Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Pet-Friendly Adventures

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Fort Raleigh National Historic Site protects and preserves known portions of England's first New World settlements from 1584 to 1590. This site also preserves the cultural heritage of the Native Americans, European Americans and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island. Pets are welcome at the park and many activities are available with your furry friends. Your pet must always be on a leash no longer than 6’ and please, for your pet's sake, never leave them unattended. Also, for everyone's and the environment's sake, clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed in park buildings. 

Activities you can enjoy with your pet include:  

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Walking the 0.3-mile Thomas Hariot loop trail through the island's maritime forest to the sandy shores of Albemarle Sound. Enjoy interpretive signs along the way describing the forest habitat, the Algonquian methods for gathering food and resources the English found valuable on Roanoke Island. 

The best way to learn about Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is with a park ranger! Ranger-led programs are offered spring through October, with expanded offerings from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All programs are suitable for all ages and are free of charge. 

Explore the maritime forest along this 1.25-mile Freedom trail that ends with views of the Croatan Sound on the western edge of the park. The trail ends near the location where the Freedmen's Colony and Civil War forts once stood. Return by the trail or use the bike path along Hwy. 64 for a loop back to the visitor center of 2.5-miles. 

For more information about the park and available activities please visit www.nps.gov/fora  

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Josh Nelson
Park Ranger (I)
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site