Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland · 4 ft

Past peak 40–70%, dropping Typical peak was 8 days ago

Typical peak

Oct 20 – Oct 28

moderate confidence in typical timing.

Best light

Works at both ends of the day

Tidal marsh on the Eastern Shore at four feet above sea level, more than two thousand feet below the state's mountain entries. The marsh goes bronze and the loblolly stands hold dark green behind it, which makes this a horizon and reflection problem rather than a canopy one.

Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated Nov 1, 2026.

Crowds

moderate

Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.

Coordinates

38.4448, -76.1195

Open in Maps

Getting there

Visitor center on Key Wallace Drive south of Cambridge, with a four-mile Wildlife Drive and several short trails and observation platforms. Entrance fee per vehicle.

What turns here

loblolly pine

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 24

typical peak Nov 1, 2026

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is typically at past peak on Nov 1, 2026.

This season so far

Reported peak

None yet

Seen peak color here? Add a report.

First frost

None yet

No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.

Last 14 days

66°F / 48°F

Average daily high and low.

Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.

Plan the light

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on October 24, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.

Solar event times for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on October 24, 2026
Event	Time
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	6:55 AM
Sunrise Rises ESE · 104°	7:22 AM
Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light	7:59 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light	12:48 PM
Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset	5:38 PM
Sunset Sets WSW · 255°	6:15 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	6:42 PM

Times in America/New York · day length 10h 53m · computed from NOAA solar equations.

Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.

Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.

Shooting conditions

Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.

Recent reports

What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.

Nearby locations

Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.