Summary
It covers an area of 1,000 acres and is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. There are several good reasons to visit High Island Park, including hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
One of the main attractions of the park is the High Island itself, which is a small, rocky island that is home to a variety of nesting birds, including bald eagles and ospreys. Visitors can observe these birds from a distance using the park's observation platforms. The park also has several miles of hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the mountains and the ocean.
Other points of interest in the park include the rocky shoreline, which is ideal for exploring tide pools and searching for sea creatures, and the salt marsh, which is home to a variety of marsh birds and other wildlife. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park to learn more about its history and ecology.
Interesting facts about High Island Park include its unique geology, which includes granite cliffs and a variety of rock formations. The park is also home to several rare plant species, including the seaside goldenrod and the saltmarsh aster.
The best time of year to visit High Island Park is in the summer, when the weather is mild and the park is lush and green. However, visitors can also enjoy the park in the fall, when the leaves change color and the air is crisp and cool. Overall, High Island Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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