions. Learn about the special adaptations the flora and fauna have evolved to survive in these habitats and potential threats that could lead to their demise. Possible wildlife sightings would include raptors, passerines, wood ducks, woodpeckers, river otters, beavers, and if temperatures are warm enough a variety of turtles and other reptile species. Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center for the Sounds. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 9 am-Noon. Wendy
Stanton, refuge biologist.
Lost Colony History Kayak Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
Join us on this unique kayak tour as we paddle the north end of Roanoke Island
following in the footsteps of the Lost Colony. Paddle along the shore and then land as the colonists did and explore on foot. We’ll be joined by interpreters who will share the lifestyle of the colony as they lived it. William B Umstead Memorial Bridge (Manns Harbor Bridge), Manteo side, north parking lot. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Noon-3 pm.
The Outdoors Outfitters, Pam Malec Landrum.
Corolla Sunset Kayak Tour (New)
Escape to the quiet waters of the Currituck Sound and end your daylight hours
watching an extraordinary fall sunset as the light from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse begins to wink. The peace and quiet makes it easy to observe our crepuscular wildlife as well as unwind in a unique setting. There are chances to see muskrat, river otter, Blue Herons, egrets, Bald Eagles, and migrating waterfowl. Coastal Explorations. Cost $35. 3-6 pm. Coastal Explorations.
Thursday November 11, 2010 Trips
Pea Island Refuge Sunrise Kayak Tour (B)
Enjoy a sunrise kayak tour though Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The shallow waters bring an abundance of shore birds. Oystercatchers, plovers, gulls, cormorants and pelicans gather to feed. On occasion, catch a glimpse of migratory Snow Geese. This is a stunningly beautiful paddle between islands of marsh grass during the first light of day. New Inlet boat access. Cost $35. 6-9 am. The Outdoors Outfitters, Pam Malec Landrum.
Maritime Forest Morning Kayak Tour
Take an early morning paddle through Kitty Hawk Woods, one of three maritime
forests remaining on the Outer Banks. This paddling trip offers a unique experience to kayak through amber-colored creeks under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. There generally is an abundance of backyard birds, wrens, chickadees, as well as Pileated Woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons and egrets. Great for beginners and experienced paddlers. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Cost $35. 9-11 am. Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Bodie Island Marshes Kayak Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
Kayak one of the lesser explored paddling areas. Explore the marshes looking for the wide variety of birds and marine life found here. Paddle by a traditional “gun” club and an abandoned oyster packing plant and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Hear about the rich cultural history of these marshes and how the use of the Punt Gun changed our environment to this day. This trip is great for photography. Bodie Island visitor center south parking lot. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 1-3 pm. The Outdoors Outfitters, Pam Malec Landrum.
Kitty Hawk Bay Sunset Kayak Tour (A)
Enjoy a classic Carolina sunset over Kitty Hawk Bay. Navigate by the amber light of the harvest setting sun. Pass through tall cord grass fields and listen for the mysterious sounds of the night marsh. Dock of the Bay Marina. Cost $35. 3-5:30 pm. Kitty Hawk Kites.
Friday November 12, 2010 Trips
Mashoes Marshes Kayak Tour
Kayak with a local guide through the backwater creeks of the Mashoes community. This is a lesser-traveled portion of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, making it one of the most pristine kayak locations on the Outer Banks. The trip combines open water and narrow, winding paths through cordgrass fields. Participants also will have the opportunity to explore a remote beach and maritime forest, on foot, along the Albemarle Sound. Mashoes Road kayak access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35. 9-11:30 am. Coastal Kayak.
Roanoke Island Civil War History Kayak Tour (New)
Paddle along the shores of the north end of Roanoke Island. Here, three forts
were built to aid in the defense of the island during the Civil War. Paddle over waters that cover the graveyard of the “Mosquito Fleet.” Also explore the beaches on foot for an up close look at the fort remnants and learn about the lifestyle of those who lived and fought here. Good tour for beginners and experts. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island public beach access. Cost $35. Noon-3 pm. The Outdoors Outfitters, Pam Malec Landrum.
Saturday November 13, 2010 Trips
Whalebone Junction Marsh Kayak Tour
Paddle through a mixture of natural creeks and man-made canals dug by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression in an attempt to control mosquitoes. See assorted herons, as well as oystercatchers, ducks, geese and kingfishers. Guided by an experienced naturalist, learn the history and importance of this popular paddling area. Nags Head Causeway at pink building. Moderate. Cost $35. 9 am-Noon. Kitty Hawk Kites.
Maritime Forest Family Kayak Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
Parents and children welcome to come paddle the calm, shallow waters of Maritime Forest. A perfect time of year to see birds, turtles, deer, and the beautiful fall foliage though one of five deciduous Maritime Forests of the world. This two-hour paddle includes a paddle lesson, guided tour with a naturalist, and double kayaks to fit up to two children and one adult. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 10 am-Noon. Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Kitty Hawk Bay Sunset Kayak Tour (B)
Enjoy a classic Carolina sunset over Kitty Hawk Bay. Navigate by the amber light of the harvest setting sun. Pass through tall cord grass fields and listen for the mysterious sounds of the night marsh. Dock of the Bay Marina. Cost $35. 3-5:30 pm. Kitty Hawk Kites.
Alligator River Sunset Canoe Tour (New)
Take a canoe tour through the black waters of Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge while the fading light of day casts a soothing spell on a relaxing journey. Learn about Buffalo City and the history of the area before it became a refuge. Listen for the sounds of wildlife as they prowl or fly through the dusk. Peer into the swamp as you try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Red Wolf or other critters that call the refuge home. Buffalo City Road boat access. Cost $35. 3-6 pm. Abbey Reibel, refuge staff.
Sunday November 14, 2010 Trips
Possible traffic delays related to the running of the obx marathon.
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (New) (Family Friendly) (B)
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles, as well as Black Bear, Red Wolves and assorted turtles. Buffalo City Road boat access. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 9 am-Noon. Abbey Reibel, refuge staff.
