Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the state of New Hampshire.


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Summary

The refuge is named after environmentalist and author Rachel Carson and was established to protect salt marshes and estuaries along the Atlantic coast.

There are plenty of good reasons to visit Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, such as birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking. The refuge is home to more than 300 bird species, including the American black duck, great blue heron, and peregrine falcon. Visitors can also spot other wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and otters.

One of the main points of interest at the refuge is the Rachel Carson Salt Pond, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and photography. Visitors can also explore the hiking trails, which range from easy to moderate and offer scenic views of the salt marshes and forests. In addition, the refuge has a variety of programs and events throughout the year, such as guided nature walks and educational workshops.

Interesting facts about the refuge include that it was established in 1966 and covers over 5,000 acres. The refuge is also part of the larger Great Bay estuary, which is one of the largest estuaries on the East Coast.

The best time of year to visit Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is in the spring and fall, when there are fewer crowds and the weather is mild. Birdwatchers may also want to visit during the spring and fall migration seasons, when many species pass through the area.

       

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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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