Trails
Please remember a special use permit is required to access the property. Refuge trails, boardwalks, and kiosks provide family-friendly wildlife viewing areas. The refuge has few hills, so all trails have very little elevation-gain, offering easy walks without losing any of the nature-experience opportunities. Need help navigating? Print your own trail map or pick up one of the yellow trail description brochures when you arrive on the refuge.
Turkey Island Creek Trail
Open: Year Round except during times of conflicting refuge-sponsored programs (I.e. James River Ecology School programs, hunt program, etc.)
Length: 3 miles
The start of Turkey Island Creek Trail begins at the western boat dock. The meandering grass trail forms the shape of the number ‘8’ with a few finger trails. The passageway extends, via boardwalk into the flooded forests of the island. The boardwalk terminates at the canoe launch along the southern interior creek. Much of the trail is in upland habitat, either successional or mature forest. A portion of the trail skirts a large field maintained for pollinator habitat. The trail is adjacent to the Menenak Discovery Center (MDC), which has interpretive signs, classroom and restrooms. Also available at the MDC is information about the refuge and trail map brochures. A variety of wildlife can be seen from the trail, depending on the time of day and season of your trip. Eagles, osprey, deer, turkey, and turtles are all common sightings.