Wildlife Viewing Window Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

This is an awesome place to view a great variety of waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swan in the winter months, particularly December through early February.

This trail is a flat, gravel path. Occasionally wildlife, such as the venomous cottonmouth snake, do cross this trail. Trail runners should be aware of their surroundings and watch their foot placement.

The trail to the Wildlife Viewing Window is the same trail as the beginning of the East Dike Trail. Hikers, runners, and bikers on this trail will follow the gravel path from the refuge parking lot along the east side of "D Pool," one of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge's impoundments (managed water pools). In just under one mile, you'll see a gate to the East Dike Trail and, to the right of the trail, a small informational kiosk. A small, short path leading from the kiosk takes you to the Wildlife Viewing Window.

The Wildlife Viewing Window itself is a two-part structure. The enclosed portion with a one-way glass window looks out onto one of the impoundments. Indoor seating and two sets of self-focusing binoculars allow visitors to observe wildlife throughout the year. The outdoor portion of the structure has a roof for shade and slots in the wall facing the impoundment, for viewing and photography.

Wax myrtle, loblolly pine and live oak trees can be seen along the trail. Deer and rabbits love this trail and sign of coyote or bobcat may be seen as well.