Facility Activities

A variety of paddlers enjoy a day out on the Carmans river
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Wertheim offers more than six miles of hiking trails and some of the best paddling on Long Island. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, nature photography, fishing, environmental education, nature interpretation, and cross-country skiing on the refuge. Waterfowl numbers peak in the winter, while bird watching during the spring and fall migrations allows you to view a variety of birds including raptors, waterfowl and songbirds. The spring bloom decorates the refuge with colorful flowers such as irises, marsh buttercups and violets. Autumn colors are equally splendid! The Visitor Center showcases Long Island ecosystems, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities. An information kiosk, wildlife observation blinds and public restrooms are provided along the trails for your convenience.

Hunting

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is located entirely within Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven. Approximately 1,600 acres of the 2,550-acre refuge provide habitat for white-tailed deer and are open to hunting November through January. All hunters are required to complete an online ...

Fishing

Fishing from a boat is permitted in the Carmans River, except in Big Fish Creek Pond. Boat landing is not permitted on the shore. Available species include striped bass, weakfish, brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, carp, largemouth bass and white perch. Fishing from the riverbank is...

Accessible trails
A trail accessible to those with disabilities including individuals in wheelchairs. These trails include a wide, hard surface without steep inclines.
Birding
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.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Cross-country skiing
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.
Cultural heritage
Many of the important historic sites located on FWS lands are open to the public and offer some level of interpretation.
Hiking
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.
Painting and drawing
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.
Photography
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.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Ranger-led programs
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.
Education programs
School program activities are available at a number of facilities.
Snowshoeing
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.
Wildlife watching

Most wildlife viewing is done from one of two hiking trails. The White Oak Nature Trail is made up of a short loop (1.25 miles) and a long loop (2 miles). The 3.3 mile Black Tupelo trail starts from the visitor center and offers a view of the refuge from the east side of the Carmans River.

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