Waterfowl Weekend at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Fall heralds the return of thousands of waterfowl from their northern breeding grounds to the milder climate of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a variety of overwintering ducks, geese, and swans by joining the flocks of visitors who celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend in this special place.

Visitors will enjoy extended hours on the Wildlife Loop Trail, open to vehicles from 9am to dusk on Thanksgiving weekend. Please drive cautiously, as this trail is also a hiking and biking route.

During the Thanksgiving weekend (four days), extended access is also available for visitors to drive on the 7.5-mile Service Road  (admittance from 12 pm to 2 pm only).  For the special drive, visitors must enter the Wildlife Loop Trail and follow the one-way traffic pattern to the Service Road’s entrance. This may take 10 or 15 minutes, due to high volume. All vehicles are expected to completely exit the Service Road by 4 PM. These four days are the only time, each year, that the public can enjoy our “Special Drive” along the refuge’s 7-mile Service Road in their personal vehicle. Vehicles can only enter the road via the Wildlife Loop during the times specified. 

The event may be subject to change due to severe inclement weather. Check our website for updates.

Contact: 757-336-6122 or fw5rw_cnwr@fws.gov.