Facility Activities

The refuge offers a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational activities that visitors may enjoy. The refuge supports the Big Six wildlife-dependent uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and education.   

Public hunting is permitted on over 5,000 acres of Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge during specific times of the year. The hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some special regulations apply. All hunters...

Anglers are required to possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish at the refuge. A special regulation area exists at the former Cherry Valley Golf Course tract, where anglers will be required to obtain a free refuge day-use fishing permit, available by email. Access to Cherry Creek is...

Archery is available at the Friends of Cherry Valley NWR Spring Fling and Fall Festival only. 

From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.
Take your pick of 2,100 miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges loan out gear or rent it at low cost.
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges lend gear or rent it at low cost.