A new forest trail for Bombay Hook NWR will open this spring. The trailhead is just outside the new Visitor Center and will wind through the Shearness Pool shoreline forest. The trail highlights older growth stands of mixed hardwoods in Bombay Hook NWR. The forest trail also cuts through the colonial Whitehall Plantation along Duck Creek. Remnants of an old Osage orange fence line are still present. Oscar Reed, our Refuge Manager, got the ball rolling on the idea of a forest trail in 2019. He suggested starting the trail work as an Eagle Scout Project to a young scout. Fast forward to 2023, with the direct efforts of two Eagle Scout projects, many volunteers, and the support of the Friends of Bombay Hook. Oscar’s vision of a forest trail is about to open.

For Refuge visitors, the 2.5-mile trail offers benches, picnic tables, and a 28’ trail bridge. The trailhead information sign will provide everything you need to get started down the trail. Several trees along the route have numerical markers corresponding to a brochure that will identify and provide additional information about the trees. The tree identification trail features many native Delaware tree species. This new trail will offer exciting opportunities for birders, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy new parts of the Refuge right from the Visitor Center parking lot. Stay tuned for the official opening.