Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique habitats and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving or hiking. Regulation of recreation activities allows for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.

The refuge is located six miles south of Columbia, NC off Highway 94 on the east and 18 miles south of Plymouth, NC on Highway 45 on the west.  The refuge headquarters and Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center for the Sounds is located on the south side of Highway 64 on the Scuppernong River in Columbia, NC.

• Take a walk on the Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk located behind the visitor center in Columbia.
• Visit the observation platform for optimal viewing on the shores of Pungo Lake or take a walk along Duck Pen trail located on the Pungo Unit of Pocosin Lakes. This half-mile trail leads visitors to a blind constructed for viewing wintering waterfowl and migratory birds on Pungo Lake.
• Grab, print out, or download one of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Pungo Unit Regulations and Visitor Information brochures and the Pocosin Lakes Refuge Map and Regulations tearsheet. These brochures contain information on ideal observation points throughout the refuge.