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Maryland

When to catch Blackwater Refugeat its best

Blackwater Refuge through the year: fall foliage (local timing: October to December) and winter wildlife (local timing: January and February). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

RIGHT NOW · SEP 30

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Sat chance rain showers, 68°F · Sun rain showers likely, 67°F
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Fall at Blackwater Refuge

Where to go at Blackwater Refuge

Spots, visitor points and places nearby
  • Spring
  • Fall
  • Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go

Fall foliage

Winter wildlife

  • Wildlife Drive3.6 miles, with a vehicle pass; in January bald and golden eagles are sometimes easy to spot along it. Park in a pull-off or on the right before you step outU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • Visitor CenterA prime spot to watch bald eagles soar overhead and hunt the nearby marsh, with an upstairs observation area; free, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pmU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗

Next 7 days at Blackwater Refuge

Forecast: National Weather Service
  • TodaySunny77° / 65°–
  • ThuMostly Sunny82° / 67°1% rain
  • FriMostly Sunny85° / 63°28% rain
  • SatChance Rain Showers68° / 58°45% rain
  • SunRain Showers Likely67° / 57°63% rain
  • MonSlight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny66° / 48°20% rain
  • TueSunny60° / 46°–

Today: sunrise 7:00 a.m., sunset 6:51 p.m., light until 7:17 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 78% lit (our calculation)

Visitor reports, not verified

Been here in the last week? Tell us how the trees looked.

What color were the trees?

Tap the one that looks most like what you saw.

One report per place for each day you saw it, no name or email · How reports work · Terms · Privacy

Nearby, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

Towns nearby

Straight-line miles; each town page has frost dates and its nature year

Blackwater Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Channels of blue water between golden marsh grass, with a few pines on the horizon
Tidal marshes at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: USFWS · public domain · resized
Canada geese on the water of an impoundment at Blackwater refuge
Canada geese in an impoundment at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (date not given). Photo: Betty Whetzel/USFWS · public domain · resized

Questions people ask

Do I need a pass?

Only for the Wildlife Drive: an entrance pass is required there.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Blackwater NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bring a dog?

Not on the trails, even on a leash. On the Wildlife Drive, pets must stay in the vehicle.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Blackwater NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where should I navigate to?

The visitor center: 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Blackwater NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What does the Wildlife Drive cost?

A daily vehicle pass is $3 ($1 on foot or by bike), paid by cash or check at the self-pay kiosk where the drive starts, or online at Recreation.gov. The visitor center and every public area outside the drive are free.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Blackwater NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Sep 28