Blackwater Tubman Road Trail

This 1.5-mile interpreted walking trail, located off of Hip Roof Road, utilizes old access roads as it passes through old fields, wet sloughs, and stands of forest of various ages. The trail features a small picnic area, an informational kiosk, and an observation deck that overlooks one of the sloughs and an stand of mature forest that was devastated by a tornado in 2002. A bald eagle’s nest can also be seen from the deck. The tornado, along with the old fields that were once used for agriculture and cattle grazing, created a forest “edge” that attracts many deer and turkey to this area. The low-lying nature of this area also makes this a prime viewing area for sika deer, an exotic species of Asian elk that was introduced to this area in early 1900’s. During the warm months of spring and summer, many species of frog can be seen and heard along the trail. Hip Roof Road is located off of Rt. 335, about 4 miles south of Key Wallace Drive. The entrance to the trail is about one-half mile down Hip Roof Road, and is marked by a sign. An interpretive brochure about the trail can be obtained at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center or the trail kiosk. Numbered markers on the trail correspond to points of interest listed in the trail brochure. Because parts of this trail can sometimes be wet and insects are common in the warm months, appropriate dress is recommended.