Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Top 11 in Top 14 Best Day Trips From Washington
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore and is perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The park was established in 1933 and encompasses over 28000 acres in total. It is home to about 1000 animal species, including over 200 bird species. The refuge is home to the most surviving Delmarva fox squirrels and bald eagles on the East Coast. The Blackwater River and the Little Blackwater River feed the Blackwater Refuge. The term "blackwater" refers to the tea-colored waters of the local rivers, which have been darkened by tannin taken up as the water drains through peat soil in the marshes.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge also provides a plethora of recreational and tourism activities for people of all ages. Despite the fact that much of Blackwater Refuge is comprised of marshes, there are several opportunities to interact with wildlife and enjoy the beauty. Because of the number of great routes, such as the Marsh Edge Trail, the Key Wallace Trail, and the Tubman Trail, hiking, biking, running, and strolling are the most popular activities here. Water trails for kayaking, canoeing, and boating are also available in the Maryland wildlife refuge. You can also go fishing and hunting if you have the necessary license.
On Key Wallace Drive, the refuge has a visitor center with animal exhibits, a genuine eagle's nest, Eagle Cam and Osprey Cam TV monitors, the Eagle's Nest Book and Gift Shop, a butterfly garden, toilets, and maps and brochures to assist visitors make the most of their visit. The park also offers bird-watching tours to its visitors.
Address: 2145 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613, United States
Phone: +1 410-228-2677
Opening hours: 10AM–4PM
Rating: 4.8/5.0, 423 Google reviews
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater