Blackwater Refuge Wildlife Drive

The 4-mile long Wildlife Drive takes you through several types of wildlife-rich habitat found at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, including tidal marshland, forest, fields, and man-made ponds. Bring your binoculars and look for wildlife such as bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, foxes, and Delmarva fox squirrels, to name a few.

Wildlife Drive is paved, and can be accessed by vehicle, bicycle, or foot. An entrance fee is required for the Drive, and can be paid at the self-service kiosk at the head of the Drive. The daily fee for the Wildlife Drive is $3 per vehicle and $1 per hiker or biker. For rates on buses, contact the Blackwater Visitor Center in advance at 410-228-2677 or fw5rw_bwnwr@fws.gov.  Entrance is free to visitors who have a valid Annual, Senior, Access, or Blackwater Pass, or who have a current Duck Stamp. The Wildlife Drive is open from sunrise to sunset every day, but may be closed during severe weather events.

The entrance to Wildlife Drive is located off of Key Wallace Drive, about 1.5 miles east of the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center. It features two short walking trails and a photo blind. There are many pull-offs along the Drive for wildlife viewing. A map and guide to the Wildlife Drive can be obtained at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center or the kiosk at the head of the Drive. Numbered signs along the Drive correspond to points of interest in the guide. An audio guide to the Wildlife Drive on tape or CD is also available at the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore in the Visitor Center.