Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland · 4 ft
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 .
Typical peak
Oct 20 – Oct 28
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
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 24Typical color progression for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. No change from Sep 16 to Oct 3. First color from Oct 3 to Oct 12. Approaching peak from Oct 12 to Oct 20. Peak from Oct 20 to Oct 28. Past peak from Oct 28 to Nov 7. Bare from Nov 7 to Nov 21.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on October 24, the center of its typical peak window.
| 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
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
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.