Reese F. Lukei Jr. Raptor Trail

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildlife

This is a narrow trail where wildlife, including the venomous cottonmouth, often cross. Be aware of your foot placement and be courteous of other visitors.

The Raptor Trail is located just behind the refuge visitor center and the smaller of the two parking areas. The trailhead sign tells the story of Reese F. Lukei, Junior whose volunteer efforts have spanned over four decades and include research on raptors and trail building all across the region. \

From the trailhead, follow the gravel path along the 0.4 mile trail. Runners will pass through bald cypress trees, marsh grasses, and shrubby trees. Near the end of the trail, visitors should spend some time exploring a small pond and two overlooks which give views of the Back Bay to the west and south. Visitors take the same route back to the trailhead.

Bald cypress trees, wax myrtles, cattails, and Phragmites (an invasive species) can all be seen along this trail. This is also a great trail to spot snakes including the venomous cottonmouth, black racer, and rat snake. Frogs, such as the green tree frog, southern leopard frog and American bull frog can be seen and heard. Dragonflies of various colors are common as well. During the mid to late summer large zipper or black and yellow garden spiders can be seen on their massive webs.