Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a significant wildlife refuge located on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This area encompasses over 30,000 acres of diverse habitats, including tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, and forests, characterized by largely flat terrain. The refuge's namesake comes from the tea-colored waters of the Blackwater River, stained by tannins from the marsh's peat soil. Its unique landscape makes Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge suitable for several outdoor sports like touring cycling and road cycling.
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Routes
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Average rating
289
People visited

56
riders
76.7km
03:27
10m
10m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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42
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

40
riders
32.2km
01:16
40m
40m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

37
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for touring cycling and road cycling. The refuge features flat, paved roads and paths suitable for various skill levels. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and observe wildlife.
The refuge offers several cycling routes, including a 4-mile (6.4 km) or 7-mile (11.3 km) paved loop along Wildlife Drive. Longer 20-mile (32.2 km) and 25-mile (40.2 km) routes are also available, traversing diverse habitats. Information on cycling can be found in the Cycling in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge guide.
Yes, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding Dorchester County provide quiet, winding paved roads suitable for road cycling. These routes allow for immersive experiences in nature. Detailed information is available in the Road Cycling Routes in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge guide.
The refuge's largely flat terrain and paved roads make it suitable for family-friendly cycling. The 4-mile (6.4 km) or 7-mile (11.3 km) paved loop along Wildlife Drive is a good option for leisurely rides. These routes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The refuge is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, and migratory waterfowl. It hosts one of the largest breeding populations of American bald eagles on the East Coast. Over 250 bird species, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, and the Delmarva peninsula fox squirrel inhabit the area.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 30,000 acres of tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, and forests. The 'blackwater' refers to the tea-colored waters of the Blackwater River, stained by tannins. It contains one-third of Maryland's tidal wetlands and features majestic loblolly pine trees.
A small fee may apply for bicycles entering the Wildlife Refuge. Visitors should check the official refuge website or contact the visitor center for current fee information.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has 7 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars. More than 300 visitors have shared their experiences in the refuge.
Komoot offers two guides for the refuge: Cycling in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Road Cycling Routes in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. These guides provide detailed information for planning cycling adventures.
The official website for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater. The phone number for the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is (410) 228-2677.
The terrain in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding Dorchester County is largely flat. It features quiet, winding paved roads, making it suitable for various cycling activities from leisurely rides to more strenuous workouts.
Cycling through the refuge provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors often encounter various species, including bald eagles, herons, and migratory waterfowl, particularly along routes like the Wildlife Drive.

