After exploring Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, I turned toward another Delmarva Peninsula refuge on the western shore of Delaware Bay. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, and upland forests.
According to the refuge, Prime Hook was named after the Dutch word Priume Hoek (meaning Plum Point) by European settlers in the 17th century for the land’s abundance of purple beach plums.
On my June visit, I hiked Boardwalk Trail and Dike Trail, two of the four walking paths near the headquarters.
Boardwalk Trail
This 0.5-mile loop is a mix of wide gravel paths and elevated boardwalks, making it universally accessible. The trail started in the forest where I met a sweet squirrel. Carolina wrens, eastern towhees, northern cardinals, northern mockingbirds, and white-eyed vireos called from the surrounding trees.
Tucked in the woods, there is a small, historic cemetery for the Morris family. These headstones offer a reminder of early coastal settlers who farmed and lived along the bay before the land became a wildlife sanctuary.
The trail then transitions to an elevated boardwalk across 600 feet of freshwater marsh. Although water levels in the two ponds in this section were low during my visit, the walk was beautiful, nonetheless.
Near the end of the loop, the path connects with the Dike Trail, where I turned to continue exploring.
Dike Trail
This 0.5-mile trail is another universally accessible gravel path. It cuts between open water and mudflats.
Barn swallows and red-winged blackbirds perched in the trees along the trail. An osprey settled into its nest on a barren trunk.
The trail ends at an accessible observation platform overlooking the marsh and Shell Beach Pond. From the platform, I watched American herring gulls and laughing gulls on sand bars and a great blue heron hunt in the water.
On my drive out, I saw movement in the trees along the road and found wild turkeys.
Know Before You Go
- Check for closures: Check the website to verify any trail or area closures. For example, Fowler Beach is closed for shorebird nesting from March 1 to October 1. This helps protect threatened piping plovers and endangered least terns.
- Use strong insect repellent: The biting flies and mosquitos are relentless in June, July, and August. Even with bug spray from head to toe, sometimes they would follow me for an entire trail attacking my face and hands.
- Sun protection: I recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water as some of the trails, including the Dike Trail, are fully exposed.
Whether you stroll the shaded boardwalk loop or hike a sunny path, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers a quiet look at Delaware’s coastal habitats.