Visitor OpportunitiesThe Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for the public to participate in wildlife dependent recreation. The Refuge Improvement Act of 1997 mandates that 6 specific forms of wildlife dependent recreation be provided on a national wildlife refuge if the use is compatible with the goals and objectives of the refuge. Five of the six specific uses have been found compatible at the Occoquan Bay NWR. These uses are: Wildlife Observation, Wildlife Photography, Hunting, Interpretation and Environmental Education. Fishing, the only missing wildlife dependent use, was deemed incompatible because providing access for the public to points within or along the shore of the refuge is difficult and unsafe. Wildlife dependent recreation activities are allowed on established roads, trails, on habitat, and in buildings that have been designed to accommodate such uses, in areas that are the least sensitive to human intrusion. Self-guided groups of 10 or more will be required to request access and obtain a Special Use Permit (PDF 992 Kb) to visit the Refuge for these activities. The refuge is opened year-round, from 7AM - 5PM October 1- March 31 and 7AM-7PM from April 1 - September 30. A temporary closure of the entire refuge is implemented during any scheduled refuge hunt dates. Be prepared when you visit us - Plan Your Visit. Parking currently occurs in the center of the refuge in the designated lot. All of the gravel roads are open on the refuge, however, different types of traffic are allowed on different roads.
The map above shows the following opportunities for you when you visit: Wildlife Drive This 2-mile loop is designated above by brown and purple dots. The brown dots denote roads reserved for foot, vehicle, and bicycle traffic. The purple dots denote roads reserved for vehicle and bicycle traffic only. Vehicles can serve as mobile blinds, allowing visitors closer views to habitat and wildlife. This is the reason we ask that all drivers and passengers stay in their vehicles while on wildlife drive. Hiking Appoximately 4 miles of gravel roads are reserved for foot traffic only. The red lines above denote the roads that allow only foot traffic. Snow shoes and cross-country skis are allowed on these roads during snow events. Photography By controlling human intrusion, wildlife will feel less threatened and be more visible to visitors, providing great opportunities for pictures. A photoblind, located off of Deephole Point Road and adjacent to Marumsco Creek, was developed specifically for this purpose, however, this is not the only place to get great pictures. Photography opportunities are possible along all the roads open to the public. Check out some photos taken on the refuge. Environmental Education On-refuge environmental education activities occur year-round during daylight hours when the refuge is open; however most of the field programs are associated with the fall and spring school year terms. The environmental education activities are primarily teacher-guided field trips exploring topics designed by the teacher. The environmental education site currently includes a pavilion, one unisex portalet, a small marsh with boardwalk, and a pond with a dock and ramp.
You may also experience: Interpretation Interpretive sites include a kiosk site outside the gate, the Main Parking Lot Pavilion featuring 6 interpretive panels, an interpretive trail featuring 10 small signs developed by the Friends of the Potomac River Refuges, and several locations scattered throughout the refuge discussing topics such as, but not limited to, butterflies, the marsh/beaver lodge, the Harry Diamond Lab, birds, bird banding, and habitat management. Hunting The Refuge permits hunting within state guidelines in compliance with a hunt program that is adjusted each year to ensure safety and sound wildlife management. The Occoquan Bay Refuge has held an annual deer hunt since 2001. The hunt is a cooperative effort with the State of Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). |
Last updated:
May 11, 2012
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