Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge – Blackwater National Wildlife loop from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge – Blackwater National Wildlife loop from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Easy

4.9

(3445)

12,986

riders

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge – Blackwater National Wildlife loop from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

01:38

42.4km

40m

Road cycling

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.03 km

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

Highlight • Historical Site

I recommend, if you are passing through, to plan a visit to the visitor centre.

Tip by

3.68 km

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge

Highlight • Natural

This refuge was set up as early as 1933 to protect birds that migrate along the Atlantic Flyway migration highway. The area covers over 28,000 acres (11,330 ha) of important habitats: wetlands, fields and forests.

Tip by

3.73 km

Blackwater National Wildlife

Highlight • Natural

Here, since 1933, the area has been protected as a refuge for migratory birds. It is now a beautiful place to cycle.

Tip by

30.2 km

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Highlight • Natural

Beautiful natural area on the eastern shore.

Tip by

42.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

37.7 km

4.71 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

42.1 km

300 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 26 June

32°C

23°C

52 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're seeking an easy, scenic road cycling escape with abundant wildlife, the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge – Blackwater National Wildlife loop from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is absolutely worth your time. This easy 26.3-mile (42.4 km) route, with a mere 126 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 37 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed ride focused on nature observation rather than strenuous effort.

What to expect on Blackwater Wildlife Refuge – Blackwater National Wildlife loop from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

As you pedal, you'll journey through a rich tapestry of landscapes. Expect extensive tidal marshes and managed freshwater wetlands, with the tea-colored Blackwater River flowing alongside. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife; the refuge is famous for its bald eagles and the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. While the terrain is predominantly flat, making it accessible for all skill levels, be prepared for potential wind, which can add a surprising challenge to this otherwise easy ride.

Planning your visit

Planning your visit is straightforward, but a few things to note. The refuge is about 12 miles south of Cambridge, Maryland. There's a minimal entry fee for bikes, so carry cash as there are limited places to restock along the route. The cooler months are ideal for viewing thousands of waterfowl, while spring and summer offer nesting egrets and herons.