Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,285-acre nature reserve located in Maryland, USA.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The refuge is known for its diverse range of habitats, including tidal marshes, wetlands, forests, and meadows, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The refuge is home to over 240 bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and waterfowl. Visitors can explore the refuge via several hiking trails, including the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, which offers scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding marshlands.

Other points of interest at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge include the Tubby Cove Boardwalk, which provides a glimpse into the area's rich tidal marsh ecosystem, and the Bufflehead Pond Observation Blind, a popular spot for birdwatching.

Interesting facts about the refuge include its role in the conservation of the Delmarva Fox Squirrel, a once-endangered species that now thrives within the refuge's forests. Additionally, the area was used as a military installation during World War II and was later converted into a wildlife refuge in 1962.

The best time of year to visit Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall, when migratory birds pass through the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers seasonal events and educational programs throughout the year.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks