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The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, skirting the west shore of Delaware Bay about 22 miles southeast of Dover, was established in 1963.
Wildlife observation and photography, sightseeing, canoeing, kayaking, hunting and fishing are all popular recreational activities here.
The refuge is opened daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The visitor center is open weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from April through November from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The primary goal of the refuge is to provide habitat for waterfowl, waterbirds, migratory birds and endangered species.
There are four short hiking trails, ranging from a half-mile loop to a two-mile round trip footpath.
An interpretative pamphlet is available for paddlers on the seven-mile canoe trail, but there are no canoe rentals. From Oct. 1 to March 15, access is restricted to the western-most four miles to reduce stress and disturbance on migrating and wintering waterfowl.
Spring and fall are the best times to see wildlife.
Peak shorebird numbers occur in the spring when large numbers of migrants — red knots, ruddy turnstones, least sandpipers, and semipalmated plovers — arrive to rest and feed.
Migrating neotropical land birds start arriving in late April to the end of May, when the birding for warblers is at its best.
Mid-October through November is the optimal time for viewing waterfowl when peak numbers of ducks and geese have been recorded. Predominant species include snow geese, Canada geese, green-winged teal, northern pintails, black ducks, gadwalls, American wigeon and wood ducks.
Outdoor Activities |
