Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails

Parks › Maryland › Blackwater NWR › Points of Interest › Trail

Blackwater Refuge currently has three water trails: the Purple, Orange, and Green Trails. These trails were named "Recommended Water Trails for 2006" by the American Canoe Association.

Paddlers will find markers on the water that will help them navigate, but due to the sometimes maze-like appearance of the marsh, it's important that paddlers pick up a Paddling Map before heading out. Please remember that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff at the Refuge is not equipped for rescues, and cell phones often do not work around the Refuge. Paddlers are advised to not exit their boats on the marsh as the waters are shallow and the mud is not suitable for walking.

In a canoe or kayak, vi siters can explore tidal marshes and brackish ponds for a closer look at the Refuge's resident and visiting wildlife including bald eagles and ospreys. From October through November, as many as 50,000 geese, ducks, and tundra swans stop at Blackwater Refuge during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. Up to 20 species of ducks and 250 species of other birds may also be seen here, along with 165 species of threatened or endangered plants. The endangered Delmarva fox squirrel and other species make their home in the large stands of loblolly pine and hardwoods.

The Blackwater River is a major feature of the Refuge and the surrounding area. It begins where Parsons and Corsey Creeks meet in northwestern Dorchester County, Maryland, then flows southeast to Fishing Bay, which opens into the Chesapeake Bay. The Blackwater got its name because tannic acid from decaying leaves on the forest floor darkens the water which drains from thousands of acres into the river whenever it rains.

Among the Blackwater's tributaries, the largest is the Little Blackwater. It flows 12 twisting miles from its headwaters in Cambridge, Maryland to join the Blackwater, which runs 17 more miles to Fishing Bay. The freshwater flow from this and other tributaries, such as Coles Creek, produces different ranges of salinity that determine the type of wetland plants paddlers will see along the trails.
Trail Features

Below is general information about the three water trails. Please visit the Friends of Blackwater Paddling page to read more about the trails and to find rental and guide information.

Distance: 2.8 miles round trip only
Paddling Time: 1.0 - 1.4 hours (speed 2-3 mph)

Please note: The Purple Trail is closed to paddlers October 1 through March 31 each year. The closure is critical to avoid interfering with migratory waterfowl on the Refuge.

Orange Trail
Distance: 7.6 miles round trip only
Paddling Time: 2.6 - 3.8 hours (speed 2-3 mph)
Put-in: Shorters Wharf

Green Trail
Distance: 8 miles round trip only
Paddling Time: 2.6 - 4.0 hours (speed 2-3 mph)
Put-in: Rt. 335 Bridge

Please note: The Green Trail is a scenic trail and is a good trail for beginners. However, during fall and winter, waterfowl hunters are active on private property near the Green Trail. If you want more information about hunting season, call the Refuge Visitor Center at 410-228-2677 for exact hunting dates.

Directions

From Easton, MD heading South (East):

From the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, follow Route 50 East to Easton. From Easton continue South on Route 50 East. Cross over Senator Frederick C. Malkus, Jr. Bridge (Choptank River Bridge). Follow Route 50 (approximately 4 miles) until you come to a traffic light just past the Dorchester Square Shopping Center (Center includes Walmart and Food City). You will see a brown sign directing you to the Refuge. Turn right at this light onto Route 16 West (Church Creek Road). Follow Route 16 straight through a traffic light at Snow's Turn, until you pass the South Dorchester High School. At the blinker light, turn left onto Egypt Road just past the school buildings (first road past the traffic light). There is a small store with the letters D.D.U.S.T. across from Egypt Road. Follow Egypt road for approximately 7 miles and it will dead end at Key Wallace Drive. You will see a brown Refuge sign directing you to turn left onto Key Wallace Drive to go to the Wildlife Drive, or turn right onto Key Wallace Drive to get to the Refuge Office and to the Visitor Center. After turning right onto Key Wallace, the Refuge Office (headquarters) will be the first building on the left, and the Visitor Center will be the second building on your left about 2 miles.

From Salisbury, MD heading North:

From Salisbury head north on Route 50. Once you are almost in the town of Cambridge, you will come to a traffic light with an Exxon station on your left. Before the light there should be a large brown sign on the right directing you to the Refuge. At the light you should see the Dorchester Square Shopping Center with a Walmart and Food City. Turn left onto Route 16 West (Church Creek Road). Follow Route 16 straight through a traffic light at Snow's Turn, until you pass the South Dorchester High School. At the blinker light, turn left onto Egypt Road just past the school buildings (first road past the traffic light). There is a small store with the letters D.D.U.S.T. across from Egypt Road. Follow Egypt road for approximately 7 miles and it will dead end at Key Wallace Drive. You will see a brown Refuge sign directing you to turn left onto Key Wallace Drive to go to the Wildlife Drive, or turn right onto Key Wallace Drive to get to the Refuge Office and to the Visitor Center. After turning right onto Key Wallace, the Refuge Office (headquarters) will be the first building on the left, and the Visitor Center will be the second building on your left about 2 miles.

Should you get lost...our phone number is (410) 228-2677 for the Visitor Center or 410-228-2692 for the Refuge Office. Happy traveling.