Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in New England, New England

November 1, 2021 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in New England, New England including Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Napatree Point, White Mountain National Forest, White Memorial Conservation Center, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Halibut Point State Park, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
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1. Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Headquarters, 50 Bend Road, RI +1 401-364-9124 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/trustom_pond
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Free refuge which has trails over fields and around salt marshes.

Reviewed By SusanD678 - Narragansett, United States

National wildlife refuge in coastal RI will not disappoint if you enjoy serenity and beauty. Lookout platforms available for close up views of wildlife. So nice seeing a deer enjoying his habitat. Sunset on Moonstone Beach indescribable ..

2. Napatree Point

Fort Road, Westerly, RI 02891 +1 401-348-2500 http://www.rifamiliesinnature.org/2015/08/18/napatree-point-conservation-area/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 144 reviews

Napatree Point

Watch Hill bird sanctuary.

Reviewed By Davidcarmytraveler - Coventry, United States

We came for Memorial Day and got there about 10:30. Thankfully it wasn’t very crowded. You pass the watch hill yacht club and walk over the dunes and drop down on to this beautiful beach. It goes way out into the water and has beach on both sides. There are great views of the watch hill light house and all the boats. It’s the only place we have been that you can play on the dunes. There isn’t much public parking so go early. 2 hours free on the street and 2 hours free in the shopping parking lot; or spend 20-30 dollars for all day in the paid lot. This is a must visit beach in RI, off season or now during covid is probably the best time to go.

3. White Mountain National Forest

Kancamagus Highway Supervisors Office, NH 03246-2741 +1 603-536-6100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 236 reviews

White Mountain National Forest

Great outdoors activities all year long.

Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States

My husband and I visited White Mountain National Forest this week for some pandemic-safe hiking because we heard it was forecasted to be peak foliage. We were so glad we did because the scenery was breathtaking, featuring all the gorgeous colors of autumn. There were tons of beautiful overlooks to stop at and a diverse selection of trails. We decided to hike the Champney Falls Trail and it was a lovely trail that followed the brook through the leaves to the waterfall. This Forest is definitely a must-see in Autumn!

4. White Memorial Conservation Center

80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759-3914 +1 860-567-0857 [email protected] http://www.whitememorialcc.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 138 reviews

White Memorial Conservation Center

Reviewed By nos-im

What a beautiful and extensive place. In one not-too-large area are a nice variety of habitats and views - woods, swamp, lake-shore, scenic heights. There are extensive marked trails, and occasional explanatory signs. My wife and I were originally going to come here in May for the excellent birdwatching opportunities. We delayed our travels because of the pandemic and visited in November, when there are far fewer birds. But it was so lovely, I was happy to be there anyway. I hope to come back when the visitors center reopens and the bird migration is passing through. The location is also near several good restaurants and shops in Bantam and Litchfield. I didn't answer Tripadvisor's question about length of visit, because there are lots of possibilities, from a short half-hour trail to a couple days exploring various trails.

5. Wells Reserve at Laudholm

342 Laudholm Farm Rd Main entrance is off Skinner Mill Road, Wells, ME 04090-4703 +1 207-646-1555 http://www.wellsreserve.org
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

Wells Reserve at Laudholm

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is open every day from 7 am to sunset, with 7 miles of trails through field, forest, and salt marsh to an undeveloped beach. It's a favorite spot for birders and wildlife lovers, photographers and artists, walkers and runners, natural resource managers and history buffs. Each year, the Wells Reserve offers nearly 200 education programs for every audience from K to gray. Guided walks, camps for kids, workshops, and lectures are regular offerings. The reserve hosts several fundraising events annually, including the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival on the weekend after Labor Day. The site is one of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country, from Alaska to Puerto Rico and from Southern California to New England. Each reserve supports coastal research, education, and training. In Wells, support comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and members of the nonprofit Laudholm Trust. FMI Visit our website and social outlets.

Reviewed By Bbjork - Wells, United States

I’m a member, volunteer and on the Board of Directors. Wells Reserve is one of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the US partially funded by NOAA. Their mission is research, education and stewardship. The 2,250 acre site is home to two estuaries, beautiful trails and a historic 300 year old farm. If you’re in our area don’t miss it.

6. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

321 Port Rd, Wells, ME 04090-4758 +1 207-646-9226 http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 554 reviews

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing year-around on the refuge.

Reviewed By happycathdetroit

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.

7. Vermont Institute of Natural Science

149 Natures Way, Quechee, Hartford, VT 05059-3158 +1 802-359-5000 [email protected] http://www.vinsweb.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 354 reviews

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

We offer locally-relevant and compelling environmental education programs and services to a wide audience. Our programs combine environmental science concepts with hands-on exploration to build empathy for nature and empower individuals to care for local natural ecosystems. VINS Nature Center offers special daily educational live bird programs! Admission includes entrance to exhibits, NEW forest canopy walk, nature trails, outdoor classroom and 17 State of the Art Bird Enclosures. ADA/ABA accessible. Open picnic areas, and gifts, beverages and snacks are available at the Nature Store. The VINS Nature Center is located 1/2 mile west from the Quechee Gorge. Open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas days. For special events and classes visit web-site for full schedule. We are a non-profit since 1972. Mission: is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

Reviewed By Vt43 - Quechee, United States

Always a favorite with the many birds and exhibits, this location has really upped its game with its new CANOPY WALK through the trees. It is only 1 of 4 in the whole country and provides an amazing experience. If you are in the area, do NOT miss this place

8. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

30 Wikis Way on Morris Island, Chatham, MA 02633-2557 +1 508-945-0594 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Monomoy/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 289 reviews

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Birdwatchers flock to this Cape Cod wildlife habitat with a special emphasis on migratory birds.

Reviewed By kezd07 - Coventry, United Kingdom

We were so pleased to find this place, it was a total hidden gem. You can walk for miles when the tide is out and we saw so many different birds and even a seal out to sea. We came back a second time and sat on the beach for the day. You can’t swim here due to great whites in the area and there is a high volume of boat traffic but that didn’t bother us. We were happy to walk this beautiful beach, sunbath and paddle. Very beautiful!!!

9. Halibut Point State Park

Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966 +1 978-546-2997 [email protected] http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/halibut-point-state-park.html
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 725 reviews

Halibut Point State Park

Scramble across ledges scarred by the granite industry and examine tide pools teeming with marine life.

Reviewed By hmuchas - Charleston, United States

Wonderful walk around an old granite quarry with markers explaining the process of extracting granite in the days before electric drills and heavy equipment.

10. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950-3220 +1 978-465-5753 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 334 reviews

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Covering 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats, this refuge was established to preserve the feeding, resting and nesting areas of migratory birds.

Reviewed By MsSatin - Lawrence, United States

I walked the Hellcat Boardwalk Loop for the first time back in November and fell in love with the pampas grasses then caught the sunset before heading home. There is ample parking in the lot and the whole trail is stroller and handicap accessible, with a strong, even boardwalk and plenty of benches to stop and rest. There is also an observation tower that is perfect for 360 views and photos, especially at sunset! All in all, it's a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the day!

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