The Wildlife Drive is a paved road -- approximately 4 miles in length -- that takes visitors along the Blackwater River and offers excellent views of the local wildlife, including our bald eagles. The Drive and associated trails are open from dawn to dusk every day, and visitors can drive, bike, or walk the length of the Drive. Wildlife seen from the Drive includes waterfowl, shorebirds, turtles, deer, endangered Delmarva fox squirrels, ospreys, and bald eagles.

Along the Drive, visitors will find access to the Marsh Edge Trail and the Woods Trail, and can also access an observation blind that offers photographers and birdwatchers an opportunity to more closely observe the wildlife. (Note: Marsh Edge Trail closed until April 2008 due to nesting eagles near the trail.)

From the Drive, visitors can also get relatively close to several osprey platforms, including the Osprey Cam platform, which broadcasts live images to our website. Turnouts are available at different points on the road so visitors can safely stop to view the wildlife.

Remember that visitors on the Drive are asked to stay on the roadway. Also pets are not allowed on trails or out of vehicles on the Wildlife Drive, even if on a leash. This policy is to protect the endangered ground-feeding Delmarva fox squirrels. Pets can be walked in the parking lot around the Visitor Center.

View a PDF map (674 KB) of the Wildlife Drive or view a brochure (107 KB) detailing the Wildlife Drive highlights.

Below are two photos taken from the Wildlife Drive; the photos feature a three-chick osprey family and a perched bald eagle.