2019 Map of Catfish Lake

About this map

Croatan National Forest dominates this coastal landscape, characterized by a complex network of wetlands and prominent blackwater lakes. The three major water bodies — Catfish Lake, Great Lake, and Long Lake — define the terrain, surrounded by a dense matrix of swamps and pocosin habitats. These lakes are connected by a system of winding creeks and drainages, including the W Prong Brice Cr and E Prong Brice Cr, which flow northward toward New Bern. The human imprint on this wilderness is defined by specialized transport routes such as Black Swamp OHV and the Black Swamp OHV Spur, indicating the area's modern use for recreation within the forest boundaries. Access to the interior is facilitated by named thoroughfares like Little Rd and Cat Fish Farm Rd, reflecting the localized rural and agricultural history at the edge of the forest.