The best walks and hikes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
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Hikes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge explore a landscape of undeveloped shoreline, salt marshes, and woodlands in Newington, New Hampshire. The area is characterized by its diverse habitats, including freshwater ponds, fields, and sections of the Great Bay estuary. The trails are generally flat, with minimal elevation change, making for accessible routes through the protected environment.
Best hiking trails in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- The most popular hiking route is Ferry Way Trail & Peverly Pond Trail loop, a 2.5 mile (4.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This route combines paths through woods and fields with a boardwalk section around Peverly Pond.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Adams Point loop, an easy 1.4 mile (2.2 km) path. The trail follows the shoreline and passes through woodland in the adjacent Adams Point Wildlife Management Area.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Perimeter Trail loop — Stratham Hill Park, a 4.6 mile (7.4 km) trail leading through nearby woodlands, often completed in about 2 hours.
- Hiking in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is defined by shoreline paths, forested trails, and boardwalks over marshes. The network offers a variety of easy hikes suitable for most ability levels.
- The routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 15 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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4.07km
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Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike on the Ferry Way Trail, offering scenic views of Great Bay and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
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2.21km
00:34
10m
10m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile Adams Point Loop Trail for scenic views of Great Bay, diverse habitats, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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3.97km
01:01
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Hike the easy 2.5-mile Fox Point Trail in Newington, New Hampshire, offering views of Hen Island along the Lamprey River.
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1.02km
00:16
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Explore the Great Bay Discovery Center Trail, an easy hiking route that guides you through diverse estuarine habitats. You will experience upland hardwood forests, freshwater wetlands, and salt marshes, with a prominent 1,700-foot boardwalk offering clear views over the marsh. This gentle path covers 0.6 miles (1.0 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 23 feet (7 metres), making it a quick 16-minute journey.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is universally accessible, featuring extensive boardwalks that accommodate wheelchairs. Parking is readily available near the visitor center, ensuring easy access to the trailhead. This family-friendly route also provides excellent educational opportunities for all ages, making it a perfect outing for a relaxed afternoon.
Situated within the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the trail offers a unique chance to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including wintering bald eagles and nesting osprey, as well as mammals like mink and otter. The route's passage through a red maple-sensitive fern swamp adds another layer to its ecological richness, highlighting the area's natural beauty.
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Embark on an easy hike along the Wagon Hill Cove and Border Trails, a short 0.8-mile (1.3 km) route with a gentle 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this pleasant walk in about 20 minutes. As you go, you will pass through open meadows on wide, mowed paths before entering lightly wooded areas. Keep an eye out for the iconic wooden wagon on the hill, a notable landmark visible from afar. The trail also leads you to the shoreline, offering views where the Oyster River meets Little Bay.
Planning your visit to Wagon Hill Farm is straightforward, as parking is generally available on site. The farm provides several amenities for your convenience, including picnic tables, benches, and restrooms. You will find the trails well-maintained, with recent improvements like new boardwalks and gravel sections ensuring easy navigation. This makes the route a great choice for a quick, accessible outdoor experience.
This trail is located within Wagon Hill Farm, a local gem known for its diverse natural features. Beyond the river views, you will also wander through a small apple orchard, adding to the charm of your walk. The farm's commitment to maintaining its trails ensures a pleasant and accessible experience for all visitors, highlighting its role as a valued community resource.
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Popular around Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Tips from the Community
Free to visit, the Great Bay Discovery Center is the place to come to get up close to the water. An accessible boardwalk takes you around the shoreline, through the marsh and woodlands. There are ample opportunities to see the wildlife that calls Great Bay home. Back at base, there is an education center which is especially popular with children.
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Nice view of Hen Island, a small island in the Lamprey River. The trail is usually not very busy, so there is a good chance that you will have the path all to yourself.
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Peverly Pond is a small, tucked away pond in the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The trail to reach the pond lookout is a boardwalk and ends at a small wildlife viewing hut.
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Protecting more than 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat area along the Great Bay, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge supports many diverse habitats for various animals and plants. The trails in the park are open to foot traffic, but dogs and other pets are not allowed.
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With restrooms, picnic tables, benches, and trails, Wagon Hill Farm is a park welcoming of all ability levels. The highlight of the park is the wooden wagon sitting atop the hill. The town of Durham upkeeps the area, and the riverside park stays open year round.
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Peverly Pond is a small, tucked away pond in the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The trail to reach the pond lookout is a boardwalk and ends at a small wildlife viewing hut.
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Protecting more than 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat area along the Great Bay, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge supports many diverse habitats for various animals and plants. The trails in the park are open to foot traffic, but dogs and other pets are not allowed.
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Adams Point Wildlife Management Area is an ideal spot for getting into nature in the Great Bay area. Shellfishing and waterfowl hunting are two of the leading recreational activities in the area, but the walking trails and beaches are also popular for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
No, to protect the diverse wildlife and their habitats, pets are not permitted within the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This rule helps ensure the area remains a safe haven for the many bird species and other animals that live there.
What are the operating hours for the refuge?
The Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For the most current information on access and any seasonal closures, it's always a good idea to check the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Is there a good trail for families with young children?
Yes, the trails in the refuge are generally flat and well-suited for families. The Peverly Pond Trail is an excellent choice; it's a short 0.6-mile (1 km) loop on a wide, accessible boardwalk, making it perfect for strollers and little legs. It also features an observation deck for wildlife spotting.
Is there a wheelchair-accessible trail available?
Yes, the Peverly Pond Trail is fully wheelchair accessible. It consists of a 4.5-foot wide boardwalk that forms a 0.6-mile (1 km) loop through a forested area and along Upper Peverly Pond, including an accessible observation deck.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The refuge is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing. It's particularly known for being home to New Hampshire's largest concentration of wintering bald eagles. Depending on the season, you might also see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, osprey, and a wide variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds along the Great Bay estuary.
Are the trails open during the winter?
Yes, the trails are open year-round and offer a different experience in the winter. They are popular for seasonal activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, especially after a fresh snowfall. Always check conditions before you go as paths may be icy.
Where can I find a good circular walk?
The refuge and its surroundings offer several great loop hikes. For a shorter walk, the Cove & Border Trail loop at nearby Wagon Hill Farm is a pleasant 1.4-mile (2.2 km) option. If you're looking for something longer, the Perimeter Trail loop in Stratham Hill Park is a 4.6-mile (7.4 km) route through woodlands.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The terrain is generally flat and easy to navigate, with minimal elevation change. Trails consist of a mix of surfaces, including asphalt paths, dirt roads through woods and fields, and boardwalks over marshy areas. This makes the refuge accessible for hikers of most fitness levels.
Are there good opportunities for birdwatching?
Absolutely. The refuge is a prime location for birdwatching as it lies along the North Atlantic Flyway. The diverse habitats, including salt marshes, ponds, and woodlands, attract a wide array of migratory birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds. The observation decks on both main trails provide excellent, unobtrusive vantage points.
Besides hiking, what other activities are available?
While hiking is the main draw, the refuge also offers great opportunities for wildlife photography, birdwatching, and biking on designated paths. In the winter, the trails are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. All activities are focused on the quiet enjoyment and observation of nature.
Is there an entrance fee or parking fee?
There is no fee to enter the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge or to park in the designated lot. The area is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and is open to the public free of charge.
What do other hikers think of the trails in the refuge?
The routes in and around the refuge are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife in a natural setting.
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