Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Reviews

A place to quietly enjoy nature. Part of the Refuge is "managed" and you have to stay on paths. The birds are wonderful and it was very empty when I visited mid-week. There is also a large section that is "unmanaged". If you have waterproof hiking or wading boots, you can explore anywhere in this section. I didn't have boots with me so I can't comment on this section. Very nice Visitor Center and gift shop. By the way, I went to a local Mexican Restaurant, Casa Maya
615 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ and had a lovely meal.

Came here on a beautiful Autumn Sunday. When I walked into the center, the staff were very courteous and hospitable. Besty was very nice. She led me to the map and explained to me the trails I can take and how long it will take in distance. Very nice place. I liked the center more than I like the trails.

We've been here before in winter (kids loved it) so we stopped by again at 4:20 on a Saturday afternoon. Sadly, the visitor's center was closed by then (no Blue Goose stamp) and we couldn't go through the vehicle nature drive gate. We did get to talk the 1/2 mile loop at the visitor's center and that was nice, but it would have been better if we could drive down the road and get inside the visitor center.

Have visited here many times. Informative visitor center. It’s a good size refuge and the staff is very helpful with suggestions of where to go and what to look at the refuge. A number of walking trails to take you into peaceful, quiet nature. Great for bird watching, nature lovers, and nature photographers. Warning though – there are a lot of cyclists on weekends and some of the roads thru the refuge are narrow, so drivers have to be careful. Hard to believe this could have been made into an airport in the 1960s.

A glorious day before Hermine came up the seaboard. We spent four hours visiting three different locations in the Refuge. We managed to see/hear several species of birds as well as different types of trees and flora. The first location we arrived at was the wildlife observation center, the info center here has maps to use if you don't want to download one from the website. There were several boardwalk trails to take, we took the birding blind trail. Very nice, some really good opportunity for nature photography. We only went down one trail within the first hour. We stopped at the overlook on the way to the visitor center--what a treat, several birds presented themselves. The visitor center is really nice. There were history panels about the swamp and how it was saved from destruction. The volunteers are very helpful. Out in the trails we managed to see several birds as wells as good examples of different habitat (streams, grasses, woods, marsh).

On our way back to PA from a weekend in NYC on interstate 78, we saw the sign for the Great Swamp!!! In NJ??? We decided to check this out. We do like to stop at places on the spur during out travels, the reason we are independent travelers. Trying to find the Visitors Center was a problem. The GPS units we used got us to the Refuge and we followed the signs for the Center BUT the signs did not take us anywhere near the Visitor Center!!! You must put in the Helen C Fenske Visitor Center name in your GPS. When we did arrive at the Center, the staff agreed it's a major concern BUT the Center is well worth the visit. The Refuge was started when it was talked about that the area would be an AIRPORT back in the late 50's. Interesting start for a Refuge. The Raptor center is a must stop at the Refuge along with the one trail we took, "Wildlife Observation Center" - a boardwalk trail. Lots of chipmunks and birds during our walk. Will be back!

A National Natural Landmark since 1966, comprised of 78000 acres , this was the bottom of a glacial lake almost 15000 years ago. Over 244 species of birds have been recorded here as well as fox, snakes, turtles, deer, muskrat and raccoons.
We visited on a day when there was an all day count of birds from 4 AM until 6 PM. Over 73 differently species were seen. Then we participated in a scheduled walk to see flocks of ducks that brought out about 25 other people at 5:30 PM. This and many other activities are free.
We also visited the nearby Raptor Trust and hiked at the lovely Lord Stirling Park which has boardwalks and observation blinds among its many trails.

I went looking for something different from State Line Lookout other then birds and saw 3 very small frogs that someone else had to point out otherwise I would not have seen them, I will not return.

We had been trying to go for many years and could never get family and friends together . Finally my wife and I went on the way back from Pa . We thought it would be full of mosquitoes but we were wrong . We have been to other swamps and they were as big as vultures and just as blood thirsty . This park has so many different trails and you don't see anyone on them . Plenty of parking and clean modern indoor bathrooms in the center . Very easy hiking with very flat trails .

I visited with my family a few years ago and wanted to share some photos and say what a lovely place this is. We were visiting a niece who went to Drew University and I just happened to notice Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge nearby. We really enjoy National Wildlife Refuges and swamps in particular, and Great Swamp is well worth the visit. We were there in October, so we were seeing some fall color. I definitely recommend Great Swamp for a visit.

A great off beat wildlife refuge can be found in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge area. Its a little difficult to find if one isn't aware of the area but its worth a trip. The park offers numerous areas to watch birds and wildlife. Several areas have accessible water sites to watch ducks. Be sure to take binoculars and zoom lenses as much of the wildlife can be seen in the distance. The park is free and very budget friendly. However, there aren't many "convenience" stations so plan ahead. Depending on one's walking ability, there are ample areas to explore without having to do too much hiking.

Hadn't been to the Great Swamp and its educational center for years...went often when the kids were young and took all sorts of nature classes....but this time we went to see the maple sugaring demonstrations they are having on Saturdays and Sundays through this maple sugar season. After a 10 minute or so walk through the woods on the marked trail, we all met at the Sugar Shack in the middle of the Sugar Bush (grove of maple trees) and had a 60 minute demonstration on the history and practices of maple sugaring. Adults and kids both enjoyed Maria's enthusiastic and educational lessons.
While there and waiting to walk to the Shack, we looked around at the all the brochures, etc., and they have so many different and educational programs. Early morning is recommended for your solo walks on the many trails, etc. that are open to the public. Check them out online and see all they have to offer. Did I mention that we met a red fox on our walk to the Shack and saw two different kinds of woodpeckers, so that was our extra treat! And it's free!!!!

Very well maintained. Lots of fun. Easy to talk. Clean restroom. Will definitely come back in the fall.

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers an opportunity to get up close with nature. I went to the Wildlife Observation Center off Long Hill Road the other day to take some pictures. I enjoy coming here during the different seasons of the year. There are three observation areas in this section of the Great Swamp for wildlife viewing, the Garden Club Blind, the Sportsmen Blind, and the Friends Blind. Some of the trails have boardwalks allowing you to walk along wet and dry areas. There are plenty of spaces for parking and they do have restrooms. The Wildlife Refuge does not charge an entrance fee, but donations are appreciated. No pets are allowed in this area. Trail maps of the Great Swamp are available at the Observation Center showing the the various trails in the management area as well as the wilderness area.

All but a small portion of one of the trails is boardwalks so it's great to bring young children. My one year old loved being able to walk off on her own. The trails weren't very long so we did them all in a short time. We got "chased" by a young raccoon at the beginning of the trail and my one year old loved that! She kept calling cat cat cat! Other than that we really didn't see any animals but we weren't very quiet.

It is a perfect swamp. Here is the redeeming part: it has a bird sanctuary were you can bring bird that was injured.

Literally, right down the road from the Raptor Trust, another excellent attraction on Whitebridge Road in Morris County, Nj, is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. I'm fortunate enough to live close by, but I'm always running into folks from all over the world. Especially birders and photographers. The swamp can offer a startling surprise or a pleasant stroll. Kind of like fishing. Nature plays its little games. The refuge is a place for wildlife, which is sometime disappointing for visitors, because access is limited, giving wildlife the before us freedom to roam. But that doesn't mean no access. Roads and boardwalks take you into rather remote areas, but a majority of the refuge is off limits. I've come across eagles and bears, rare birds for the area, Northern Shrike and lots more. The Freiends of the Swamp offer a calendar of guided tours into restricted areas throughout the year. July and August definitely buggy, so come prepared.

Went to our first ever maple sugar festival at the Great Swamps OEC and we were not expecting how fun it would be! First off to enter it was $4 at the front door so not terrible..secondly our guide through the swamp Doug was very informative and knowledgeable about the trees and how to properly tap a mature maple. There was multiple tables and different maple goodies to buy. We had a great time and we would definitely do it again next year!

This is a great place all year long. Today we biked thru a part of the Great Swamp. There was a fundraiser bikeride going on and the roads were not as pleasant as usual. However, any other time that we've been here for a walk or a bike ride, it is sensational. Beautiful birds....heron, blue birds, red winged blackbird, yellow warblers and more...lots of frogs, turtles. There is a nice boardwalk for nature walks and blinds for observing. The Helen Fensche Visitor's center is a good place to park.

This is a lovely place, beautiful in every season, except perhaps summer, when the mosquitoes are out in force. Always see something different, like snapping turtles, snakes, and otters. Peaceful and serene, except for the occasional noisy kid.

I have passed the signs for the Great Swamp NWR a zillion times - always meaning to go.
Finally, on a beautiful autumn afternoon we went. Easy to find off Route 287, the visitor center was informative and interesting.
We took the 1 mile hike along the White Oak trail looking for birds. Heard many but couldn't see any clearly.
Also passed an observation area that, in another season might be filed with birds and perhaps other wildlife. Unfortunately we didn't see anything except 1 blue bird. A little disappointing but I will definitely return in the spring. Hopefully we will see more then.

But it's so nice to know that such a large natural area is located within Morris County.

A wonderful, peaceful place to experience nature in all its glory. Thank you to the volunteers who make this possible.

Recently my wife and went to the Wildlife Observation Center in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and walked to the C.S Robbins Observation Platform that overlooks a large area of the swamp. This year they improved the observation platform with the addition of a storyboard about Chandler Robbins and pictures with information about wildlife seen in the area. We enjoyed the view and fresh air.

Even though New Jersey is in the throes of a drought, the great swamp was a beautiful walk in the woods. The boardwalk paths were easy walking and do were the trails. The foliage was lovely. Due to lack of water in the swamp, the wildlife was less apparent than our visit 20 years ago. But I grew up here, and the swamp never ceases to interest me with its natural beauty. If you're an outdoor person this is a must visit any time if the year. We did see several wild swans and lots of ducks and the usual local birds.

Finally had the opportunity to enjoy this treasure. Don't let the government shut down dissuade you. Would have lived to check out the visitor center...oh well...nicely marked easy trails. Worth taking a drive through to the other gate. Was here in autumn, leaves just turning. Will live to return in the spring. A BIG thank you to the federal workers for their dedication to our lands!

I've lived within a mile of this refuge for my entire life, yet there's never been a time I haven't noticed how beautiful it is as I've driven through it. Fall colors and winter sunsets are especially photogenic, and the boardwalks and observation blinds make it easy to stroll to scenic lookout points. I especially enjoy the Somerset Environmental Center which is nearby and provides a number of educational programs to enhance our appreciation of nature.

Went to visit after seeing pictures of this place before. We decided to have a photo shoot here to capture the moment. The paths offered a variety of different landscapes to see. A place to connect with nature and escape from the city.

The trails are will marked, easy to follow and mostly flat except for a few hills. Ample parking and toilet facilities are available in the area. It was not peak warbler migration season yet but we managed to see species of birds in one afternoon. T
The Helen C. Fenske Visitor's Center exhibits and trail maps, helpful staff and a great gift shop.

The visitors center was closed on Monday and Tuesday so we could not start the trip with a visit to the visitors center; even still, there was enough information on the posted signs and plaques to give you some information. In winter, I suppose you have to know what to look for and there isn't as much noise from humans but there aren't as many birds or animals to see. Still, a nice place for some exercise and free from insects in the winter, especially considering that you're in the middle of a swamp!

Start your day at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor's Center. There are plenty of exhibits to look at with trail maps, history, native fauna and flora displays and a gift shop. There is also a 1/8 mile guided Nature Detective Trial with11 stops to educate children about the Great Swamp The staff is eager to help you with your visit. It's open Thurs/Fri 12-4, Sat/Sun 10-4. There are no regularly scheduled tours but there are 8 miles of trials, 3 wildlife observation blinds and 1 wildlife overlook. Some of the trials have a wooden boardwalk. .Nature photography is encouraged and there are opportunities to see reptiles, frogs, snakes, 244 species of birds, deer, muskrat and wildflowers especially at dawn and dusk. I live relatively close to the swamp and migratory season is a primetime to visit. I suggest you visit the Raptor Trust. It is a care facility for injured raptors and one of the outstanding centers for that purpose in the US. It's free but a $2 donation is appreciated. There are 70 exterior cages for birds that can not be returned to the wild. Each cage has an education display explaining the bird. After your day there are plenty of dining options in Basking Ridge. It's a great way to learn and enjoy the Great Swamp habitat.

We love walks and birds so this was a perfect 2 hour excursion. The walks are very well maintained and above ground so no water and very few people even on a Sunday. What a treasure on our way back to the airport.

The Environmental Education Center (Lord Stirling Park) was "open" but it was mostly dark and no one there to answer questions. No programs any more. The other side of the Great Swamp was no different. The Chatham NJ G.S.Outdoor Education Center had one person there but she said there were no exhibits and nothing to do except use the bathrooms. Pretty said I would say.

In late spring, you may see numerous snapping turtles, bull frogs, water snakes, and other critters from the boardwalk. On a hot day in late summer, perhaps a heron will fly over and disappear into the cattails. This is a nice spot to contemplate nature; pretty amazing, given how close one is to major metropolitan areas.

The National Parks Service is to be congratulated for the way they have expanded and protected this invaluable habitat. There is a lot of wildlife to be seen. Best to start with the visitor centre to get a feel of what there is and where to go.

The VC is top notch. Excellent exhibits and clean and bright. Volunteer was engaging and helpful. There is a bird feeding outside that was well populated. We stopped as a break on our way across NJ. The weather was against us, constant driving downpour limited outside time, so cannot speak to trail conditions. A worthwhile stop.

A great vast nature reserve, we enjoyed every minute of this place and if we weren't just passing through would certainly visit here again and again.

There is a small, nice visitor center, great place to start. It is staffed by very helpful volunteers. When we were there the boardwalk, and in some places gravel walk, being built by volunteers was about 3/4 finished, and we were told that they hoped to be finished that summer. The trail was lovely, peaceful and quiet as we strolled through woodland and swamp areas. Benches are available to stop and rest, and enjoy the views, nature and wildlife.
I would recommend pants and closed shoes, socks. The trail is wide so brushing up against the bushes is not too much a problem, but the bugs and mosquitoes are! Use bug spray, and don't forget water.

This place is known for bird watchers, but you don't have to be a bird watcher to enjoy yourself here. It is a wonderful place to go to experience some quiet and fresh air.

There are boardwalks built over some areas of the swamp so you can go through those areas easily. There are trails for hiking, but plenty to do if you're not a hiker. There are many areas with benches so you can just sit and enjoy the landscape, or take photos or paint.

The people in the visitors center are kind and friendly. They are willing to answer any and all of your questions. They even let me borrow a pair of binoculars because I hadn't thought to bring any that day. The items in the gift shop are interesting.

Can't recommend this place enough. I'd like to go back in a different season.

I have visited quite a few times and always enjoy a stroll through the swamp. The boardwalk means that it's safe underfoot and there is always something interesting to see. In the summer there are snakes sunning themselves in the trees (they are a safe distance away!) and there are numerous bird species to be spotted. Earlier today a very knowledgeable volunteer allowed us to touch various animal skulls and answered our questions expertly and with great patience. I recommend a visit.

This is a wonderful wildlife refuge with raised walkways and many paths. They have a new visitor's center. Pets are allowed only on some trails so check their maps before you take your pet. Because this is a refuge, you may go off the trails or pick/take any plants.

This place was so serene and beautiful! Didn't see that much wildlife but the walks were lovely. I would recommend a TON of DEET there was an insane amount of mosquitoes-but we will be back!

We lucked out that it wasn't a hot day in early August, we really enjoyed the different areas, some of which are spread out (some a few miles from each other). Lots of flowers, variety of habitats, we did see a few birds, lots of trees, fields. GREAT book shop with pleasant staff, hummingbird feeders, deer, groundhog, a little creek. A very pleasant place. An escape from reality.

There are so many beautiful trails to explore. We've gone all different times of the year and it's always lovely. The visitor center is wonderful. It has a nice gift shop and lots of information. They even had a student art displayed. We'd definately go again.

Beautiful wilderness. Easy to walk around. There is a wooden walkway which makes it easy to enjoy the area.

Even though it was a gray and rainy day we ventured into the swamp on the 4/10 walkabout. Was very relaxing and beautiful. As photographers, we know the greens and browns of the forest are so much more saturated in the rain so was worth the adventure to get good shots. We didn't see any animal life but the vegetation and fungi were bountiful. Saw several pretty spider webs that had captured rain drops. If in the area, a must do.

We enjoyed a great day of hiking with adult family members interested in birding (~8am-1pm) We spent about 5 hours there and had a bird count of 53. although it comes with the territory, I docked it for the voracious mosquitos we encountered on the boardwalk in the shady area of the swamp for the first hour there. Definitely plan to protect yourself! It is an interesting and unique nature walk and not overcrowded on July 4th weekend. Being less crowded than other parks (which offer more activities) we found it quite peaceful and serene.

Took our relatives from Germany for an afternoon walk. First stop was the visitor center full of information about the refuge with knowledgeable volunteers who can direct you to what to see and what walks are best for your level of walking. We walked along a boardwalk that led to a few ponds and saw several turtles, Driving through the refuge is very peaceful.

The new replacement walkway leading to the Garden Club Blind in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is now finished thanks to many hands which included park workers and volunteers. My wife and I checked out the walkway and other trails this Labor Day weekend.

My review of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was a peaceful and wonderful experience. The swamp is well preserved for visitors to travel through the trails, view wildlife through observatory decks and take great walks with nature. The Refuge surrounds other beautiful suburban neighborhoods like Basking Ridge. It is highly recommended not to come at night because the roads can be pitch dark, limited lighting because most of the area is very forested. A car is also highly required to move from one parking location to the next. I met a gentleman by the name of John who volunteers for the refuge and I thought it was cool that he records all the different animal species throughout the refuge. This refuge is best for hiking and bird and animal photography.

Was at Great Swamp NWR, asked for Blue Goose stamps. Saw there was 2, one dated one not. Was asked by volunteer, "Why do you want both?" Um, one's dated, one's not and me and my 3 year-old collect them? Seems like he didn't want to give to me; be thankful that Blue Goose Stamps drew us to your site, & that as well I spent money in gift shop. For us, "They have a stamp, let's see what the rest of the site is like." BTW, not only does passport display copy have both stamps, but the year is expired on one of them. Otherwise, they have nice displays, and a table with pages to color for the kids

The Refuge is just that, a quiet place for undisturbed wildlife, birds, turtles, and all that thrive in a fresh water environment.

There are easy forest walks and boardwalks over the water and signage for local plants, lots of bird species, and aquatic animals.

The snapping turtle we saw lurking had a shell larger than a dinner plate, must have been a hundred years old at least. Don't put your finger in the water, kids! (You can't, actually.)

Nothing fancy here. The Visitor Center is supposed to be handsome but we just went out to the trails and had a lovely gentle time in nature.

Decades ago a foolish plan was hatched to fill in this natural area and build an airport, if not for the grassroots opposition this NJ outdoor treasure would be gone. Wonderful natural experiences all four seasons and a must visit for all ages.

We spent about 2 hours walking the trail. It is quite overgrown in spots but still a worthwhile adventure. The path is flat and mostly easy to traverse. There are some tree branches to step over and some thicket to move out of the way. The trail was pretty well marked with just one or two spots that were more challenging but we did quite well.

Great Swamp Wildlife Observation Center is a less than a mile boardwalk, where you can see birds, turtles, frogs, snakes, etc. it is a little gem for the locals.

Nature preserve with board walks, enclosed viewing stands, hiking trails and all the wildlife you need to connect with nature. Volunteer staff to offer help and viewing suggestions. Plenty of places to sit on your walks. Quiet and Wonderful!

When we travel long distances, we like to picnic. In New Jersey we have found this to be a problem for travelers just passing through. What a lovely, quiet spot for a picnic lunch. There are clean picnic tables on a covered gazebo looking out over the swamp that the neighbors so wisely saved from development. The birds and birdsongs made the setting especially attractive. It would have been easy to have dallied here on one of their trails (which we will build into our next trip through the region).

I love this wildlife refuge. It’s lovely and really close to Morristown. And we saw a barred owl. The visitor center is also nice and staff is helpful.

There are several different trailheads within the Refuge so consult the website to match your interests and fitness level. This trail, the Boardwalk trail, is several short, <1 mi., flat, mostly boardwalk trails that begin and end at one spot. A stroller or wheelchair would work here. There are restrooms here.
We saw painted turtles in various sizes, huge (2ft) snapping turtles, several species of snakes, various birds, rabbit, chipmunk, squirrels. Millions of tiny flowers at ground level, blooming greens like fiddlehead ferns and skunk cabbage, and the lily pads were green and preparing to produce lilies.
2 caveat with the locals: At the end of some trails are duck blinds. Our teen children spoke, not shouted, not screamed, but spoke, and were immediately shushed and lectured by a bird watcher. Come on, if you want a silent bird watching moment, come at dawn on a Tuesday, not 2 pm on a Saturday. Second, while we pointed out and discussed a rabbit with a couple we passed on the boardwalk, the Mrs. leaned in and told how dangerous she thinks it is to have food on the trail as there are bears "in here". Food was a shoprite bag with granola bars and goldfish crackers, that were were carrying. Not picnicking, or tossing out as bait. Firmly wrapped and grasped in our hand, on a boardwalk trail, filled with people. I love the outdoors and am familiar with the habits of suburban bears and this was overkill.
Our original plan was to hike the longer orange trail a few miles down the road, but it was a bit washed out and we didn't wear tall boots, so be reminded that a swamp area does stay wetter longer after a rain than the surrounding neighborhoods. We plan to go back and explore that area after a dry spell.

Today was a beautiful fall day so my wife and I decided to go for a walk at the Wildlife Observation Center in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge off Long Hill Road. We’ve been here many times before, but today was special; we got to see the new C.S Robbins Observation Platform that overlooks a wide area of the swamp. This wonderful raised platform provides an opportunity to observe or take pictures of an area of the swamp you really couldn’t see much of before. We will definitely be back in the winter and spring to view the different seasons of the swamp from the platform.

Of Course the Great Swamp is doing its job preserving wetland and wildlife but what doesn't go unnoticed is how it has helped the surrounding communities maintain their rustic, rural charm.I suggest you visit one of the surrounding villages to lunch and take in local atmosphere.Think of what this would have been if developers had their way: a bustling airport, surrounded by suburban sprawl! The visitor center is a beautiful compliment to the refuge and the boardwalk makes it easy to access wetland wildlife.
We were able to get close to a Barred Owl and that doesn't happen every day.Over 3000 tranquil Acres.

My husband and I were vacationing nearby and heard about the refuge so we decided to check it out on a rather cool and dreary day.
The refuge is approx. 7800 acres, has 244 species of birds, otters, deer, raccoons, red fox, beaver and numerous varieties of reptiles and amphibians.
The day we went was cold so we didn't see many cold blooded creatures but lots of birds. Many of the trails are on raised boardwalks.
This refuge is a true gem less than an hour from Newark airport and 26 miles from Time Square.
The refuge is open sunrise to sunset. FYI pets aren't allowed on the trails.

The boardwalk is a great way to see the swamp and stay dry. Unfortunately, they had a lot of rain before my visit and the path leading up to the boardwalk had some rather large puddles. I was able to get around them however. Lots to see in birds frogs and turtles and no mosquitos.

The trails are clean and easy to follow. There is always wildlife to see and I love visiting. I would def recommend a visit. Keep a keen eye out for all the different creatures!

We started our visit and the visitors center since we knew we wanted to take the Boardwalk trail and need directions. We were greeted immediately upon entering and given a brief history of the refuge as well as a map and directions, She also advised us that we could take a short detour and visit the Raptor Trust. I am so glad we did. We then proceeded to the boardwalk trail where volunteers gave us a map and advised on the trail where we would most likely see wildlife. We only saw turtles, a few birds and heard the frogs but could not see them. It was a very pleasant spring day. I do not think I would like to be there on a hot summer day, It;s a very easy walk but there are no benches to rest on

I have been to the Great Swamp twice. It's a great place to walk around, and the ranger at the Visitor's Center was so helpful last time I went at helping me decide where I should explore. You can read more about my last visit here:

https://eyesontheworldgirl.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/a-swamping-we-shall-go-the-great-swamp-national-wildlife-refuge/

Paved and unpaved roads exist. If keeping your car clean is important to you, don’t visit this NWR. The speed limit is 15 mph. Wear shoes that may get muddy. As you are hiking in a swamp, soft mud exists. Check yourself for ticks after the hike. If you enjoy birding, a zoom lens and binoculars may be helpful. Many trails exist and they are not all connected. Look at the map before you go, as your choice of trails determines where you park.

Both the raised boardwalks and wooded trails are well marked and fairly easy to walk. The refuge is usually fairly quiet and is a good place to see wildflowers, chipmunks, turtles, birds and insects. The visitors center is clean and the staff are always helpful. But be advised that there can be a lot of mosquitos on hot humid days.

I love these trails, but be sure to take bug spray. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. The welcome center is very informative with very friendly, helpful employees. This is a great spot for a morning walk with children.