Explore Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic, and is nestled on the Eastern shores of Kent County, Delaware. 

Upon arriving at the refuge, there is a small visitor center with maps, a video presentation, restrooms, and educational exhibits. There is a small admission fee, and the visitor center is the easiest place to pay. 

A 12 mile driving loop takes you throughout the refuge with places you can stop to hike, observe wildlife, or climb one of the observation towers to get a better view of the landscape.

Highlights of the driving loop include, in the order of appearance:

1. Raymond Tower Trail: a 0.25 mile trail to the observation tower overlooking Raymond Pool
2. Boardwalk Trail: a 0.25 mile boardwalk loop that offers fantastic views of the salt marshes
3. Shearness Tower Trail: a 0.25 mile walk to the observation tower overlooking Shearness Pool, and a great place to observe flocks of birds
4. Parsons Point Trail: a 1 mile trail into the forested area near Shearness Pool. There was not much to see on this trail, and it could be skipped if time is short
5. Bear Swamp Trail: a 0.25 mile loop to to the Bear Swamp Observation Tower. There is also a small dock adjacent to the tower, which is a great place to catch reptiles basking in the sun. 

Continue along the driving loop to exit the refuge.