Facility Activities
South Tract, also known as the Dan Ashe Division, hosts five miles of walking trails, two scenic lakes and the National Wildlife Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and offers interpretive displays, educational films and public programs. The Visitor Center also houses a small bookstore and nature shop, set up by the Friends of Patuxent. South Tract’s grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and are closed for federal holidays. Fishing on Cash Lake and hunting are available seasonally with a permit/license. See brochure and map for details.
North Tract offers 15 miles of trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. With fewer visitors than South Tract, it offers a quiet atmosphere for those seeking respite from the busy world. North Tract’s grounds and Visitor Information Station are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Due to active nearby gun ranges and the risk of unexploded ordnance, visitor must stay on roads and trails. The refuge closes for federal holidays and occasionally for scheduled hunts. See brochure and map for details.