Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is one of the crown jewels of the US National Wildlife Refuge system — a 48,000-acre protected coastal landscape that stretches 50 miles along the New Jersey back bays from Barnegat Bay south to just outside Atlantic City. Over 78% of the refuge is coastal salt marsh, making it one of the most significant tidal wetland systems on the entire East Coast and a critical stopover on the Atlantic Flyway, the migratory bird route that runs from the Arctic to South America.
For visitors based in Atlantic City, Forsythe is a remarkable 20-minute drive from the boardwalk — offering an experience so dramatically different from the casinos and amusement parks that it might as well be a different country. The 8-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour, which can be driven with car windows up to avoid the biting insects, passes through freshwater impoundments, salt marsh, and upland forest with the Atlantic City skyline visible across the bay as a surreal backdrop. Two elevated observation towers, a salt marsh boardwalk, and links to 8 miles of hiking trails complete the experience.
Forsythe is beloved by the international birding community. The Brigantine division’s Wildlife Drive is listed on eBird as one of the most productive birding locations in New Jersey, with records of over 360 species including threatened piping plovers, American oystercatchers, black skimmers, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and massive seasonal flocks of snow geese in winter and shorebirds during migration.
The Signature Experience — Wildlife Drive
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8-Mile Wildlife Drive Auto Tour
One-way loop · Open year-round · Self-guided · Free audio tour available
The Wildlife Drive is Forsythe’s centerpiece — an 8-mile one-way loop through the heart of the refuge’s managed wetland impoundments and salt marsh. Internationally known as a birding hotspot, it delivers world-class wildlife viewing from the comfort of your car. Stop anywhere to observe; pull fully off the narrow dike road so other vehicles can pass. A spotting scope significantly enhances the experience but binoculars are sufficient. A free audio tour is available at friendsofforsythe.org.
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Vogt Pool — First freshwater impoundment on the left. Waterfowl and snow geese concentrate here in winter. Start your audio tour here.
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Gull Pond Observation Tower — Elevated tower with sweeping views over the saltwater impoundments. Shorebirds, herons, egrets, and terns visible.
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Leeds Eco-Trail & Boardwalk — A 400-foot boardwalk extends over the salt marsh with views of the Atlantic City skyline across the bay. One of the most photographed spots in the refuge.
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Turtle Cove Observation Tower — Second elevated tower with bay views. Osprey nests visible from the platform during summer.
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Upland Forest Sections — The drive passes through wooded sections excellent for migrating warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds in spring and fall.
What to Look For — By Season
☀️ Summer (June–Aug)
Osprey, herons, egrets, Forster’s terns, common terns, black skimmers, Glossy Ibis, American oystercatchers, piping plovers. Drive with windows up — greenhead flies are severe. Still excellent from the car.
🍂 Fall Migration (Aug–Nov)
Thousands of shorebirds including whimbrel and black-bellied plover. Waterfowl beginning to arrive. Warblers and songbirds in forest sections. Raptors including peregrine falcon and bald eagle.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Mar)
Massive flocks of snow geese (highlight of the year), American black duck, Atlantic brant, tundra swans. Bald eagles and other raptors prominent. No biting insects — most comfortable season for walking.
🌸 Spring Migration (Apr–May)
Returning herons and egrets, shorebirds, breeding season begins. Piping plovers return. Warblers and songbirds in forest sections. Free guided bird walks resume after Labor Day (walks paused in summer).
Activities at the Refuge
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Wildlife Drive Auto Tour
8-mile self-guided loop. Pull over anywhere. Open year-round sunrise to sunset.
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Hiking — 8 Miles of Trails
Bristow Trail (2.7mi), Akers Woodland Trail (0.4mi, accessible), Leeds Eco-Trail, Jen’s Trail. Multiple loop options. Best spring/fall/winter.
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Birding & Wildlife Photography
Internationally ranked hotspot. Bring binoculars — a spotting scope elevates the experience significantly. 360+ recorded species.
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Boating & Kayaking
Non-motorized boat launch on Lily Lake. Motorized boat access at Scotts Landing (10 min north). No commercial/jet ski activity.
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Fishing
Fresh and saltwater fishing permitted in designated areas. NJ freshwater or saltwater license required. Check refuge regulations for specific zones.
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Photography
The refuge runs an annual juried photographic competition — 400+ entries in 2025. Wildlife Drive impoundments provide extraordinary light on calm mornings.
Free Programs & Guided Walks
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Free Friday Morning Bird Walks
8–10am weekly, September through May (suspended mid-May through Labor Day due to biting insects). Meet at the Visitor Information Center parking lot. No registration required.
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Atlantic Audubon Saturday Bird Walks
8am–noon during spring and fall migration. Led by experienced birders. Meet at Visitor Information Center. Covers different areas than the Wildlife Drive itself.
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Free Jitney Tours (Spring Only)
Guided tours around the 8-mile Wildlife Drive in spring (April–May). 2 hours, 11am–1pm Sundays. Register in advance by calling the Visitor Information Center: (609) 652-1665.
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Nature Story & Craft Time (Children)
Free Sunday program 10:30–11:15am at the Visitor Center for ages 3–6 and caregivers. Returns in spring 2026. Check friendsofforsythe.org for dates.
📍 World Cup Context: Forsythe is 20 minutes from Atlantic City — closer than most boardwalk attractions in this guide. It’s the ideal morning activity before an afternoon match: arrive at sunrise, drive the Wildlife Drive in ~90 minutes, stop at the Leeds Eco-Trail boardwalk for the Atlantic City skyline view, and be back in AC by noon. The juxtaposition of pristine salt marsh with the casino skyline visible in the distance is one of the most striking visual moments in South Jersey.
🦅 360+ Bird Species
🚗 8-Mile Wildlife Drive
🌿 48,000 Protected Acres
📸 Photography Hotspot
🥾 8 Miles of Trails
🛶 Kayak Launch
🆓 Free Friday Bird Walks
⚠️ Bring Insect Repellent
📍 Oceanville, NJ — 20 Min from AC
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