Wildlife watching
The refuge offers a memorable wildlife watching experience for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of wildlife from the 11-mile wildlife drive, a photography blind, three observation platforms or by strolling down five miles of walking trails.
About the Trails...
Forest Discovery Tree Trail (2.7 Miles) This interpretive walking trail winds through both young and mature forest. Trees are numbered along the route and an identification key is available in the visitor center.
Boardwalk Trail (0.5 Miles) This trail is wheelchair accessible and is the only trail that meanders through tidal salt marsh habitat.
Raymond Tower Trail (0.25 Miles) This short trail leads to an observation tower where you can view Raymond Pool and beyond from a high vantage point.
Shearness Tower Trail (0.25 Miles) This short trails leads to an observation tower where you can view Shearness Pool and beyond from a high vantage point.
Parsons Point Trail (1 Mile) This trail winds through forest along the freshwater marsh of Shearness pool.
Bear Swamp Trail (0.25 miles) This trail is wheelchair accessible and winds through forest along Bear Swamp Pool. An accessible viewing platform and a non-accessible tower provide views of the pool and its wildlife.
Warning…
Mosquitoes, ticks, and biting fly populations can be very high from June through September. Proper preventive care, including tucking your pant legs into your socks and applying insect repellent, can assist visitors in warding off ticks and mosquitoes. Please use caution to avoid poison ivy shrubs and vines because it can cause a serious skin rash in humans.
See below for trail maps and species lists.
