TRAILS AND BOARDWALKS

See our refuge map for trail locations (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Tundra Swan Boardwalk

On the right as you cross over the bridge to Eastern Neck Island, you will find a universally-accessible boardwalk with two viewing scopes (one standard, one wheelchair accessible). This is a great place for crabbing and fishing.

Boxes Point Trail

Park at the Tubby Cove parking area and walk back a short distance along the main road toward the entrance bridge. This broad trail begins along the border between the forest and marsh. The trail then bends to reveal an agricultural field on the right, where migratory Canada geese often gather in the fall and winter. From there the trail enters a forest of mixed evergreen and deciduous trees with a very open understory. The forest fades to marsh as the trail nears its terminus at Boxes Point, looking northeast with a view of the entrance bridge and Fryingpan Cove. Waterfowl, including tundra swans, are often visible here in the late fall, winter, and early spring. Bald eagle sightings can be common from this point, particularly in the spring and early summer. The trail is 1.2 miles round-trip.

Tubby Cove Boardwalk
Credit: Cindy Heffley/USFWS

Tubby Cove Boardwalk

From the Tubby Cove kiosk and parking area, this wooden boardwalk extends over a healthy and diverse marsh to a wooded "island." Once on the island, the boardwalk passes through a stand of loblolly trees to two viewing platforms. The main path leads to a handiap-accessible enclosed wooden viewing blind. A roughly-defined trail from the main path extends to an elevated viewing platform providing a look out over the Bay and into Calfpasture Cove and Tubby Cove. The boardwalk is less than 1/4-mile round-trip.

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Duck Inn Trail

From Bogle's Wharf Rd., this trail begins in a wooded area dominated by loblolly pine and bordered by marshes, where evidence of previous prescribed fires is visible. This section of the trail is a good place to see migrating warblers and other songbirds in the spring. The trail then moves into a field of tall grasses and open marsh. Finally, the trail moves through an area of scattered loblolly pine and deciduous trees before terminating at the bank of the Chester River. The shore at this point is composed of an oyster midden and looks east over the river. Waterfowl may be visible here during late fall, winter, and early spring. The trail is 1 mile round-trip.

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Wildlife Trail

This 1/2-mile loop trail begins and ends at a trailhead on the main refuge road, near the road leading to the Bayview-Butterfly Trail. The trail never leaves the forest, although it passes close to wetlands in several places. A spur of the trail extends off the main path to a viewing blind overlooking a marsh. Songbirds are plentiful along this wooded trail, particularly during fall and spring migrations.

Bayview-Butterfly Trail

This trail has recently been expanded, now consisting of a complete 1/3-mile loop near our intern quarters. This universally-accessible trail extends through a restored grassland to a deck overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, complete with benches and free binocular viewers (one standard, one wheelchair accessible). The border of the trail has been planted with native plants to attract butterflies, particularly abundant during the summer. From the deck, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is visible, as is the Key Bridge in Baltimore on a clear day. Near the shore, distinct stone structures constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, known as "breakwaters," prevent shoreline erosion as waves from the Bay collide upon them. The trail continues through restored grassland and into the forest to an enclosed photo blind overlooking a pond. The trail then continues through the woods before turning back through a grassland to the parking lot. A gazebo located near the start and finish points of the trail invites visitors to relax and enjoy the view while learning about Eastern Neck NWR's butterflies! Check out our Bayscape page to learn more about the garden at the start of the trail.

Tidal Marsh Overlook Trail

Located behind the Headquarters/Visitor Center, this brand new universally-accessible boardwalk offers visitors a chance to meander through a native meadow to a photo blind overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. In early morning, look for waterfowl and other water birds starting out their day in the pool just beyond the photo blind. Take time to learn about all the wonders of the Bay while you walk on the boardwalk.

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New Water Trail!!

A new water trail around Eastern Neck Island has been established. The trail connects biologic, scenic, historic and ecologic sites located around the island for the recreational and educational benefit of paddlers. The trail consists of seven points of interest including island loss, wetland restoration, historical locations, submerged aquatic vegatation beds, key wildlife viewing areas, hiking trails, and other recreation sites which contain interpretive wayside signs easily accessed and viewed by paddlers. All of the stopping points along with navigational markers and other useful information are displayed in a waterproof, tear proof, floating map and guide which is available at the Friends of Eastern Neck Bookstore located at the Visitor Center. Starting point for the water trail is at Bogle's Wharf.