Active Pursuits

Biking

The 5-mile wildlife drive is an easy ride on flat, mostly quiet roads. If you plan to bike from Cambridge (about 10 miles) or Vienna (about 15 miles), bring water -- there aren't many places to stock up between Cambridge and Blackwater. Before you go, get the "Cycling Trails of Dorchester County" map (available at the visitor center in Cambridge or at www.tourdorchester.org). In addition, Blackwater has its own bike map with two suggested loops. One 20-mile loop takes cyclists from Cambridge's public high school into the refuge. A 5-mile loop crosses the refuge in two locations while winding through several miles of beautiful country roads. Ask about it at the visitor center.

Birding

Refuge volunteers offer bird walks on various weekend mornings from September through May. These meet at the visitor center and last about 2 hours. Call tel. 410/228-2677 for a schedule. The visitor center also has a brochure detailing good spots to look for birds.

Boating & Fishing

Launching ramps for canoes and kayaks are available year-round. Caution: Before you start paddling in fall and winter, check the waterfowl-hunting schedule. Park staff advises against getting between a hunter and a goose.

To rent a kayak, canoe, or bike, try Blackwater Paddle and Pedal Adventures (tel. 410/901-9255), on the road to Blackwater. Contact 'Peake Paddle Tours (tel. 410/829-7342; www.paddletours.com) for information on kayaking tours with knowledgeable guides (one even has a PhD).

Fishing and crabbing are permitted from April 1 to September 30 from small boats and bridges, but note that state laws apply here. A state sportfishing license is required for fishing in the Blackwater and Little Blackwater rivers. No fishing is allowed from the shores.

Hunting

Deer hunting for both white-tailed and sika deer is allowed in the refuge, but is quite limited. Hunters must mail in applications between July 1 and September 15; locations and dates are limited. Archery permits are more readily available. Hunting licenses are required as well as valid archery, youth, muzzleloader, or shotgun hunt permits. For applications and regulations, contact Blackwater Refuge Hunts, 2145 Key Wallace Dr., Cambridge (tel. 410/228-2677; www.fws.gov/blackwater), or pick up an application at the visitor center beginning July 1. Archery permits are available after September 15 on a daily basis, at 2145 Key Wallace Dr., off Route 335.

Muddy Marsh Outfitters (tel. 410/228-2770; www.muddymarsh.com) offers guided bow-hunting packages.