 Most people think of beaches, bays and marshlands when they think of Delmarva. There are some truly unique forests that provide habitats for migrating birds and other wildlife as well as our own native plants. The best time to visit? Late Fall through Spring. The links below are to places with public access for a variety of activities. Be sure to click on locations of interest and check local sites for more specific information.
Delaware
Killen's
Pond State Park: Biking and hiking trails are available, including a 3.2 mile path around their pond. Recreational areas include playgrounds and a water park. Boat rentals are available.
Trap
Pond State Park: These wooded freshwater wetlands boast the home of
the northern most natural stand of bald cypress trees. A great birding
site: look for the pileated woodpecker! Boat rentals are available.
Lums
Pond: This man-made pond with St. George's creek at it's source provides
a boat ramp, camping, and horse trails.
Delaware
Greenways & Trails:
All three counties in Delaware provide these hiking trails where you can
see and enjoy the natural habitat and its residents.
Maryland Eastern Shore
Adkins Arboretum: When was the last time you took a walk in the woods? Located on the Tuckahoe Creek this 400-acre preserve includes portions of one of the region's most significant forested wetlands, four miles of trails, education programs and more.
Elk
Neck State Park: Trails, camping and handicap access are all features
of this state park at the northernmost reaches of the Chesapeake Bay.
Tuckahoe
State Park: Near the Sassafrass River Wildlife Area, this park has
fishing and birding opportunities as well as play ground equipment and
camping.
Millington
Wildlife Management Area: Rich forest trails, ponds thought to be
formed by prehistoric beached whales, and displays of Lenni Lenape native
artifacts are some great reasons to visit this park in eastern Kent County
Maryland.
E.A.Vaughn
Wildlife Management Area: Over 1700 acres of forest and reclamated
farmland; this area is called a "green tree reservoir." It is good not
only for birders, but "herp" lovers as well.
Idylwild
Wildlife Management Area: Not far from the Victorian charm of Federalsburg
this forestland is nestled along the Marshyhope Creek. Trails, which are
great for hikers and all terrain bicycling, yield great views of wetland
forest inhabitants and wild flowers.
Johnson
Wildlife Management Area: This relatively small preserve is also home
to the Natural Resources Police. Unmarked trails run through woods that
are home to a variety of song birds and other wildlife.
LeCompte
Wildlife Management Area: Near Vienna, Maryland, this is billed mostly
as a hunting preserve for bow hunters and those using muzzleloaders. It
includes handicap access for physically challenged hunters.
Linkwood
Wildlife Management Area: This is known to be a nesting ground for
the scarlet tanager. But, bring your boots. Most trails run through marshy
areas.
Martinak
State Park: On the Choptank River not far from Denton, Maryland, this
is a park with full service camping, boat access, trails and special activities.
A great place to take the family.
Pocomoke
River State Park: This is actually home to two parks: Shad Landing
on the east side of the river and Milburn Landing on the west side. You'll
find full service camping and forest trails as well as activities and
play areas for kids. Don't miss canoeing or kayaking among the Bald Cypress
trees on one of the most unique waterways on the peninsula.
Pocomoke
State Forest: Not far away from Pocomoke River State Park, this is
largely a hunting preserve, but is open to off-road-vehicles with four-wheel
drive.
Wye
Island NRMA: Six miles of trails and thirty miles of shoreline are
features of this land, part of which was once owned by the third governor
of Maryland and signer of the Declaration of Independence William Paca.
Virginia's Eastern Shore
Mockhorn
Island Wildlife Management Area: Contrary to its name, the part of
this reserve that is accessible by car, is only the deeply wooded areas.
Summer is the least likeable time to visit, while other seasons yield
many birding opportunities.
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