Location & Hours
8601 Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Refuge trails are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, free of charge. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The visitor center building is closed for all federal holidays, however, the trails remain open. The refuge follows the Philadelphia School District closings during severe weather events.
Directions & Public Transportation
The main entrance to the refuge is at 86th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in Southwest Philadelphia. It provides access to the visitor center, foot trails, fishing, and wildlife observation platform. There is an additional parking area located at the west end of the refuge, just north of I-95 on Route 420 which provides hiking and fishing access.
SEPTA Routes 37, 108, & 115 stop at 84th Street and Lindbergh Blvd.
Eastwick Train Station is 0.5 miles away.
For more info on directions, please visit the official refuge website.
Visitor Center
The visitor center is free to the public, compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act, and accessible by public and private transportation. The facility is visited by many schools and conservation organizations for classroom use and meeting space. The exhibits highlight the various plants, wildlife, and habitats found at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The building is also an important example of sustainable design and environmentally friendly construction.
At the visitor center, refuge staff and volunteers are available to provide you with helpful information including maps, brochures, and checklists. There are also a number of exhibits to enjoy. Binoculars and fishing rods are available to borrow at the visitor center front desk.
Contact the visitor center front desk at 215-365-3118.
Trail & Tidal Information
With more than 10 miles of trails, the refuge provides many areas for visitors to explore. Environmental education, interpretation, wildlife observation, photography, and fishing are all provided via access throughout the refuge’s extensive trail system. Kiosks and signs provide interpretive materials for trail users.
The 4.5 mile tidal segment of Darby Creek that flows through the refuge is unique and scenic. It winds through the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania, which allows canoeists to see a variety of plants and animals. The refuge waters are tidal and navigable only within 2 hours before and after high tide. Visitors must provide their own canoe/kayak and life vests.
