Merkle Loop

From the Visitor Center parking head east toward Merkle Pond and the orange-blazed CADT. Turn right (south) at the first intersection to loop past access for the white-blazed Lookout Creek Trail toward the Catfish Pond Trail, boardwalk viewpoint and osprey nest area. Head back to the Visitor Center along the CADT road to the north of Windmill Pond, this time heading west from the parking area toward the Paw Paw Trail. This easy trail loops around Stump Pond, where visitors can fish or enjoy a picnic. From either end of the Paw Paw Trail, there is access to the Poplar Springs trail to the north and Mounds Trail to the southeast to extend your hike.

Named after Edgar Merle (1900-1984), who spent the majority of his life working for the protection of wildlife in this area, specifically around Canada geese habitat. Today, this land is home to one of the largest wintering grounds for Canada geese on the Chesapeake Bay's western shore.