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Boardwalk Trail: A Coastal Marsh Experience

Explore Delaware's scenic tidal salt marsh on this accessible boardwalk trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

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The Boardwalk Trail in Smyrna, Delaware, offers a unique opportunity to explore the tidal salt marshes of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This short, accessible trail provides stunning views and a chance to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

A brief summary to Boardwalk Trail

  • Unnamed Road, Smyrna, Delaware, 19977, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best opportunities to view wildlife.
  • Bring binoculars to enhance your birdwatching and wildlife viewing experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the boardwalk.
  • During warmer months, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Smyrna, DE, head east on Route 12/Smyrna Leipsic Road. Merge onto Route 9 South and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Whitehall Neck Road, which leads directly to the refuge entrance. Follow signs for the Boardwalk Trail. There is a $4 per vehicle entrance fee for the refuge. Parking is available near the trailhead.

  • Public Transportation

    Take a bus to Smyrna, DE. From there, use a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, as public transport does not directly serve the area. Follow the driving directions from the refuge entrance to the Boardwalk Trail. Keep in mind the $4 per vehicle entrance fee will still apply.

  • Biking

    Access the refuge via Route 9. Bike racks are available at the entrance. Follow the loop road within the refuge, watching for signs directing you to the Boardwalk Trail. Be mindful of wildlife and wear a helmet. There is a $4 per vehicle entrance fee for the refuge.

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Discover more about Boardwalk Trail

The Boardwalk Trail, located within Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna, Delaware, is a captivating half-mile loop that immerses visitors in the beauty of a Mid-Atlantic tidal salt marsh. Built in 1973 by the Youth Conservation Corps and renovated in 2010 to be handicapped-accessible, the trail is an easy walk for all skill levels. The trail begins in a small upland woodlot, passes brackish ponds, and then emerges onto an elevated boardwalk that traverses the high salt marsh. This unique vantage point allows visitors to study the tidal salt marshes that make up 80% of the refuge. The area is teeming with wildlife, including various bird species, fiddler crabs, and other creatures that call the marsh home. Keep an eye out for sheepshead minnows, mummichogs, and blue crabs in the brackish ponds during warmer months. The trail is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and photographers, offering chances to capture glimpses of migrating birds and other wildlife. The refuge itself is recognized by the American Bird Conservancy as an Important Bird Area. The boardwalk provides a serene and accessible way to experience the natural beauty of Delaware's coastal ecosystem. Remember to stay in the middle of the trail to avoid poison ivy and use insect repellent during warmer months to ward off mosquitoes and ticks.

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