The Patuxent Research Refuge is the Nation’s only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research. The refuge is divided into three areas and this, the North Tract, offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, trails, and many interpretive programs. This route is especially popular with runners and hikers and is mostly on dirt or gravel roads and some forest trails. There is a spur trail that leads to the picturesque Reeves Pond. There are some ups and downs to challenge runners and there are shorter routes available as well.