Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the state of New Hampshire, USA.


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Summary

The refuge is an important habitat for various migratory bird species, including the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. There are several reasons to visit the refuge, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and photography.

One of the main points of interest at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the Peverly Pond Trail, which offers visitors a chance to explore the wetlands and observe various bird species. The refuge also has a visitor center that provides educational exhibits and information about the area's wildlife and natural resources.

Interesting facts about the refuge include its history of being used as a military installation during World War II and its role in protecting the Great Bay Estuary, which is one of the largest estuaries on the east coast. The refuge encompasses over 1,000 acres of protected land and offers a diverse range of habitats, including marshes, forests, and tidal flats.

The best time of year to visit Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migratory seasons when visitors can observe a wide variety of bird species. However, the refuge is open year-round, and each season offers unique opportunities for exploration and discovery.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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