Old Railroad Passage Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail is very well groomed and only has a few holes that are easy to see.

The trail cuts across the field to an abandoned railroad bed. In this area, grassland birds can be seen, many of which are outlined in the Flora and Fauna section below. As you reach the far end of the field, listen for Alder and Willow Flycatchers. The trail takes a short jog to the left, then rejoins the railroad bed. From this point on, you’ll pass through Maquam Bog—home to rare and unique plant species such as rhodera, pitch pine and the state threatened Virginia chain fern. Many warblers and the occasional Ruffed Grouse can be seen here.

The trail eventually ends up at Maquam Bay, and the railroad bed becomes less obvious. If you go past the refuge boundary signs, be very careful that you know how to find the railroad trail again, since it can be very hard to see. Retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, Tree Swallows, Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Northern Harrier, Alder Flycatchers, Willow Flycatchers, and Ruffed Grouse. Rhodera, pitch pine and the state threatened Virginia chain fern all call this area home.