Exploring Prime Hook

By Paul W. Ross
Special to the Coastal Point

	Coastal Point • PAUL W. ROSS One of the many hiking trails in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for our continuing benefit and enjoyment. Prime Hook is one of the more than 535 national wildlife refuges, wetlands and other special management areas that are under the auspices of the federal government. (For detailed travel directions, see How Do We Get There?)

Translated from the Dutch words “Priume Hoek” meaning Plum Point, Prime Hook was named by European settlers in the 17th century for the land’s abundance of purple beach plums. I didn’t find any on my trip to Prime Hook, but I surely found an abundance of plants, birds and animals.

The refuge began as a satellite of its sister refuge to the north, Bombay Hook. With the help of volunteers and community support, a Refuge Headquarters building was completed in 1997. That year also marked the creation of the Friends of Prime Hook, a volunteer group, who have been assisting the refuge in its activities ever since.

Many farms and residences were once present on what is now the refuge. There are the remains of at least one family cemetery on the preserve. The cemetery has some interesting tombstones from the 19th century, with people apparently living to exceptional ages for those times.

Deer, small game, waterfowl hunting and fishing are allowed on Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in harmony with state and federal regulations. It is a typical “multiple use” facility. Of more interest to the day-trip traveler are the extensive hiking trails and the excellent opportunity to explore the marshlands via canoe or kayak. You can get a map of the canoe trails at the visitor’s center, or near the boat launch at the end of the parking lot by the center.

There is also an entrance to the canoe trail about 2.5 miles farther north on Route 1 at the intersection with Route 5 at the Brumley Family Park, near Waples Mill Pond. A small fee is required at both launch sites. A third launch site is located in the middle of the trail in the wildlife management area. Parking is limited at the Waples Mill Pond entrance, so larger groups should launch at the Visitor’s Center launch area.

	Coastal Point • SUBMITTED Below, a public canoe launch at the park provides access to the water for visitors.

Just on our recent trip, we saw at least a half-dozen species. As it was nesting season, the red-winged blackbirds were out in force, defending their nests. Do be careful not to disturb any nests, if you run across them.

Prime Hook is a “take in, take out” hiking area, so make sure to take out any trash. There are some excellent picnic tables and places for you to have a lunch. As usual, in a federal area, dogs are welcome, as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them. If you are planning on an extensive hike, make sure to bring along water for yourself and your dog.

A good insect repellent and sunscreen are an excellent idea, as the insects can bite and the sun will be bright. Do check for ticks, as they are prevalent during the summer. Especially, check the dog out, as ticks dearly love a nice warm, furry dog.