Shearness Tower Trail: A Birdwatcher's Delight
Ascend to panoramic views of diverse habitats at Bombay Hook's Shearness Tower Trail, a haven for birdwatching and nature observation.
The Shearness Tower Trail, located within Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna, Delaware, is a short, accessible path leading to a 30-foot observation tower. It offers panoramic views of the refuge's diverse habitats, including forests and upland fields, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
A brief summary to Shearness Tower 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 during the spring or fall migration to witness the peak concentrations of migratory birds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
- Bring insect repellent, especially during the summer months, to protect against mosquitoes and biting flies.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid poison ivy and ticks along the trail.
- Bring binoculars and a birding field guide to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
- Check the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge website for information on refuge road closures during bad weather and hunting season.
Getting There
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Driving
From Smyrna, Delaware, head east on Route 12/Whitehall Neck Road. Continue on Whitehall Neck Road for approximately 6 miles until you reach the entrance to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Follow the signs within the refuge to the Shearness Tower Trail parking area. Note that there is a daily entrance fee for the refuge, which can be paid online at recreation.gov or at the visitor center. The daily fee is typically $4 per vehicle.
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Walking
Once parked at the Shearness Tower Trail parking area, the trail is a short, quarter-mile walk to the observation tower. The trail is generally flat and well-maintained, making for an easy walk. Follow the marked path from the parking area to the base of the tower.
Discover more about Shearness Tower Trail
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