As the trail begins across from the refuge's visitor center, it travels along a grassy area bordered with lovely multiflora roses that are busy with wildlife. An accompanying brochure details the route. A bit of history detracts victors, carrying them back a short spur trail to the former home site of Jonathan J. Morris Homestead, who settled the area in 1750. Overgrown fields dotted with family tombstones mark the site. Back on the main trail in sweet gum woodland, soon you'll traverse the boardwalk carrying you over Shell Beach Pond. Look for sunning painted turtles, bullfrogs, and garter snakes. Quiet visitors may be treated to sights of feeding waterfowl or muskrats. The boardwalk ends quickly dropping you back on the forest floor and within a few steps, graced with a resting bench. This is a marvelous place to soak up the quiet forest and wooded swamp where a deafening chorus of amphibians breaks the seclusion. Warblers, thrashers and woodpeckers bring the treetops to life. Within a short distance, a trail junction appears. Hike left onto the earthen dike boarding the swamp. Take it across a small creek bed and onto a maintained trail. Continue straight to Headwaters Ditch. Bearing right leads to the parking area while bearing left takes you to Dike Trail.

Directions: From Milford, DE, Travel about 12 miles southeast along State Route 1 to its junction with State Route 16. Head east on SR 16 and proceed about 1.6 miles to main entrance. Proceed 1.6 miles to the parking area.

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information