State Parks and National Parks

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects wildlife habitat on 22 islands along 362 miles of the river. Two of the islands are in Pennsylvania, 16 in West Virginia and two in Kentucky. The refuge consists of 1,620 land and 1,730 underwater acres.

The refuge is home to more than 160 species of birds and 50 species of fish. Mammals on the islands include beaver, cottontail rabbit, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, woodchuck and white-tailed deer.

Shallow water areas near the islands support some of the richest freshwater mussel fauna in the U.S., including the federally-endangered pink mucket and fanshell mussels.

Refuge lands are open to the public during daylight hours for activities such as fishing, nature study, photography and birdwatching. Camping is not permitted.

An auto tour route on Middle Island — accessible by bridge — has signs that explain the refuge's work in restoring this island's habitat. The island also features a wildlife observation blind and a one-mile trail.

All other islands can be reached by private boat only. No moorings or docks are available, but boaters may land on beaches and tie up their boats. The refuge does not maintain any boat launches, but there are many public launches along the Ohio River.

Bicycles are permitted on the road on Middle Island only and are prohibited on all other islands.

Many of the islands are open for seasonal hunting; contact the refuge office for current opportunities and regulations.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Corel.