Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Reviews

While visiting Wells, and getting a feel for the area, we stopped here after seeing it highly rated on Tripadvisor. It was open on MLK Day for hiking, but the buildings were closed. The toilets were open. Maybe it was because the snow was plowed into piles, but there didn't appear to be much parking, at least out front. There appeared to be additional parking in other places. Other people were enjoying the snow-covered trails, too. There's plenty of nature, woods, ponds, critters, birds, and it's peaceful. We'll be back to enjoy it again when we return in the warmer months. Information about Rachel Carson is posted outside. A variety of signs direct to you trails, buildings etc. Donation boxes are available, but there was no charge. There is an information center.

My wife and I took our dog (yes they are allowed as long as leashed) for a morning walk in the fog at Rachel Carson. It is located in Wells, but close to Kennebunkport. Good number of parking spaces adjacent to the trail. The trail is a loop that weaves through woods adjacent to a large area of marshland. The trail is extremely well kept up and includes lookout platforms and a bridge. It is hard packed and very handicapped usable. They were doing some up-keep when we visited. It is a beautiful place to relax, walk, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Highly recommended. No fee, but donation box near entrance to trail.

Definitely worth the visit, and can be combined with other sites of interest in Kennebunkport area. I recommend going off season or carrying mosquito netting or spray to ward off insects. The walk is an easy one. The scenery is lovely.

Set in a copse of Maine evergreens and meandering paths, this spot is a tribute to Rachel Carson who made us think of the environment a long time ago

This was an extremely pleasant walk. The views were amazing. The first part of the walk was easy enough but the 2nd half was a challenge and I would not recommend it for the elderly, small children or anyone handicapped. The path leading to the island which is only available during low tide is all rock(not pebbles) and in some sections contains slippery sea weed. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You must watch where you're stepping the whole way else you misstep and hurt yourself. With that said as long as you are careful and go slow it is amazing to know that everything you are walking on was under the ocean moments ago.

It was okay, took the one mile walk around the refuge. Just saw salt marshes, that's about it.

I would not go back again, once is enough.

Awesome walk on a picturesque trail..dogs allowed,our's loved it..benches along the way to sit a spell..must do when in the area!

I once again visited this NWR shortly after sunrise and once again had the trail to almost to myself. The other visitors, though a few may have been residents, were a multitude of gulls, a pair of chipmunks, one great blue heron and a kingfisher. 3 Claps.

this is a very nice 1 mile or so hike over and through various terrain. Woods, Seaside, marshland, etc. We went on a Sunday morning and although not alone, it was not overcrowded at all. My friend had her dog in his stroller and he enjoyed the walk as well so it is dog friendly. He is older so does get tired but not this time! A lovely spot preserved for all to enjoy!

The history of Rachel Carson is inspiring, the walk is peaceful, easy, well kept, all boarwalk, and you can spot all sorts of birds in the marsh. Wear mosquito repellent.

An incredible one mile walk on a trail- no hills, gorgeous views of water, fall foliage. Don’t miss!!!! It is free to enter and there is free parking. Not crowded- good social distancing. If traveling to Maine in the fall especially don’t miss this place! Less than an hour to do the whole walk, bring your camera!

My wife and I, plus our little pooch, stopped by the Rachel Carson Wildlife Sanctuary for a little walk. We didn't realize just how beautiful it is there, and how well maintained it is. Here are the essentials; it's free, good parking right near the trails, handicapped parking, and all the trails are wide, mostly flat, and anyone with a wheelchair can easily get through all the trails. This is especially great, because I haven't seen any place this handicapped friendly. Aside from all that, it's a peaceful stroll​ through the woods, with some excellent views.

Great trail for a walk. Trails are in good shape, very flat & relatively dry. Lots of places to stop & read about the area you are looking at.

We came here on an overcast drizzling day but the trees sheltered us from any rain/drizzle. The trail was easy to walk & the scenery was very cool. Didn't see much wildlife, but it could had been due to the weather. We enjoyed it and would stop again if we were looking to get out for a quick walk.

Great place for a naturalized walk. Beautiful views and good for bird watching. Nice plants as well.

Great overview of beach/marsh habitat on a nature trail with numbered locations to match up with a trail guide. Easy walking, but too many mosquitoes for us to linger long. A good break from the beach in a mostly shady environment.

My wife and I had been here before. On this trip we brought our son, his wife, and our 16 month old granddaughter. The refuge is a 1 mile flat loop walk around a tidal marsh. It is truly beautiful and informative. Before you take the trail pick up a trail guide to understand what you are seeing.

Tidal marshes are where the salt water from the ocean meet and mix with the fresh water of rivers and streams. The guide tells all about how the tidal marshes work and how important they are. Our granddaughter lasted about 1/2 a mile, but was touching all the plants, examining the pine cones and mushrooms, and trying to step in the puddles. It rained the day before and there were sizable puddles on the trail. Fortunately the trail has metal retaining strips on it and wood chips outside the path. We were easily able to walk on the wood chips and avoid wet feet.

Besides the scientific importance of the tidal marshes is the natural beauty. The tree leaves were changing colors and the weather perfect. So for an enjoyable, informative, and beautiful walk we highly recommend this refuge.

We stopped here after seeing the signs on the highway and wanted to see what it was. We grabbed a trail guide and went for a walk. The path is great and there are places to stop and look out over the marsh. We didn't see a lot of wildlife, but did see some geese and a couple of other birds. Nice, easy walk.

A delightful circular trail leading to views of Timber Island and Goose Rocks Beach. Very controlled environment, thankfully. Parking for very few cars--no bikes, no dogs so good birding.

This is a great place to walk and sight see. The paths are flat and have small gravel stones making it easy for anyone of any age and dogs to walk. Strollers would even be able to go over the path. There are numerous resting spots with benches as well. Great views of the marsh. Very peaceful.

While on a drive up to Freeport and Yarmouth, we got off the main road and visited the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. It was definitely worth the time.

The walk is simple, along a paved path. The views of the marshes from various viewpoints were spectacular. Although there were other people on the path, we did not run into them, and felt that we had the refuge to ourselves.

The brief writeup on Rachel Carson was inspiring and I learned facts about here that I had not known, although I had read "Silent Spring" as a teenager.

I have been to Rachel Carson several times most recently last week. It is a bucolic, peaceful respite from the traffic and beach crowd. It is free and absolutely lovely. Go and enjoy! It always refreshes me ❤️

Just about a mile walk- very flat and well maintained. Parking for cars and beautiful scenery. Have walked it 3x this week.

This is a gorgeous mile long woodland groomed trail, winding along salt marshes in the Wells, Maine area. There are a dozen lookout stands throughout the trail to allow great marsh views and information written about each area. It is a beautiful sanctuary especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. It is free of charge.

A 1-mile loop with lots of shade and beautiful scenery and occasional wildlife. If your timing is just right it can be a very tranquil and quiet nice walk.

We went on a cloudy day after it had been raining all morning. We maybe saw 2-3 birds. The walking paths were nice. We were bummed to not see more wildlife. Overall it was just an ok walk.

Trails and outdoor views beautiful. Access to natural beauty was wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity.

Beautiful place to take the family for a quiet nature walk. The trails are well marked and there are plenty of places to rest or take pictures. We go whenever we’re in Wells.

This is a lovely place, with a nice walkable trail with lookouts and information at each stop. I was a bit disappointed that it's rather too much of a dog-walking area, with the result that one sees fewer birds than at other refuges, but it was very clean.

Beautiful place named after a great woman. The short walk is especially recommended for the physically challenged.

Nice little hike to go on. Didn't see much wildlife activity when we went but the scenery was nice and relaxing. I would only suggest there should be some more garbages around so people don't throw their garbage in the floors which they shouldn't be doing anyway. Maybe not a great activity for kids but it's an experience.

It is a great easy walk. It took us 30 minutes the loop. It was a Monday in Oct we really enjoyed the fresh air and it was very quiet.
The landscape appearance is especially picturesque.
There are number of points located in the loop you can take photos.

Quiet well maintained mile trail through woods and along marsh land. Saw egrets, duck, geese with goslings. There are composting toilets (no bad smells) with hand sanitizer.

Rachel Carson Refuge was one of the activities our Resort offered and my wife and I are glad we went. Our activity leader, Sue, helped to remind us of the fragility of our world, and the importance of the marshes. The walk is easy with eleven stations to stop view and learn. We had a guide, which was very helpful, but there is a Trail Guide available at the refuge that will tell you about each station you visit. Take a pair of binoculars, as there is much to see in the marshes and salt pannes.

This is a one mile trail in a wildlife refuge. My dogs loved it! If you like walking this is terrific if your dog is with you. The beaches are closed for dogs in summer.

We have been coming here for several years. Love to take our bassets for a walk along the trails. There is just so much beauty to see everywhere. Just a nice clean place to enjoy the world.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful, peaceful place to go for a walk. The trail is kept clear and is accessible, with only one small slope within the 1 mile loop. There are spots to stop, some with benches, to take in the beauty of the Refuge and often to spot some wildlife. When we stay in Wells, this is a daily activity for us.

What a little gem of a spot. One mile trail through a coastal forest that opens up to a fresh water estuary. Wow on the views!

This is a very relaxing and informative walk through the salt marshes. Numbered stops along the way are explained in the brochure available at the beginning of the trail. We have enjoyed this many times when we visit the Wells/Ogunquit area.

This is a great relaxing walk that is not difficult. Lots of great
scenery and we met a lot pf friendly people on the way.

This marshland and forest provided an easy walk for us in which to marvel at nature and be thankful for the dedication of naturalists such as Rachel Carson.

Such a beautiful trail with signs along the way..do informative..no rushing..allows you and your group to go at your own pace..perfect in Spring,Summer and Autumn....and it is free....though you can make donations to different groups who keep the trails up

Lots of benches along the pathway, which runs through the forest, with views of the tidal marshes and distant beach.

nice 1 mile even ground walk - one small hill. trail has several benches along the way to sit and enjoy view over marshes.

I stop here to take my spot walks every time I come to Wells Kennebunk, it’s a peaceful walk, interesting views, great for your camera, walk always places to stop, sit enjoy the peace quiet and breath the air. A great meditation place. Can do this walk in an hour, less or longer, at your own pace. ENJOY a beautiful place we don’t have anywhere else but Maine.

An unexpected find was this Wildlife Refuge, quite large given the size of the town. Peaceful and picturesque. Nice for walking or kayaking. Would be a great place to take your camera.

This self guided 1 mile loop was just beautiful. We loved the vibrant colors of the marshlands - a true testament to Rachel Carson.

Easy walking trails through the salt marshes. We enjoyed the boardwalk and observation decks. It was a delight to watch the wild birds and geese swim and wade through the marsh. A beautiful and peaceful place!

Rachel Carlson Wildlife Refuge is a unique expanse of preserved land to protect the environment. This section of the refuge offers views to several different eco systems. The trail is wide and suitable for all ages to enjoy. Keep ypur eyes open for Lady Slippers late April - May, various sea birds and an occasional Osprey!
A must see if you're inthe area.

Pretty, clean, interactive mile long trail. Wheel chair accessible. Walk through the forest gaze at the marsh. Also has a small museum.

We have been to Maine many times. This was our first visit to the Refuge. Easy walking path for all ages. Several lookout stops to take in the views. We didn't see much Wildlife it may have been the time of year. Still a must stop
Pictures are views of the Refuge

Lovely path that loops through trees, with beautiful views of the salt water estuary that leads to the ocean. This loop does not go down to the ocean. The Wells Reserve at Laudholm has a path to the water.
However, the Rachel Carson Refuge is free, and a lovely place - especially on a hot day.

Decision to come here was made based on a recommendation from friends - and my own online research prior to our trip. Pleased we visited, next time it will be earlier in the morning for possible wildlife viewing.

PWS48

Wonderful walking place with access to trails and the beach. A long walk with 2 year old for just the beach, so plan on enjoying the way there slowly.

Love this place for a perfect nature walk! It was a great place to escape the beach crowds on a sunny afternoon :)

I enjoyed a leisurely walk along this easy 1 mile plus out and back trail located in a section of the Rachel Carson Preserve early one morning. The trail goes passes through woods with intermittent views of Little River leading to the coast where at low tide one can access Timber Island. It was high tide so settled for a side path past a field of wildflowers that lead to the now the abandoned Ewing House that was constructed in 1931. I must have had a "now serving breakfast" sign affixed to my back because throughout the hike I was under constant attack by swarms of mosquitoes. I would strongly suggest timing your walk for mid-day or bring insect repellent with you. Parking is limited to 6 spaces.

This is a lovely, easy, not too long nature walk. Views of the tidal marshes with fall colors were stunning. With benches along the way and paths to guide you, I make this a definite yearly vacation destination.

I walked this trail with my friend today and was pleasantly surprised at what an enjoyable hike it was.
It is all cleared and very level.It is a walkway basically.There are 'overlooks' here and there for you to go on to take pictures or to see if you can see some of the wildlife.
It makes a loop and is easily done in about 25 min depending in how fast you walk and what you see.
It is a walk for all ages and would accommodate a wheel chair.
It is not very far from the town of Wells so not much travel time to get there.

Easy walk through beautiful wooded area spotting lady slippers, new growth and other little blooms. Trail guides at the head of the trail are useful for identification of what you are seeing - be sure to grab one.

This is a shaded hike with slightly rolling areas but overall a very easy hike. It is only 1.8 miles if you go out to the marsh and walk the loop all around, so not too long.

Took a nice hike down to the beach.

Grounds are spectacular.

Bring mosquito repellant --- lots of bugs in the fields. Lots!

Lots of flora & fauna to enjoy.

Parking: open free lot
Bathrooms: open to public

Would recommend: Yes
Would re-patronize: Yes

Wonderful location. A great hike to Timber Point area, beautiful views, calm and intriguing. The trails were easy to follow and afforded opportunities for bird watching.

This very well maintained and flat path took us through a wooded area where we could see the estuaries and marsh. It was quiet and beautiful and hardly anyone was there.

A great place for a contemplative walk to appreciate the nature for which Rachel cared so deeply. If you're in the area, this is a great stop - an hour well spent. Be careful - WAZE doesn't always get the directions correct.

Took baby in stroller, older kids and adults beautiful path and scenery and wildlife, bathrooms available, shaded, very nice.

While we did not see much wildlife, other than a snapping turtle being released, the short trail (groomed path) through the shady woods what a great leg-stretcher for my wife and I, and our two dogs. Loved the views over the marshes and out in to the Atlantic Ocean.

The circle trail at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Well, ME is an easily walkable , cool locale on a hot day. Informative stops clarify the importance of the preservation of the lowlands that flow into the Atlantic. Be sure to obtain one of the free trail guides. Unfortunately, the Visitor's Center was not open the day we visited in late June. The parking lot was wet after rains, but the ground cover was very walkable. The only "wildlife" we saw was a chip monk. The well maintained trail makes it a welcome refuge on a hot day.

We spent a little over an hour walking the trail here. The trails aren't as extensive as what you'll find at the Wells Reserve, so you'll spend less time at Rachel Carson, but the trail around the salt marsh is great. You'll likely see some wildlife, mostly herons, egrets and waterfowl. Bring bug spray as there are alot of mosquitos. This is a nice break from the craziness of Route 1.

Maine's leaves were transitioning from green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red leaves when I visited. Located five miles from Ogunquit, I am glad I explored this tranquil nature reserve with their one-mile trail.

Easy walk through the woods, path is well maintained and accessible to all. Whole loop is just about a mile; leads out to scenic estuary with lots of wildlife. We saw a number of birds and egrets; very peaceful and relaxing. Worth your time.

Great one hour stop for a short, easy, level hike through woods and water views. Not crowded. Masks not required but the few people we saw respected the social distancing as we passed them.

Great educational walk. You can bring your dog. Enjoy the views and remember your camera!! We did use bug spray - even in August -

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge provides an easy, level walk through a wooded area bordering a saltwater marshland. The path is a boardwalk and appears to be wheelchair accessible. Pamphlets provide a brief description of the view from each scenic overlook. We didn't see a lot of wildlife, but it might have just been the time of year (fall). The refuge provides a nice change of pace from the crowds and bustle of the tourist shops and restaurant area.

Extremely clean and well maintained trail with informational overlooks and scenic stops along the way. Easy parking.

This is a nice way to see some marsh land and enjoy the birds in the area. It is an easy pathway to follow.

I stopped here on my way to Bar Harbor and found it to be a little gem. I was focused primarily on birdwatching and I shared the path with people just enjoying the day or walking their dogs. It's a short one mile well-maintained path. It was not crowded, just a perfect little break from the road.

Found this gem a couple of years ago ..... My husband and I love walking around the grounds. I love taking photos and there are plenty of opportunities to do that.

Arguably, Rachel Carson is to environmentalism what Einstein is to physics; as the decades go by and understanding increases, the debt to their genius only grows. One imagines how pleased she might be to walk her namesake trail, flat and accessible with many thoughtfully placed overlooks for beholding the splendor of an estuarine environment left in its natural state, populated by a plethora of avian species that might be long-vanished without her very far-ahead-of-its-time warning of a Silent Spring. Celebrate her foresight by soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the sinuous river ecosystem, the single trunk base that seemingly hosts five(!) separate trees, the downed giants from storms recent and long-past, the vibrant youthful pines competing branch-to-branch for a much-prized chance at adulthood, the moss and lichen in a startling range of colors. And behold on the far horizon the unencumbered icy blue breakers of the wild Maine coastline. As Carson explained with unsurpassed wisdom and elegance, nothing made by human hand can ultimately compete with a timeless living spectacle like this one.

Named for Carson this is the centerpiece for a range of federal wilderness preserves along the coast. Essential to protecting salt marshes and habitat they also have some nice walking if you want to get away from the beach on vacation.

We stopped and took the trek. Very peaceful, uneventful, but a nice break from the traffic. Scenery was nice and a relaxing walk

This is a flat path (one mile in total) that is perfect or all ability levels. Wonderful overlooks to the river and marsh.

1 mile easy loop with benches along the way. Nice walk with interpretive/educational stops along the way. Our group ranged from 48-86 year olds and it worked for us all! Nice tribute to an environmental trailblazer.

An excellent and somewhat easy walk. The sights/views and sounds are beautiful. Plenty of parking . A must take when in the area.

Pulled in picked up a map & started walking, there are compost restrooms, picnic tables at parking area. We walked the 2 mile loop thru the marsh, saw chipmunks, birds, wood pecker, & fiddle gear ferns! Nice & relaxing,

Ever wonder why it's so important, put this on your list, visit, and think about it. Well worth exiting the interstate, a short drive, walk and comfort stop.

took a great hike here after viewing the park from the beach. a local gave us directions out to the park. wonderful walk through the trees out to the beach. during low tide, you can walk across to one of the barrier islands. a small bee habitat can also be seen on the walk as well as an old dwelling. very interesting and a fortuitous find!

At first we were not sure if we would like to walk through the wildlife refuge in the middle if the afternoon and to our surprise it ended up being the most lovely thing to do as a family. Don't forget to bring your camera.

This is a lovely short walk where the forest meets the salt marsh. Leashed dogs are allowed and the trail is smooth and level enough for a stroller or wheelchair. There are signposts that explain particular features of the walk and include a tribute naturalist Rachel Carson.

Really enjoyed this brief, flat and easy to walk trail. It was only a mile and most anyone mobile could accomplish this walk. Lovely views of the marsh, river and sea. But the quiet and peace of the forest was great. We saw lady slippers! Beautiful big ferns, wildflowers and evergreens. A pleasant surprise stop passing thru ME.

I come here often because it is a peaceful, beautiful 1 mile loop through the woods and marsh. The views are amazing. When I leave I am relaxed and uplifted.

We took our kids ages 8 and 10 for a hike through here. It is a well marked, relatively flat trail through the woods. We were able to easily complete it under 45 minutes. The scenery was beautiful. A great free activity if you can fit it in.

I have walked my dog here numerous times and he loves it as much as I do. There are very nice lookout stops along the trail that allow you to stop and take in the nice marsh and forest scenery. Parking can be an issue since the lot is small and the trail can get very crowded on the weekends. Make sure to put on some insect repellent to keep the tics and mosquitos away as the trail does take you through the woods.

This is perfect way to spend some time in Wells. Beautiful preserve. You can walk through it quickly but take some time, you might be surprised how much wildlife you see if you are quiet, that is the key. Some great bird watching. One of my daughters who loves to sketch found several animals to draw. The other got some great bird photo shots including what we think is a young bald eagle. We met some members of the local Wells club and they thought it was a young bald eagle, they said the eagles are returning to this refuge area to nest. There is a lot to see if you go slowly. Very easy trail to walk.

Had a lovely, romantic walk through super dense forests and gorgeous wetlands dotted with cranes. I highly recommend this little stop.

This is about as good as it gets. The scenery is beautiful, the path is easy and wheel chair friendly, and there are benches placed strategically along the approximate one mile walk.

If you're interested in nature, be sure and pick up a brochure before you start as it will give you an informative description of each of the numbered overlooks.

I recommend this walk to absolutely anyone and everyone.

Rachel Carson is a scenic, tranquil area for hiking in all seasons. Trails, woods, water, scenic views, benches. In Winter, when activities are scarce, Rachel Carson is open from sunrise to sunset. Get away from the Summer crowds, and enjoy the Autumn colors and Spring growth.

A nice, relaxing walk, through the woods on a paved trail. Accessible for the physically challenged. No admission charge and free parking. Nice views of coastal marshlands and waterways.

This reserve is a very easy flat hike, lots of birds the lady slippers had just bloomed and there were lots of them.

Stopped here today to stretch our legs and take a nice walk.
Very nice trail, very well maintained, lovely views. They have restrooms and is a simple walk for all ages and abilities. There are 11 stops on the way, most of them having a bench.

Did not see as much wildlife as hoped, but still a pleasant way to to break up the journey to Portland.

Please donate! Tight parking. Easy walk with nature trail around tidal pools. My dog loves this! Near Maine Diner! Historic for kids to look up Rachel Carson. 😂😁😇

I went here for a quick early morning walk and to bird watch. Beautiful place that is an easy walk and quick if you don't stop to explore and look for birds, etc. Several people with their dogs. I had driven in the afternoon before and the parking lot was packed so it's popular with the locals too. Well worth a visit.

it's fortunate to have a relatively flat trail, about a mile long in Wells. The trail offers outlooks overlooking the local river, marshes, and in the distance, the ocean. There are many lovely treas and flowers and it's great that they put benches along the way and offer a guide to each numbered stop. I suggest you pick up the flyer before you start off as it will help you to understand what you're looking at.

This is a must visit place in southern Maine, Rachel Carson is the found of environmental studies and is the founder of protecting the environment, Beautiful and educational, great for kids and families alike.

We didn't see much but the path is clear and the peacefulness is nice. Really nice views at points also.

Well maintained trails with good interpretive signage. Very easy walking for all ages. Interest mix of trees and birds with proximity to ocean, estuaries and wetlands.

This was a relaxing walk to see the wildlife. Since most of the walk is through the woods , it was nice and cool on a 90 degree day. We saw some geese and a great blue heron. Well manicured walkways throughout. Walk at your own pace.

First thing to know...By wildlife, I think they mean the plants and birds and squirrels. We didn't see much else.... No deer, moose, etc. (If you are looking for a wildlife sanctuary with rescued wildlife, head a little north about 45 minutes outside of oxford.)

That said, this was a very enjoyable, free outdoor excursion. You can be at one with nature. Two miles of trails. Easy for kids and most elderly. Took about an hour or so. They have bathrooms and posted information at each marker on the trail that tell you about the trail along the way. Clear paths/trails throughout the refuge. Even some benches for sitting.

Beautiful salt marsh, and then beautiful wooded area. On one side you can see the salt marshes clear over to the ocean and that is a great photo op. The colors of gold, red, brown against the blue sky and water is breathtaking. We strolled around for about an hour or two, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Like a nice walk in the woods. Lots of birds, ducks, geese and the occasional squirrel or chipmunk.

Some benches at most scenic overlooks that are good for contemplating, or having a little picnic lunch like some folks we saw.

It is a small pebble walk through a gorgeous coastal forested area with a number of overlooks to take pictures. Easy walk, lots of foliage and birds. Memorable highlight of our trip east.

Nice, easy walk to take with kids. We didn’t too much but it’s off season. We did see some geese. The lookout areas were nice.

Beautiful trail, very easy walking, flat. Went with snow on the ground, just had boots on. Place to park car. 1-mile trail took less than an hour.

I needed a place to take a long walk with my dog and so many places in that area did not permit dogs. This trail welcomed dogs on leashes. As a further plus the trail (approx. 1 mile) was almost entirely level which was great for this old lady with a bad knee. Abby and I had a great time and chatted with many friendly strangers also enjoying this lovely spot.

This is a beautiful area of Wells. The walking trail is a easy 1 mile walk through the salt marsh with viewing spots along the way. My husband, dog and I thoroughly enjoyed starting our day there. Will definitely came back.

The parking lot and access road are triangular. Very tight corners with close trees and a split rail fence that had to come down for us to exit.

This area is beautiful and the trail is very easy to walk and has various plants labeled for identification. Many different sea marsh views.

This beautiful one-mile walk along the salt marsh with occasional ocean views was one of the highlights of our trip to Coastal Maine! Although it was drizzly and foggy, honestly the weather just added to the experience. There is a bar code to scan when you start. Be sure to do this, as the numbered stops are not described on signage. Free parking, restrooms at the trailhead, worth a stop!

I visited the Rachel Carson twice while on a mini-vacation in Southern Maine.

On the first visit on Sunday, I found the Visitor Center closed. It’s open only Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Admission here is free.

On Sunday, I met an acquaintance there. We walked a high-energy, rambunctious puppy on the mile-long trail to tire him out. It was a good day for a walk. It was an 82° F day with little humidity. I soon spotted poison ivy. It tends to grow everywhere in places like national lands such as wildlife refuges and national parks. Also, as with all outdoor activities, especially in wooded areas, insect repellent is recommended.

Near the beginning of the trail is a box that has trail maps with information about what one will see on the trail. The trail is a loop about a mile long. The terrain is pretty level. The trail has eleven points of interest. One learns about the value of salt marshes and tidal rivers and how cordgrass and salt hay process carbon dioxide to help neutralize greenhouse gases.

The trail is also scenic with upland forest, salt marsh, the Merriland River, Branch Brook, and a pine and hemlock woodland near the end of the trail. There are also some boardwalks and viewing platforms along the trail. Canada geese were visiting over the weekend.

On Monday, I returned to the Visitor Center. From the office staffer, I learned that the purpose of the refuge is to protect salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. There are eleven divisions of this refuge between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth that encompass about 50 miles of coastline. Besides the Wells section, other main sections are at Cutts Island in Kittery and Timber Point in Biddeford. Chief activities include walking, wildlife viewing, photography, and environmental education.

At the HQ, I got several pieces of printed information. One item was an activity booklet for children visiting the refuge. Another item was a temporary tattoo of the Maine Piping Plover which was very popular with the youngsters. For adults, there were postcards of the piping plover courtesy of the Maine Audubon.

Most people know of Rachel Carson as an author who was best-known for her books “Silent Spring” and “The Sea Around Us.” She was also a marine biologist, aquatic biologist, and editor-in-chief for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. She is credited with starting the environmental movement and raising concerns for the environment. This National Wildlife Refuge honors her work and is located not too far from Ms. Carson’s summer home in West Southport Maine in the Mid-Coast Region.

If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.

Beautiful place to get in some Birding on our final morning in Maine. While the birds were a bit elusive, it was a very beautiful trail. Enjoyed the informative description for the 11 checkpoints in the guide. Easy, flat path to walk on.

this is such a peaceful, quiet walk! we love to see the marsh from this perspective. this is beautiful even when the weather doesn't exactly cooperate :)

We were disappointed that we did not hear more bird sounds. Other than that, the walk was relaxing and scenic on mostly level land. This is located adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.

I (Rachel) love to go here with my son (Carson). The approximate 1 mile loop takes you through the sanctuary offering you beautiful view points in 10 locations. The path is wide and young children can easily walk it but if not, it is accessible by a stroller too.. Pets are welcome and even on a busy day, if you wait 10 minutes, parking becomes available since the loop is not very long to walk and many people can visit in and out in any given day. And....only 1 mile from the Wells Diner so you can dine before or after your walk in the iconic diner and enjoy home cooked food to fuel your adventure.

Pick up a guide at trail head and learn about the marsh as you walk the lovely, well maintained trail, and learn about Rachel Carson in the Visitor center.

What a grea find. Wasn't sure what to expect in the woods, but easy walk in the shade for the whole family. Main trail is very easy with a observation area every now and then. This is one walk we do every time we visit.
You will not be disappointed if you enjoy nature.

Beautiful views! A very positive nature walk and great photo spot. It was very relaxing. We were very happy with our visit! :)

The welcome center was not open the day we were there, but we took the nature walk through the Refuge. A nice easy walk and beautiful scenery.

This place is magnificent. The ecosystem is one of a kind where the sea meets fresh water. Just beautiful is all I can say to describe this walk.

Beautiful area, the well maintained mile long path was an easy walk, I was able to bring my leashed dog. Mostly wooded with a number of scenic outlooks which were lovely to enjoy.

We stopped here on my way back from Kennebunkport and we were very pleasantly surprised with what we found. Wide-open trails, beautiful vistas and easy access made for a fun family afternoon.

What a beautiful treasure we have in Wells. The paths are well maintained and the lookout areas are constructed in such a way as to afford beautiful views of the marshes.

One of the main trails overlooks a small river and then bends around near a marshland. Nice peaceful walk. Restrooms available. There was no entrance fee.

Extremely well layed out walks with great describing signs. A must do if you want to see wetlands up close.

This is always one of my favorite places to walk while in town. The trails and boardwalks are well maintained and there are also bathrooms there.

The wildlife refuge is a beautiful, peaceful place to walk. There is a one-mile loop on an easy path, with scenic overlooks all along the way. The marsh is filled with birds; at different times of day you can see other wildlife. We did the loop twice for a good morning walk. The path is flat and wide. Bring bug spray in the summer.

We had fun walking with our toddlers. The parking was a little tight, not sure where people can park when the lot is full, but I guess the turnover is pretty quick.
The views are nice and the path is wide enough for the double stroller. Mosquitoes can be bad, so bring bug spray!

We would be wise to heed Rachel Carson’s words. Our world is intertwined and each piece is vitally dependent on its kin.

The parking lot is small but the trail isn’t long, so turnover occurs frequently.

This is a National Refuge area so the trail is well marked and an interpretive map is available at the trail head. The trail is well maintained.

If you don’t need your map after your walk, remember to leave it in the map box for the walkers.

This is a lovely quiet walk around the marshes on a flat, well maintained trail that is wheelchair accessible. It takes around 40 minutes if you stop at each view and read the educational brochure that is available at the beginning of the trail. This is a lovely place to go after eating all the tourist food, ice cream, and going through the crowds in the beach towns to relax, enjoy quiet beauty and appreciate the amazing interrelationship of all of God's creation. Great place to bring kids to unwind and to learn a little ecology. Bathrooms are available and parking on the premises.

We have visited here a few times and it never fails to enchant us. The views are marvelous and it allows time to really reflect on the beauty of the salt marsh and the sea's edges in Maine. Go!

This is a beautiful place to visit, there’s picnic tables and a lovel flat/level well groomed trail to walk on that takes you by the marsh, there’s benches along the way to sit so even a small child or older person can do this walk easily.

The first time I visited this place I just loved it for many reasons. Its woodsy, peaceful, the views are great, and everyone can enjoy this place because its also handicapped accessible. I go every year while I am staying the weekend in the area in the spring.

We enjoyed kayaking through the Refuge. We saw everything from geese and their baby goslings to White Heron and great blue heron, seagulls, crabs and fish. Beautiful views throughout.

This walking trail is a local wonder. I am thankful that my town has this free to the public. The trail is a large loop on nice flat dirt with many look out posts that view the marsh and wetlands. I have walked this trail many times and encountered deer and other small animals. See my deer pic attached! There are benches and a couple of bridges but the trail does seem to be accessible by wheelchair. This is also a great place to bring your dogs on a leash. My fiancé and I have had many romantic strolls here. Also, If you happen to play Pokémon go this trail is a hot spot for Pokémon so keep that in mind.

This was a great place to walk, shady areas. educational as well. You can walk your dog on the trail. There were also joggers. Peaceful and relaxing.

As permanent residents of Wells, we love to take our dog here for her walks. We often see deer along the outer marsh and many different birds are usually feeding in the marsh as well. The actual walking trail is easy and the important spots are well marked and detailed. Just, please, scoop the poop!

We arrived early and took a walk around the short path. There weren't many parking spaces, but we didn't have trouble at that hour. We encountered a few other people, but it wasn't crowded. The path was flat and easy to travel.

We mainly came for bird watching, and saw a few good species. The sunrise over the salt marsh was beautiful. We would like to spend more time here on our next visit.

Our time there was anything but peaceful. We saw 2 birds and 2 chipmunks. But if you like seeing dogs and hearing them bark this is the place. Everyone seemed to have one. If your looking for Wildlife and peace go up the road to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm , stay away from the Dog Park.

We've walked the trails at Rachel Carson many times. The peace and serenity is almost overwhelming. A must see when you are in down east Maine. Lovely views of salt marshes and the Atlantic.

Easy walk on the trail thru the marsh and natural habitat. Easy for adults and children. Dogs on leash allowed.

I was disappointed as the Visitors Center was closed. I know with the current budget USFWS Park Rangers are in short supply and it maybe difficult to get volunteers to staff the refugees, but if you are going to have any visitor program you need to have someone greeting the visitor. The place was crowded and dogs off leashes, no parking and messy. If the USFWS can no longer do visitor service maybe they should merge with the Park Service. I don’t see much of a difference only that the Park Service mans their visitor centers .

Beautiful setting with a nice nature walk trail that circles around to the starting point. Nice views of lake also.

We bring our dog walking here quite often. Busy during summer, gorgeous during the fall and beautiful but slippery during winter.
Definitely worth going.

Really nice well kept trails and great views of the marshlands there are excellent picture opportunities at both locations the oceanfront area of biddeford was by far the better park

Beautiful area with mostly wooded board and hard packed dirt trail. Great for a quick dog-walk and convenient for strollers and young children. Very well maintained.

After a large breakfast this was just what we needed to try and walk off those extra pounds. Easy parking and well maintained paths of bark chippings there is a leaflet for a lesuirely self guided stroll. As you pause at the points of interest the views are restful. Altogether very peaceful

What a contrast to the usual tourist activities. It is quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Fortunately it is not crowded and it is a way to walk in lots of shade and regroup after being stuck in crowds

wonderful easy walk with great woods and views of the marsh. the trees shelter walkers from cold winter winds and there are benches conveniently places. just a great place to get out in Nature and appreciate it.

There's a nice path to hike and you can also just walk out on the rocks. Very pretty, lots of tidal pools to observe sea life. At low tide, you can walk out to an island. There's also a beach, if you want to swim. Very nice place to visit.

Nice place for a walk! It is very scenic and beautiful. The path is well maintained and should not be challenging for most. I particularly love this place early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the way the light strikes the water. If you enjoy nature then this is a perfect walk.

If you like peace and quiet with an outstanding views this is the place, just wonderful. An easy to walk trail overlooking the marshes and woodlands with wildlife traveling about. If you like nature which you must if your reading this "Rachel Carson" is a must see and do, my hat is off to you Rachel.

If you are looking for a place to just get away from the crowds, this is the spot. Nice and quiet area to hopefully catch a glimpse of wildlife in its natural surroundings. Not a long walk and easy walking. Small free parking area, but don't think they get a lot of visitors.

This is excellent trail for walking your dog, running, or viewing the marsh and wildlife in the area. Excellent place to walk or run on warm days a lot of shade.

This is a perfect place to take kids of all ages. We went off-season and luckily there wasn't too much icy or muddy areas on the trail. It is short, just over a mile, with numbered areas that you can read about, explaining the natural area and how it connects to the ocean. AN enjoyable spot to walk around, have a short picnic. There are bathrooms, parking can get tight.

Nice scenery, low-impact walking. The trails are well-marked, well graded. This is a good activity year round, and you can count on it in the off-season. Open from sunrise to sunset. Benches and outlooks pepper the trail. There are interesting trees, bushes, wildlife, scenic views. I went with my two adult children. Go at your own pace, not too long of a walk. Information buildings, bathrooms, parking. No charge. Pets on a leash, not bikes, motorcycles, etc. Nice and quiet.

Watch for poison ivy, though the paths are well trimmed. Hillier than next-door Laudholm, less revealing boardwalk.

We visited this one mile, easy stroll to see the salt water marshes close to the Atlantic Ocean. Pathways are well maintained. No ranger was available at the visitor center and they did not have trail maps at the trail head. They did have them at the visitor's center but had to look for them yourself. Be sure and take insect repellent as they were really bad in September. Other than that, it was very relaxing and a good to learn about that eco-system.

You can drive in and see some of the refuge but then have to pay to do an actual visit. The wildlife mostly birds are interesting to observe. The grasses, trees, veggitation is amazing, the colors depending when you go are out of this world. A nice stop.

A bird watchers paradise with beautiful views of the marsh, beach, and meandering river. The large trees and wild plants are just amazing.

This refuge walk was easy to do and the pamphlet described each stop along the way. We learned so much about this area and the purpose of how this came to be. We enjoyed every step!

This was a nice short hike with several viewpoints along the way. Views of the marsh lands, salt flats and the ocean. All flat ground easy walking.

Walk through the woods to a lovely view of the coast. You can walk the shore line. At low tide you can walk to a small island. Make sure you get back to land before the tide turns. The tide comes in quickly. Limited parking .

I walked the Carson Trail at the Refuge in Wells. The easy walking path winds around through the tidal salt marsh and forest. It was early April with snow predicted the next day so it was too early to see many of the returning shorebirds, though I saw a few ducks. The major goal of the refuge is to provide habitat for migratory birds and waterfowl. I plan to return throughout different seasons or sites (there are several sites along the lower Maine coastline) to view wildlife noted in the wildlife calendar in the brochure.

We stopped here to see what the refuge had to offer. There was a nice walking trail through the woods that had a number of observation points with views of the salt marsh. Didn't see a lot of birds, but that could have been due to the time of year (September) or the tide.

Pros: A nice easy hike through the woods with viewpoints looking out onto the salt marshes. A brochure is available so you can read about the marshes at numbered stops, which was interesting . Also saw a fair number of native birds - egrets, plovers, and a few birds we could not quite make out.

Cons: Mosquitoes are present (though expected)

Tips: Go in the early morning or evening to see the birds. Bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away. Binoculars and cameras with good zoom are a must if trying to see the birds from afar. If you just go for the easy hike, wear comfortable walking shoes.

We really enjoyed our walk at this beautiful wildlife refuge. Unfortunately both of us need to get more exercise/ in shape. However, this was an easy smooth walk with plenty of benches along the path. Well worth the visit.

While this part of Maine is beautiful, it is also quite built up, leaving few places to truly enjoy its natural beauty. The Wildlife Refuge is one of a few places in the area where you can do that. The one mile trail through the Refuge is relatively flat, reasonably well maintained, and brings you through the variety of ecosystems that are represented there. The salt marshes are particularly impressive, filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The only disappointment was that we were there on a weekday before the High Season, and thus we missed the Visitors' Center. A wonderful place to contemplate nature.

This was a nice easy loop through shaded woods with rest room and picnic bench at entry with lovely views of the tidal river and birds along the way.

This is an amazing place to go for an easy walk (1 mile). The walkway is a wooden board way which makes it easy to push strollers, wheelchairs, etc. the views are amazing and many areas are shaded. Lots of great lookout spots.

One of my favorite parks.
Great views and exceptionally maintained trails.
Clean park. One trail that is paved.

We went to the Timber Trail area , an easy level walk along the tidal flats to the ocean. About 1 1/2 mile loop , It was May so not much was green but the plus was no bugs, except ticks, do a check when you finish. There are other areas that have longer walks which will try with more time..

I love walking here year round. It is peaceful and everyone greats each other with a smile. Good free and healthy entertainment.

Rachel Carson was a naturalist and this Refuge is a tribute to her work. It provides a mile long hiking/walking loop that you can also walk with a dog on a leash (year round!). There are various look out spots to stop and enjoy the natural beauty, There are restrooms too--with composting toilets (naturally...) Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

We spent about a half hour here. There is a one mile paved path which winds through the woods and past some ponds. Although we were expecting some wildlife, we only saw a few birds and chipmunks. It seems like a nice place to relax for a while but not really worth the visit for most travelers.

Just visit the visitor's center, and then wander. There are many paths where vistas to the salt marshes open.

At one point a trail takes you to a steep bank along a tidal stream. There's an information sign. The geologist's explanation for the cut bank is close, but not correct .

An easily accessed walking trail along tidal basis within the shelter of protected woodlands. A very special area that's essentially meditative.

A great little walk that is punctuated by information signs that explain the salt marshes and their relationship to the sea. Very informative and lovely.

Long walking path,and by the time you are finish the trail you are already losing hundred of calories at least.

Great educational walk and great views of the countryside. Recommend tennis shoes long sleeves and long pants the ticks are rampant this year. The walk takes you to the beach and Atlantic Ocean.

Even when the weather isn't great, this refuge is gorgeous. The place we stayed was on the edge of the refuge, and we enjoyed the peace and beauty every evening.

Sunny afternoon in September, what better to do than learn about the ecology of the area. An easy walk along the marshland.

My husband and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the preserve after lunch at the Maine Diner. The views of the marsh and the woodlands are beautiful. It was a wonderful, relaxing hour after driving for a couple of hours on our way south to York. I highly recommend a visit!

Nice trails, quiet beach, picnic area, clean bathrooms- very nice place to spend an hour or the day!

I've never been much of an environmenntalist but I do rememmber ,as a kid, how it was found that DDT was killing the birds. I remember too that the Charles River in Boston (like many others then) was a polluted mess. I remember that Rachel Carson wrote a book that brought the plight of our environment -seas and forests- to the attention of the nation. This pristine wildlife refuge in Wells has walking trails and is a great place for adults enjoy. It is also a great place to introduce kids to wildlife, vegetation and fauna-hopefully launching a lifelong appreciation of Mother Nature.

This is a mile long walk through well-set trails along the rivers with outstanding views out to the ocean. Dogs are allowed on leash. Our children always enjoyed excursions there. We now enjoy weekly it during spring, summer, and fall, and occasionally on cross-country skis in the winter. Informational brochures are often available, but sometimes they are all out. There are out-house restrooms.

If you are looking for a rugged wilderness adventure... this isn't for you; but if you are looking for a super-educational and very accessable place, come here. Went with my two little ones (9 months and 2.5 years), and was comfortable with the stroller while they saw a lot of animals. The area is super-diverse marshes and forest. very well maintained

Stopped by to walk off some Congdons doughnuts! Very pleasant and well-maintained trail with some absolutely stunning views.

This is a nice one mile walk through the woods bordering the marsh. It is educational as well as having beautiful scenic views. Learn about Rachel Carson and here efforts to save the ecosystem.

A very low key area with sea marshes and self guided tours. Spent a leisurely couple of hours relaxing. Would have stayed longer but the temp was unseasonably warm.

Just finishing up when the storms swooped in again. The dog loved it, the scenery was lovely. Not crowded mid day in season.

Rachel Carson fought hard to alert mankind to the dangers of destroying and polluting our natural resources and to preserve this site. Easy trail to walk, handicap accessible and benches along the way as well. Enjoy this important, natural site, the lovely views of the marshes, the trees, and estuary. Visit the museum to understand why it's important to preserve and protect our environment. Parking can be a bit of a challenge if busy but don't give up, it's worth going back to see.

This place is off the beaten path, but if you like nature, it's worth it. We took some pretty photos. Anyone can walk this path, but note that unless you have a rugged baby carriage, the terrain might be a little tough. And, if you have a cane, you can do this but wear good shoes. Nothing exciting for children, unless they are big into nature walks.

Well maintained trail with multiple stopping points that are marked and matched with a printed guide. Views all the way out to the ocean! For environmentalists, this is a wonderful excursion into Rachel Carson's passion for wildlife protection.

We stopped in to check it out because we had been in the area for a wedding. So happens, the happy couple had met there years prior so it was fitting to take a stroll there. Lovely scenery, great walking path. Bathrooms a plus.

The paths are mostly flat, well maintained, and the views are incredible.
This is not a strenuous hike, more of a pleasant stroll through the forest. oh, and you can bring your leashed dog.

We happen to find this area which is awesome if you enjoy nature and wildlife. The views are amazing and it is a very easy trail to navigate. A must stop if you are in the Wells area!

"The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve ten important estuaries that are key points along migration routes of waterfowl and other migratory birds." - Wikipedia

This well marked, handicap accessible loop trail runs through the woods to the marsh and back to the parking lot. It took me about an hour to walk it. I conversed with several others walking the trail, took multiple pictures, stopped and enjoyed the flowers and birds, and back tracked a few times. There are several places to stop, sit and enjoy the views. I started the trail before 10am on a weekday in May and the parking lot was almost full. The parking spots turn over fairly rapidly at this time of day because locals come to run and walk dogs. I would say I saw about 10 others on the trail, mostly at the end but as I was leaving a school bus unloaded its cargo of students.

This is the site of the headquarters although I did not go near the building so I am not sure what is inside. There is a large map at the head of the trail which shows numbered sites along the trail. I am not sure what these are because there were no brochures left in the box. I did take a picture of the trail map which was unnecessary as the trail is very broad, well marked and it is obvious where to go.

I love wildflowers and they were plentiful along some areas of the trail. I did see and hear some birds and spent time watching and listening to geese in the marsh. It was surprisingly cool and windy and I didn't experience any mosquitos or other biting bugs which was unexpected because the trail is almost entirely under cover.

I don't think this costs as I didn't see any fee box. It would be a great place to take kids for a walk in almost any season to identify plants and birds and to learn about marshes and wildlife refuges or.... just for a walk in the woods.

I will return to this free walking trail.

We visit Rachel Carson at least 20 times a year. It’s a great place for a quick walk to spot some birds and just relax near the marsh. There is a one mile loop trail that wanders through the trees and along the tidal marsh. There are benches by scenic areas where one can relax and take in the view. Dogs are permitted on leash. Depending on the season mosquitoes can be bothersome. In Spring the ticks are numerous. Sometimes parking is limited on beautiful days.

Beautiful one-mile walk through the woods. The path is a crushed pressed gravel and was very nicely kept. There are 11 overlooks to see the marshy areas. We only saw a few egrets, no other wildlife, but it was still worth it. No cost to park or to get in. Very small parking area.

This trail goes through part of a national wildlife refuge. There are only six designated parking spaces, but we were the only ones there. The trail is wide and provided easy walking on sand or wood chip surfaces. Partway along there’s a pollinator garden with colorful native flowers in bloom. Other parts of the trail also had color with some native flowers and shrubs with berries and some fall foliage. This woodland walk ends at the coast, with nice seascape views and tide pools. A historic house is also at the end of the trail. We spent an enjoyable three hours on this trail in late September.

I had long wanted to visit this site, mostly because of my love of Rachel Carson! Finally, I was able to visit, and wasn't disappointed, even tho' the fog kept me from seeing all the way out to sea, at one of the view points along the trail. The path is a gravel-dirt path, running a mile around the refuge. There was a brochure available, with notes at the 11 check points, around and along the walk. Super educational, tho' the walk would have been enjoyable, even without the guide! If you are a native plant enthusiast, you will especially enjoy the refuge, which features so many New England natives and very few invasives. I am so glad I was able to visit this Salt Marsh. If you like plants, and eco systems, stop by when in the area.

The Timber Trail in Biddeford seems to be the best of the various trails as far as birders are concerned. The main loop trail in Wells is full of strollers and families and heavily treed, so not as good for birding. The Timber Trail a few miles up the road has several habitats and is much less busy.

Always a great experience! This is one of the best small walks you can take in Maine. I'll be honest, I prefer Midcoast Maine more but Rachel Carson is a gem in Southern Maine and one of the highlights of the entire state.

I believe the nature loop is about 1 mile long over relatively flat terrain. A guide pamphlet explains items of interest along the way. There are generous overlooks for the marsh areas and corresponding explanations of what you are looking at.

We walked the mile long loop. Very beautiful scenery. Walking through the woods, but with views of the tidal marsh and the ocean. A brochure explains what you are seeing along the way. Great place to spend an hour or so outdoors.

An hour well spent to enjoy an unspoiled tidal marsh. The site and scenery are spectacular, and we learned how a tidal marsh is so important to our ecosystem

The walk here is not too long, the trail is well maintained, and the views are beautiful. In addition, the information at each stop is educational and helps you to learn about the area.

Have been many times! Recently went with my wife and 2 year old. We had a great walk saw a bunch of wildlife. My daughter loved seeing all the marsh views and the benches. This place is well kept and is great place to let your children run! It’s a great little walk in the woods!

It is in a wooded area and the trail is an easy walk but all you see is salt marsh, which is boring. Interior of trail is woods but overgrown and no wildlife to look at. It's a good outdoor experience for city folk, but will disappoint outdoor types.

Environmental gem with walks/trails and kayak opportunities. Tidal salt marshes with ample bird life

We can generally see a variety of birds, chipmunks or other wildlife. On this day we were shut out. A nice walk just the same.

It is a nice place to walk on the trails and to stop and take pictures and relax..we read how it was dedicated to rachel carson its a very nice tribute.

Maybe after seeing so many great scenes, i.e., fall foliage, rocky shorelines, mountain vistas, etc., our expectations were a bit higher, but the one-mile walk around the Refuge was kinda boring. Nice and tranquil but not much else. However, if I was a runner, it would be a great place to run.

Main trail at Rachel Carson is spectacular in the fall. In late September, it seemed as if the entire area was yellow, including the maples, oaks, ferns, and more. Nice level trail, well cared for, lookouts over marshes, allow 30-60 minutes. Free.

The Reserve has easy to walk trials that wind near the coastal marsh area. We saw many birds in the area. It was a pleasant hike.

My friend, her daughter and I stumbled upon this refuge on our way through Wells. A beautiful 1 mile walk with travel brochure shows the beauty of the ecosystem, the salt marshes. The views are spectacular! My suggestion is to go early as parking is limited. We went one August morning and it was perfect weather walking the trails. Again, it is a popular walk for many, so get there early to get a spot to park.

There is a circular path into and around the woods with several scenic view stations for observation and photography. Not very exciting, but it’s a pleasant walk in the woods on a paved path, a nice feature for those of us concerned about ticks during a walk through a wooded area in this part of the country. Parking is limited, the visitor center was closed when we came, and the “rest rooms” are latrines. Sorry to read several reviewers complain about the people who walked the trail with their dogs. The dogs we saw were well behaved and on leashes. I think a walk through the woods with your dog is one of the pleasures in life.

Me and my 17 year old daughter had great walk. Just do not forget your bug spray . We had to go back to the car to get ours and unfortunately we had already gotten several bites in just the couple minutes we spent on the trail before we got our bug spray on. It was a lot fun though we called it the chipmunk forest. They were so cute and I don't think I have ever seen more chipmunks in one spot . There was even this one that appeared to greet everyone out in the parking lot. There is a guild book that goes along with the trail and it was very informative .

Beautiful spot to spend the day exploring with the kids, parking can get a bit crowded but its a free place to go explore easy hiking trails, historical building and spend time exploring tide pools and enjoying the ocean! One side of the island is a protected bird sanctuary so you can relax on the beach but you can not enter the water but on the other side of the point it is allowed and definitely time in along low tide so you can explore the rocky shores of the island which is only accessible while the tide is out!

Timber Point is a peninsula with just under 100 acres. It borders the ocean and the Little River Estuary. It is located within the Biddeford section of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Both are administered by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. There are no admission fees.

The trailhead is located where Granite Point Road becomes Timber Point Road. The loop trail is 1.4 miles long. The trail passes various habitats ~ salt marsh, cattail marsh, mudflats, deciduous forest, shrub land, and the rocky shoreline that Maine is noted for.

One can also cross to Timber Island but only at low tide. There is a tide clock at the head of the Timber Island Trail so hikers can gauge how much time they have before the trail becomes flooded with an incoming tide. I didn’t have enough time to wait for the right conditions to get over and back on that trail.

During my visit to the Timber Point Trail, I saw a female professional nature photographer and her assistant at work observing and photographing different seabirds near the trailhead. She was using a tripod and a long telephoto lens for her camera. There were also several artists at work doing watercolor and oil paintings of the salt marsh and Timber Island.

In mid-June, the Rosa Rugosa a/k/a beach roses were in bloom.

The terrain on the Timber Point Trail is fairly easy. The elevation change is minimal at around 65 feet.

I rate the Timber Point Trail at 4.25.

I recommend this attraction to those with about two well-timed hours to make the whole circuit of the Timber Point Trail and Timber Island Trail. That time allotment would permit stops to admire the views, to observe birds and sea creatures, and to take some photos.

If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.

We tried to go for a walk on this nice sunny day, but the paths were too icy to do any walking at all.

Went here while on vacation in Wells and was pleasantly surprised this was in town. There is not much parking so I could see this being a problem because outside the gate is a busy street with no parking. Also, the restrooms had no sinks for washing your hands after touching nature. We also battled mosquitoes quite a bit from standing water. Might want to put bug spray on. We went on a Sunday and the main office was closed.

It's a great place to see fall items such as leaves changing, chipmunks gathering nuts, mushrooms, berries, etc. The ferns were beautiful all throughout the woods. And the trail is all small gravel so it's very easy walking with outposts to overlook the marshes. It would be a great place to exercise or to take your kids, especially in cooler weather.

We saw a sign for the reserve while driving to Portland. Peaceful place with a nice walking trail. Worth a stop.

Who doesn't want to celebrate Rachel Carson? What better place than amongst ferns, native plants, serene forests and life-sustaining wetlands?

My wife and I have been stopping By Rachel Carson's Wildlife Preserve for nearly 20 year's. Some of the paths are in need of TLC, but it is always a wonderful visit. This year I was able to see the beauty of Lady Slippers in Bloom which brings me back to my early childhood.

A very good, very well maintained, and easy walking tour and trail. Lots of documented stops with views of the whole ecosystem. Pick up a guide to the stops on your way into the trail. I wish they had a better overview of Rachel Carson's life and the effects of her work, but the refuge is a great place to spend an hour.

The self guided walk leads you on a pleasant stroll through a forested area on well maintained paths. Twelve stops allow you to relax and enjoy various aspects of the forest and salt marsh leading to the Atlantic. Even at the middle of the day you can spot several birds and small animals if you walk quietly. Bring binoculars to enjoy the vistas and help you spot birds and animals. Parking available at the entrance area.

The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with a walk through the woods. It borders a marsh where you will see many beautiful wildlife (Have to be a bit quiet) The day we went we saw Blue Herons & White Herons. Just knowing you are in such beautiful surroundings will make this 1-2 hour walk a nice break in the day!

Fish and Wildlife forever!!. Really nice. and non threatening and peaceful. Good signs, easy walkway for youngsters as well as HC people

Nice easy walk, level for the majority of it and the inclines were mild. I wish the intreprutive signs had been at the stations to make it easier to figure out what the were talking about. Had some nice views.

We went on nice walk here with 4 adults and 3 young children. The one mile trail was paved and stiller friendly. We liked that it was easy to follow so we could let an active 5 yr old run to the next stop and wait for us. We all enjoyed this walk

After several visits to the area we decided to check this out. Nice walk. Nothing spectacular. Trails are clearly marked. Nice way to kill some time and get the kids moving.

This refuge offers a beautiful 40min-60min walk. The views are gorgeous and the path is well-kept. Keep your eyes out for some birds and tiny wildlife creatures. We came across turkey and chipmunks.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge honors the work of a major American naturalist. Ms. Carson would no doubt be happy to see how this place was developed. Its located in a wooded setting. One follows a flat, well-marked path with lookouts along the way, where one can stop to take in beautiful views of the salt marshes, with different aspects of their ecology highlighted in a brochure that one can pick up at the visitors center.The atmosphere is such that one is inclined to proceed at a leisurely pace and just enjoy being in this beautiful place. The entire walk is one mile in length. Thank goodness for nature preserves like this one!

Nice and easy walk - great for any age! Beautiful scenery, lovely trees and a nice view of the marshes. Saw some beautiful birds, too!

An easy level one-mile stroll includes 12 lookouts from which to observe nature's way. Wonderful way to clue people in to this region's ecological significance.

If you don't have a lot of time but want to get "out" into nature for a little while, this is a trail you should try to visit. It isn't long, it's very flat, it's very easy for anyone with any abilities. The views are good -- and oh it's also free. What more could be asked.

We're not much on hiking but this excursion was enjoyable
All paved so easily
Accessible for wheelchairs and other aides

Can't miss the 1 mile walk on the Rachel Carson trail. You'll walk around a tidal marsh with picturesque views of the marsh and ocean beyond. It's peaceful and beautiful and a great way to spend a bit of time when you're ready for a break from the beach or shopping. The trail is well maintained. I can't recommend this enough to fellow travelers. It's quite a special attraction, and it's free to boot!

We did a snowshoe hike here and it was perfect. The snow was beautiful along the trail and made for great pics! This would be a good spot for families to try snowshoeing.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a one mile trail and walkway through the bird sanctuary. The trail and walkways are well maintained and provide excellent views of the salt marshes, river, and the ocean inlet that creates this bird sanctuary. This is a beautiful, easy and informative nature walk. Wonderful.

It's not a trip to Maine without a visit to Rachel Carson. Nice relaxing walk thru the woods. Today we had the place pretty much to ourselves....well except for the wildlife. Always fun watching the birds and those rascally chipmunks. If you are looking for a place to help decompress....this is it.

This beautiful land is a treasure which circles woodland along the coast. Though the 1 mile trail doesn't lead to the shore itself, there are beautiful vistas across the marsh and water that go out to the sea. We saw & heard a number of bird species. Also enjoyed some dainty flowers growing along the trail.

Watch your GPS getting here & use the address of the refuge. We were originally led to nowhere.

Beautiful scenery. Outdoor trails are well marked. Easy with children. Online study guides available for teaching.

We didn't see many birds or wildlife, but it was a pleasant walk around the salt marsh preserve. The path is wide and flat, and there is a brochure that explains each of the viewpoints along the way.

Visiting in Maine, I was taken to see part of the Goosefare Brook Division of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge on Marshall Point Road which is off Mills Road/Route 9 in nearby Kennebunkport.

After the few houses at the corner, the scenery became unspoiled. It was woodlands and marshes.

This division of the Rachel Carson NWR does not have any trails.

There are lots of NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE signs posted along the road, advising that UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY IS PROHIBITED. However, one can stop beside clearings and look at the scenic spots and wildflowers growing alongside the road.

Near the end of the road, there is a sign posted that advises that beyond that point is private property and to use that area as a turnaround.

Although short, it was a pleasant drive along Marshall Point Road with lots of trees that were starting to change color, no telephone poles, and no wires. It was very peaceful.

In the places where we stopped, I was not able to see any wildlife, but I’m sure there were plenty of waterfowl and other birds around.

This section was not as scenic as the main part in Wells, but it was nice.

For what it was, I rate the Goosefare Brook Division of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge at 4.0.

A brief visit here could be coupled with nearby Firemen's Park and Tyler Brook Preserve. Both are off Mills Road/Route 9.

If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.

Gorgeous trails to walk, meandering through forest bordering salt marshes, Great bird-watching and picnic space and some small event spaces.

When we're in Wells, Rachel Carson is one of our must-do walks with the dogs. It's a picturesque trail that meanders along the marsh with occasional views of the ocean - there are several scenic decks to take in the various views and benches dot the entire trail. It's a relaxing walk and this is the first time we've been there in the Fall - the leaves were just starting to turn and we got a glimpse of how gorgeous it must be when Fall is at it's peak! It's a very easy trail to traverse and I highly recommend for pet owners and families check it out! Enjoy. . .

Lovely vistas and accessible walking path that can be used by folks with strollers or walkers. A friend and I stopped to stretch our legs after learning about this place.

Very easy peaceful nature walk. Very pretty scenery! Loved taking photos of the tree reflections off the water! Ocean view .

There wasn't much wildlife, but the views of the salt marsh and Atlantic were beautiful. The trail is a ~1 mile loop and has 11 "interpretive stops" to take pictures. If you're looking for good landscape shots, the beginning (stops 2-3 in particular) and near the end of the trail offer the best views. The trail is relatively flat, but has some bumpy terrain. Parking is ample but was quite full when we stopped by in the late afternoon.

Very nice farm area with homes to tour and great walking trails, some of which end at the beautiful beach.

This is a hidden gem that you must see.
We walk through Rachel every time we are in Maine.
The views of the marsh change from year to year and we enjoying seeing how the landscape changes. Beautiful birds and view . A must see when in Wells/Ogunquit

One of the few places in Wells/Ogunquit/Kennebunk where you can walk with the dog during daytime. Nice short walk, 1,3 km with very nice views of the marches.

Great trail (only a little over a mile long) very interesting area to walk through. Well maintained and an easy walk.

This refuge is clean and well organized. There are places to stop and take pictures along the way. We went in the mid morning before it was crowded. Wonderful nature vistas.

Near the end of a month long vacation throughout maritime Canada we found ourselves in Wells with time to spare and wisely decided to spend a couple of hours in the peace and tranquility of the Rachel Carson Wildlife refuge...a wise choice. A manageable( about a mile long), well maintained walkway with lovely vistas.Well worth a visit.Our only regret was that there were no staff on site when we visited to advise or assist.

This state park had an easy walking path, about a mile long, with beautiful scenes of the marshes, woods, and, at one point, the ocean. They have a very informative pamphlet at the start of the trail to explain what each item is.

My husband and I returned from a wonderful weekend in Saco, Maine. Thank God for Trip Advisor as we were directed to some wonderful places. We spent the day at this beautiful spot -- walking trails, looking in tidal pools and admiring the sea birds on the ocean. It was simply a wonderful day, free of crowds and traffic. All the reasons why we come to the beaches of Maine instead of the Cape. Thanks for this recommendation. It was a wonderful surprise.

A must explore part of your trip. Bring a camera and explore by boat or foot. Their is a ton of wildlife to see and well worth the visit

Visited in September 2016, lovely wildlife refuge we saw lots of birds and plants arrive early so you get the most of the wildlife.

Stop @ the Visitor Center & pick up a brochure that highlights each of the 11 checkpoints.

The 1-mile nature walk through the wilderness preserve with views of the canal, salt marsh, & the ocean in the distance is peaceful & scenic.

Most of the leaves have fallen, as have several trees that were victims of the windstorms during the past 2 weeks.

I enjoyed the quiet time here especially in the off peak season. There are many natural things to look at and it will revive you!

Great place to take a leisurely hike among lots of trees and nice views of the marsh that surrounds the grounds. Didn't see any birds but I'm sure they must love this lush landscape. Lookouts are clearly marked.

Stopped by here while visiting from out of state. Walked the trail with our yellow lab. There were many scenic viewing areas but we did not encounter much wildlife. Couldn’t visit the visitor center that was closed like most refuges are.

We wanted to go somewhere that didn't take much time and this place was perfect. Nice trail around a pond that is shaded. It took maybe 30 minutes.

I enjoy coming to the Rachel Carson Nation Wildlife Refuge every time I go to Maine. The walk is on a flat surface; the scenery is beautiful, among the trees, with views of the marsh. There are outlooks where one can see the ocean in the distance.

We enjoyed our walk very much. It was a nice flat walk, pretty short with lots of nature. We primarily saw chipmunks and birds. Would definitely stop again.

An amazing place to take majestic photos and walk thru the beauty while listening to the sweet chirping of the birds. It is a must!

We attended a craft fair there and had an opportunity to walk the grounds as well; beautiful setting, very serene and an overall very nice get away! Trails lead to ocean with breathtaking views.
A good stop for the natural person!

Nice paths to walks,we when there twice on our holiday,for April the sun was on our side but not too many wildlife where there a few bird probably nice on summer time or early on the morning

Short one mile trail winding through the woods with easy to walk trails. Beautiful views of creeks and Maine coast line. Fall is a great time as the colors are wonderful

Such a beautiful place and what a nice, leisure morning walk we had. We started here then went to estuary down the road to continue our nature excursion, what a perfect day.

I've been twice to the refuge in the past week - once in the early afternoon, and once in the morning around 8am. There's maybe about 20 parking spots, but we had no trouble. There's a couple picnic tables as well, and two clivus toilets.
The trail is a mile and has observation points along the way. The path is really well maintained, and I'd say is also wheelchair accessible. We really enjoyed the walk and the peacefulness of the place.

We enjoy visiting here when we go to Maine. It’s a pretty spot to get a little exercise and very well maintained!

Great place to get away from the crowd and enjoy a well maintained walking trail. The trail had an excellent guide that described how the marsh and ocean interact. Beautiful & educational.

This is a lovely hike we take every year we go up there. There are several different trails to try. One takes you right to the ocean and you can go and walk on the beach! Nice house museum to visit here and bathrooms as well.

This is a flat trail that would be ideal for families. The trail offers gorgeous views of the marsh, ocean and woods. While walking we saw a variety of birds and many chipmunks. It was a great way to enjoy natural beauty!

Walked through the Wildlife Refuge with friends after a walk on the beach at Drakes one late afternoon. There are many trails and water spots to explore. Don't forget to check out the sculptures. Wildlife and the Beach. The best of both worlds. Enjoy!

We went here today. The trails are very well kept up. The walk was shady and peaceful. Free to get in but there is a donation box.

1 mile hike. Easy terrain. Beautiful vistas of salt marsh. Easy map and identification of stops on trail. Lookout areas marked. Benches on route for resting or viewing vistas. Shaded most of trail. Flower identification charts. A must-see!

We walked the short trail loop. It highlights the marshes' key role in the coastal ecology. It's gorgeous and peaceful.
We would have liked to visit the other sites marked as a Rachel Carson Refuge, but had difficulty locating them. Even locals couldn't direct us.

This is a lovely reserve, and an easy walk, I think it's only a mile? But perfect after breakfast or lunch or anytime. Path is well maintained. If you have a half hour and want to stretch your legs while enjoying a nice view this is worth the stop. Note, there are also restrooms available.

I absolutely loved this place! And to imagine how many years I obliviously drove past this gem while on vacation in Kennebunkport.
I have never seen oak trees grow so tall. And the pines!
One of my most favourite parts of heading to Maine for vacation is the forest.
Don't forget to pick up the little booklet at the beginning which gives a bit of detail about each look out point. And then you can drop it back off on your way out for others to use.
So clean and beautiful. And even though there were quite a few people on the trail I never once felt crowded or rushed.
Makes me happy to have learned that so much of the land has been preserved.
Thank you Rachel Carson for everything you accomplished, sacrificed, and left for us to enjoy.

Love walking the loop at the wildlife refuge - the views are very pretty and on a hot day it is mostly shaded so it is a nice break from the beach. Walk is about a mile long so we plan for about an hour to walk and sit and look at the view and birds. Glad to have something this nice so close to go to when in Ogunquit

If you are looking for a change of pace while vacationing in the Kennebunks or Wells Maine put this great nature walk on you to do list. The Rachael Carson Wildlife Refuge walking trail located on Western Avenue (route 9) is a short distance from route 1. The well groomed gravel trail is fairly level and offers views of the natural forest and wetlands habitats along the winding Webhannet River. From start to finish the walk takes about thirty minutes. Along the way you will find numbered spots that correspond to a map. Admission is free but contributions are welcomed.

This refuge is special. The path is flat, well maintained, and easy. In less than one hour, you have taken a circular route through the marshlands. The numbered signs provide just enough information about the wildlife and flora surrounding. We were there on Oct. 20 and the foliage helped so much to grab your attention along with the peace and serenity of this spot.

Nice walk in the waterfront woods. There are a whole series of separate refuges. Very relaxing and beautiful. Interesting graphics inside of the building. Restrooms available.

I have been to this Reserve countless times over the past 20 years. Recently my husband and I moved to a mile from the Rachel Carson. We tried to go there a few weeks ago, but as the government was closed, the going was tough. We did about 1/4 and gave up, but will be back many more times.

Great experience. Beautiful scenery and trails. Highly recommended. Staff were very helpful. Parking was very good and area was assessable.

The trails here are amazing! The history of the property is so interesting. It is such a treasure! We come here every time we are in Wells.

It was a cool place to check out, about 1 mile loop trail and took us about 45 minutes to complete with a toddler. Great spots along the way to look out. First day we tried to go around noon and there was no where to park (very limited parking lot), but we went back earlier the next day (about 10 am) and there was plenty of space, so I suggest going earlier in the day if possible.

My early morning travels led me once again to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge where I walked along the accessible - family friendly interpretive trail. I was the first one to arrive so I saw no one on the trail though there were 2 additional cars in the parking lot on my return. The views of the protected saltwater marsh were thoroughly enjoyable. Naked eye sightings included 3 great blue herons and a kingfisher.