Believe it or not, there are eight (yes - 8!) National Wildlife Refuges on the Delmarva peninsula, with six of them open for public visitation. These refuges attract visitors from all over the world, particularly for the birding opportunities, but also for kayaking, hiking, fishing, biking, and hunting.
While each refuge is a little different from the next, they all have one thing in common: their mission. As stated by the Department of the Interior, their objective is “to conserve, manage, and restore fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats, as well as provide quality wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities that foster wildlife conservation for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Take some time this season to explore one or two refuges - or all of them!
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing about eight miles of Delaware Bay shorelines, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located between Dover and Smyrna, Delaware. The 11-mile wildlife loop is great for cycling, just be aware that you will be sharing the road with cars that are (slowly) driving the loop. There are a handful of trails to explore, including the Bear Swamp Trail, Boardwalk Trail and Parsons Point Trail. Their new visitor center opened in the fall of 2023 and is open 6 days/week, year-round. Please note that despite being situated along the coast of the Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook has no beach or water access.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
If you are looking for beach access, that can be accomplished (seasonally) at the nearby Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Fowler Beach is part of the refuge and is open to visitation, but please note that it closes annually from about March 1 to October 1 for the beach-nesting shorebird season. The refuge does not have a wildlife drive so it’s not ideal for biking, but it does have a visitor center and several trails to explore by foot. And unlike Bombay Hook, it has places to launch a kayak to explore some of the marsh creeks in the area.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for those that really want to get off the beaten path. Located on a remote peninsula in Kent County, Maryland, you’ll find this refuge about six miles south of the town of Rock Hall. There are only about 1-2 miles of walking trails here, but the views are magnificent. An expansive boardwalk stretches across a beautiful saltmarsh and another trail has a stunning overlook allowing visitors to take in an elevated view of the Chesapeake Bay. The refuge also has a boat ramp and a kayak launch, on separate shorelines, which make for a nice one-way paddle with a short walk or bike ride to get back to your starting point, or circumnavigate the whole refuge. There is a visitor center, but visitation hours are limited to 11-3 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Arguably the most famous refuge on Delmarva, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge never disappoints. This refuge is well-known for its world-class birding and its ties to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad history. The refuge has a visitor center located on Key Wallace Road, but if you’re looking to learn about Harriet Tubman and her efforts to lead enslaved people to freedom, you’ll definitely want to visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. In addition to history and birding, Blackwater is also known for its 17 miles of water trails and 5 miles of hiking trails.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
If Blackwater isn’t the most famous refuge on Delmarva, then the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is! This refuge is conveniently located adjacent to the town of Chincoteague and encompasses the southern tip of Assateague Island. In fact, there are two visitor centers: one operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the other by the National Park Service. The refuge has about 10 miles of bike trails, and several short walking trails. The famous Chincoteague ponies are confined to a specific section of the refuge, so the best spot to view the ponies is from the Woodland Trail or by paddling the marsh creeks from Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge
On your way to Chincoteague, you’ll drive right by the Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge, but it is not open for public visitation (except for seasonal hunting). This refuge is home to a variety of waterfowl, as well as a rare, natural fen, which is a section of wetland that is fed by groundwater. Learn more about fens here.
Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge
Way down at the southern tip of Delmarva is the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge has some great WWII history to explore, as well as several short walking trails. There is also a boat ramp and kayak launch located at Wise Point, providing paddling access to some of the nearby marsh creeks and barrier islands (however, the tidal currents can be quite strong, so we recommend this area only for experienced paddlers). The refuge is also the starting point of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail which will eventually extend all the way up to the Maryland state line.
Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge
While the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge is not the furthest south refuge on Delmarva, it is the furthest south that is open for visitation. Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge is the southernmost barrier island and the southernmost tip of the peninsula. It is not open for public visitation, as it is a vital resting spot for migrating birds and butterflies. It also provides crucial nesting ground for pelicans and shorebirds. Guided walks are occasionally available in the winter, and reservations can be made by calling the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge.