November is a great time to get outside in Dorchester County! While fall colors have faded in much of Maryland, the season lingers a little longer here on the Eastern Shore. Add cooler temperatures, migrating birds, and wide-open Chesapeake landscapes, and you've got plenty of reasons for an outdoor adventure. Here's how to make the most of it!

Take a hike

Lace up your hiking shoes and enjoy the color and crunch of fall leaves! From peaceful woodland paths to sweeping marsh views, Dorchester has some wonderful places to explore.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: Choose from four walking trails: Marsh Edge Trail, Woods Trail, Key Wallace Trail, and Tubman Road Trail. Each offers a different perspective on the refuge's forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Or take a leisurely drive along the four-mile Wildlife Drive, stopping to admire the scenery and look for wildlife. Check trail conditions and seasonal closures before visiting. Explore Blackwater's trails.

Frank M. Ewing/Robinson Neck Preserve: Tucked away on Taylors Island, this lesser-known gem offers a peaceful walk through woods and wetlands, ending with beautiful views across an expansive marsh. Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife along the way. There's even a self-guided audio tour to enrich your visit. (The access road can flood around high tide or after heavy rain; check conditions before you go.) Learn more about the preserve.

Photo by Ron Ketter

Watch the birds!

Fall migration brings an impressive variety of feathered visitors to Dorchester County. At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, look for ducks, geese, tundra swans, and bald eagles soaring overhead. November is an especially rewarding time for birdwatching, whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started.

Want some expert guidance? Join one of Blackwater's free Guided Birding Tours on Nov. 1, 10, 22, or 29, or Dec. 8, 13, or 27. Bring binoculars, dress for the weather, and get ready to see what turns up!

Explore birding at Blackwater.

Go fish!

With rivers, creeks, and Chesapeake Bay waters, Dorchester County offers plenty of places to cast a line. Anglers can pursue everything from striped bass (rockfish) and white perch to blue catfish and northern snakehead. What's biting? Check the latest reports before heading out.

Check Maryland's latest fishing reports

Consult the Maryland Fishing Guide for current seasons, limits, and regulations.

Explore Dorchester's public fishing spots, water access points, and boat ramps.

No fishing license required at designated areas of Long Wharf in Cambridge! A free angler registration is still required, and fishing regulations apply. See Maryland's license-free fishing areas.

Take a ride!

Quiet country roads, waterfront views, and wide-open landscapes make Dorchester County a wonderful place to explore by bike. Pedal past marshes, farms, historic communities, and wildlife habitat — with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a longer challenge, our Dorchester Cycling Guide features six suggested routes ranging from 10 to 55 miles.

Explore our Cycling Guide.

On the hunt

With extensive forests, marshlands, and wildlife habitat, Dorchester County offers a variety of public-land hunting opportunities, including Chesapeake Forest Lands, Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunting seasons, access rules, and permit requirements vary by location, so be sure to check current regulations before heading out.

See Maryland's 2026–27 hunting seasons and regulations.

Explore hunting at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Learn about Dorchester County's place on Maryland’s Deer Hunting Trail, organized by Fish & Hunt Maryland.