Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect spot to enjoy nature’s beauty and bounty, and it’s not far from the Delaware beaches. Just off Route 1 in Delaware, close to the Atlantic coast, it’s easy to find. Spend an hour or the whole day here — hiking, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, photographing wildlife, and just being surrounded by nature. Prime Hook is composed of over 10,000 acres and, throughout the year, can see over 300 species of birds, over 50 species of fish, over 40 species of reptiles and amphibians — and plenty of mammals, too. The map below shows the location of the best spots for wildlife observation and the locations of the wildlife blinds — all good places to capture scenic photographs.
Prime Hook is located about 22 miles south of Dover, DE; 12 miles north of Lewes, DE; and 40 miles north of Ocean City, MD. It virtually hugs the Delaware coastline from Slaughter Beach to Broadkill Beach. Please see the map below.
Admission
There is no fee to enter and enjoy Prime Hook. 🙂
What You’ll Find at Prime Hook
- wide variety of wildlife depending on the season.
- diverse habitats including fresh and saltwater wetlands, woodlands, and open fields.
- flat terrain trails for walking; 2 of these are handicapped-accessible.
- 3 observation towers to climb to gain a better view of birds and other wildlife.
- several good fishing locations
- a nearly 7-mile long canoe and kayak trail
- hunting opportunities
Tips for Your Visit to Prime Hook
- The refuge is open 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Stay on the trails to avoid coming in contact with poison ivy and ticks.
- Bring bug spray.
- Bring binoculars. There are definitely some spots where binoculars will help you see the wildlife.
- Bring your good camera to capture some beautiful scenes.
- Bring your own food and drink. Don’t forget to bring water! There is no snack bar or concession stand, although there are picnic tables and trash bins near the visitor center.
- If needing a restroom, go to the visitor center.
- Leashed dogs are allowed. 🐶
- Do not leave trash behind. This is a carry-in, carry-out refuge.
- Do NOT try to feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife. Remember that this is their refuge.
- Bicycles are not permitted on the walking trails.
- No swimming, camping, or overnight stays permitted.
- The visitor center’s phone number is 302-684-8419.
Prime Hook Map
Brief History of Prime Hook
The name Prime Hook is derived from a term Dutch settlers used, “Priume Hoek,” meaning Plum Point, because of the proliferation of beach plum plants here.
The Prime Hook refuge was established in 1963 as part of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Located in the Atlantic flyway, Prime Hook sees many migratory birds and it aims to provide safe habitats for them and other wildlife. Prime Hook is one of over 500 refuges across the country under the domain of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Nearby Attractions & Map
This Delaware beach guide will help you plan your visit to the southern Delaware beaches. Other attractions in the area are:
- Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover, DE
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, DE
- Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE
- Fresh Pond Trail, Bethany Beach
- Holts Landing State Park, near Bethany Beach in Dagsboro
- Indian River Life-Saving Station, Rehoboth Beach
- James Farm Ecological Preserve, near Bethany Beach
- Trap Pond State Park, Laurel, DE
Final Thoughts
My family has traveled north and south along Route 1 countless times on our way to or back from Atlantic coast vacation spots. Although we had seen signs for Prime Hook, we didn’t stop to explore it as we were focused on reaching our destinations. Don’t do what we did if you have the time. Stop and enjoy this lovely wildlife refuge.
Prime Hook is just off Route 1 (between Dover and Lewes, DE), and I think you’ll find it’s a refuge for humans, too. There are shady trails, good fishing spots, and places to just stop and have a look around at the waterways and the marshlands. You may be surprised at the abundant natural beauty just off the highway — and not far from the Delaware beaches. In fact, this could be a great day trip and a welcome diversion after some time soaking up the sun at the beach.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and suggestions for other places to visit in the general southern Delaware area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
