The refuge is comprised of ten separate divisions, stretching along 45 miles of coast between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine. Refuge habitat is varied and unique as it lies within the transition zone of the northern boreal forest and eastern deciduous forest. Many plant and animal species are at their northern or southern range limit. At least 250 species of birds have been recorded for Rachel Carson Refuge. Numerous other wildlife species including moose, deer, fisher, river otter, black bear and gray fox use refuge habitat, and harbor seals may be spotted along the coast. Refuge property is surrounded by the highly developed towns of the southern Maine Coast, providing unique and often complex management challenges.

Visitor Opportunities

The Rachel Carson Refuge office and visitor contact station is open year round, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (excluding major holidays). The one mile, wheelchair accessible Carson Trail, looks out over the Upper Wells Division of the refuge and provides the viewer an opportunity to experience typical refuge habitat. A self-guiding interpretive brochure is available for use along the trail. Additional birding opportunities exist along a number of roads that border the marshes, particularly in the Upper and Lower Wells Divisions. The refuge is open to deer, waterfowl, upland game, and small mammal hunting. Presently, there is an open permit program with no limits on the number of permits issued. The fees vary depending on the species to be hunted: $10.00 for deer, $10.00 for migratory birds, $5.00 for pheasant, $5.00 for small game mammals and $5.00 for falconry. Specific refuge regulations apply in addition to State of Maine regulations. Contact the refuge office for hunt program details.

Recreation opportunities include hiking, hunting, visitor center, wildlife viewing

Public Uses

Management Programs