The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You've Discovered Delaware's Best Kept Secret
By Kim Magaraci|Published January 13, 2017
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Many people know about Bombay Hook, one of the largest National Wildlife Refuges and one of the most important migratory bird sanctuaries in the world. But, did you know about the other, equally stunning, National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware, on the outskirts of Milton? Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located at 11978 Turkle Pond Rd, Milton, DE 19968, and if you’ve never explored Prime Hook, you are really in for a treat.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge consists of 10,000 acres of land and water.
The Refgue was established in 1963 outside of Milton along an environmentally vulnerable area that is significant to migratory birds. Today, the refuge is home to nearly 270 species of birds along with reptiles, mammals and various amphibians.
It's very easy to miss the park entrance, as it's hardly labeled at all.
From Route 1, head east on Broadkill Road until your first left, onto Turkle Pond Rd. Follow the road as it gets narrower and winds around to a parking lot. From there, the trails are yours to explore.
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Prime Hook offers a visitors center, walking trails, canoe trails and plenty of wildlife observation spots.
If you visit at the right time of day - early morning or just before dusk - you will see dozens of birds and other animals going about their routines. If you are lucky, you will spot one of the many foxes that frequently cross paths with visitors,
I am not much of an early bird, so I prefer to watch sunsets to sunrises. Either one presents some amazing opportunities to see the stunning beauty of Delaware, and I have taken some of my best pictures at Prime Hook at sunset. Be sure to bring a camera!
Keep your eyes open and see how many bird houses you can spot along the trails.
While the vast majority of birds at Prime Hook are migratory species that use the marsh as a stopover on their flyway, there are still many species of year-round birds that call the refuge home.
The stunning, serene nature that you find at Prime Hook makes the park seem like it is straight out of a fairy tale.
Flocks of snow geese and egrets are common sights, as are eagles and owls. You will feel like Snow White, surrounded by woodland and marshland creatures on your visit. You can read more about the birds and wildlife that call the refuge home on the Friends of Prime Hook website.
On the other side of the refuge is another treat - the secret, hidden Prime Hook beach.
From the refuge, head north on Route 1 and turn right on to Prime Hook Road. After several months of being closed, the bridge to the beach is open again, and you can spend time strolling along the sand - oftentimes completely alone.
