The refuge was established in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a sanctuary for migratory birds.
It protects one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier island segments on the Atlantic coast.
The refuge features an impoundment system used to manage water levels specifically to attract and support migratory birds.
It is a stopover point on the Atlantic Flyway, a primary north-south migratory route for birds.
The refuge includes a designated Wilderness Area which prohibits motorized vehicles to maintain an undisturbed habitat.
Freshwater marshes within the refuge are vital for protecting the water quality of Back Bay.
The terrain includes relict dunes, which are older, stabilized sand formations that differ from active beach dunes.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected habitat situated on a barrier spit between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay. The refuge serves as a vital stopover for thousands of migratory waterfowl, including tundra swans, snow geese, and various duck species. Its ecosystem encompasses diverse habitats such as dunes, beach, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and impoundments. The refuge maintains over 9,000 acres of land, much of which is accessible via designated hiking and biking trails. It functions as a critical sanctuary for threatened and endangered species, including the loggerhead sea turtle. The site is geographically isolated from the typical Virginia Beach oceanfront resort strip. Public access to specific areas, including the beach, may be seasonally restricted to protect nesting wildlife. Management is conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity.
The elevated observation platform overlooking the managed impoundments.
Bring high-quality binoculars, as the best birding opportunities often occur at a distance from the trails.
Wear insect repellent, as the marshy environment supports a high population of mosquitoes and biting flies.
Check the official refuge website for current trail closures before departure, especially during nesting or hunting seasons.
Do not attempt to walk through the interior dunes or marshlands, as these areas are fragile and protected for wildlife.
Portions of the refuge, particularly the beach, may be closed periodically for sea turtle nesting or during specific seasonal hunts.
Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive dune vegetation and disturbing nesting areas; pack out all trash.
