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Little Creek Wildlife Area: A Coastal Haven

Explore Delaware's coastal wilderness at Little Creek Wildlife Area: a haven for birding, hiking, and outdoor adventures near Dover.

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Little Creek Wildlife Area, located near Dover, Delaware, is a sprawling natural area encompassing over 4,700 acres of tidal marsh and agricultural fields. It offers diverse recreational opportunities, including wildlife watching, hunting, and fishing, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Little Creek Wildlife Area

  • Dover, Delaware, 19901, US

Local tips

  • Check the current hunting seasons before your visit and consider wearing bright colors, especially during hunting periods.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for birdwatching at the observation tower and along Port Mahon Road.
  • A compass or GPS unit may be helpful for navigating the area, as signage is minimal in some sections.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Dover, DE, head east on Route 8 towards Route 9. Continue onto Route 9, then turn left onto Port Mahon Road. Continue for several miles until you reach the Little Creek Wildlife Area. Parking lots are available for accessing different trails and observation points. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    If you are in the town of Little Creek, DE, you can walk or bike along Route 9 to access the Little Creek Wildlife Area. Follow Route 9 and look for designated entrances and parking areas for the trails. Be aware of traffic and wear reflective clothing for safety.

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Discover more about Little Creek Wildlife Area

Little Creek Wildlife Area offers a diverse landscape of tidal marshes, agricultural fields, and coastal habitats, providing refuge for a wide array of wildlife. Managed by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, the area is divided into three sections: North, Middle, and South, each offering unique ecological features. Historically, the area was a hub for the oyster industry in the 1800s, with the nearby town of Little Creek serving as a commercial shipping port for Dover. Remnants of this maritime past can still be felt, though the focus has shifted to conservation and recreation. Today, visitors can explore the area through various trails, including the David Small Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Tower, which offers panoramic views of the impoundments and surrounding marsh. Birdwatchers flock to Little Creek, especially to Port Mahon Road, to observe horseshoe crab spawning and shorebird migrations in late May. The area is also known for its populations of rails, marsh sparrows, and winter raptors, including Short-eared Owls. Hunting and fishing are popular activities, with opportunities for duck, goose, and deer hunting. Whether you're interested in birding, hiking, or simply immersing yourself in nature, Little Creek Wildlife Area provides a valuable sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors alike.

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