Every now and then, some of us want a break from the beach (and a cure for the crowds), so we head for the woods.
We’re lucky to have a 10,000-acre wildlife refuge just 15 minutes north of Lewes. With fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, fields, and Delaware Bay shoreline, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a treasure trove of birds, reptiles, fish, and other wildlife. So if you’re looking for a change from the clanging arcade games, screaming beachgoers, and honking cars, head up Coastal Highway to a place where the only sound is the singing of birds.
The entrance to the refuge (on Broadkill Road) is well marked. Turn in (on Turkle Pond Road) and stop at the brand-new visitor center, which has a nice gift shop as well as taxidermy specimens of some of the wildlife you might see. You may even meet someone who knows what a “turkle” is.
Pick up a trail map (free, as is the refuge itself) and decide which trail you want to take. Each trail is well described (length, terrain, accessibility, special features) – and the map also shows parking areas and restroom locations. Some of the trails have signs with interesting information about the plants and animals you might see, and several trails offer wildlife observation areas.
You might encounter mosquitoes, biting flies, or ticks, so tuck those pant legs into your socks and consider using insect repellent. Before you go, download the free Merlin Bird ID app (created by Cornell University) – and you’ll be able to learn about the birds the app “hears” on the trails.
