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Adventure outside this fall on the Eastern Shore

Adventure outside this fall on the Eastern Shore

Hike, bird, hunt, and fish in the Heart of the Chesapeake!

 
November is a great time to get outdoors in the Heart of the Chesapeake! Earlyl We still have fall colors in early November. Here's how to take in some outside fun:
 
Hiking at Robinson Neck Preserve

 

Where to hike

 
Dorchester County shows its fall colors later than other places in Maryland, so there’s still time to enjoy the color and crunch of fall leaves! It's time to lace up your hiking shoes and head out! Here are a few places to go:
  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: The refuge has four land trails: the Marsh Edge Trail (video above), the Woods Trail, the Key Wallace Trail – all off of or close to Wildlife Drive; and the Tubman Road Trail, located off Hip Roof Road, south of the refuge's visitor center. You can also stroll along the four-mile Wildlife Drive. More info.
  • Frank M. Ewing/Robinson Neck Preserve: This little-known gem of a trail is on Taylors Island. Walk

LOOK FOR THE BIRDS! Make your hike even more interesting by watching for migrating and resident birds. Need some guidance on birding? Join a free Guided Birding Tour at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Nov. 2, 14, 23, 29; Dec. 14, 27. 

Fishing - Photo courtesy Capt. Phil Gootee

 

Go fish


In Dorchester County, you’ll find a mix of freshwater, saltwater, and tidal fish species such as rockfish (also known as striped bass), white perch, croaker, black drum, flounder, and many more. Not to mention invasive species such as the northern snakehead and blue catfish.

  • Catch up on the latest fishing report from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
  • Read the latest Maryland Fishing Guide.
  • See a helpful map that shows more than two dozen public fishing spots in Dorchester County, as well as types of fish, boat ramp information, parking information, and more. Fishing is also allowed at any public boat ramp. 
  • In Dorchester County, you don’t need a license to fish at designated spots at Long Wharf Park, near High and Water Streets in Cambridge

 

On the hunt


Dorchester offers opportunity for hunting on public lands, including Chesapeake Forest Lands and Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (during specific seasons with a special refuge permit). 


NOTE: During the federal government shutdown, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is closed and not accepting phone calls, but Wildlife Drive and the walking trails remain open.