There are so many great preserves and natural areas in the Kennebunkport area and up towards Portland, and one of those is the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. While NWR areas are meant for the protection and use of animals, the Rachel Carson NWR actually has a really nice trail system for human use. It’s very easy to visit and walk the paths and just observe the wildlife, mostly birds, and enjoy the forest and marsh. There is also a small visitor center and picnic area here, making it a great place to visit when you’re in Kennebunkport.
Have you come walking or birdwatching here at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge? Are you familiar with the work of Rachel Carson? We’ve got the full scoop and what to expect and things to do here at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. If you have any questions about visiting or other things to do in the Kennebunkport area, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip through Maine.
Why Visit the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
Even if you haven’t read Silent Spring visiting the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge will be a lovely afternoon for you. As you walk the trails along the stream and towards the estuary you can understand the importance of preserving natural areas like this for the wildlife whose habitats have been so reduced through the years. And not just reduced, but damaged by humans. If you’re familiar with the work of Rachel Carson, you know that she talks a lot about man’s impact on wildlife and insect populations, so places like the National Wildlife Refuge that are free from humans’ destructive chemicals and practices are very important. Knowing the background of who Rachel Carson was, it makes walking the paths of the refuge more poignant.
Get Silent Spring by Rachel Carson here!
As I walk, I’m always looking for robins and jays and there are so many of them here. And not to go back to Silent Spring, but seeing healthy bird populations as you wander through the forest here is exactly what you hope for being at a place names for the woman who brought the plight of chemical poisoning in animal populations to mainstream understanding. Woodpeckers and songbirds are plentiful here and whether you’re specifically looking for one species or you just want to take it all in, the healthy habitat of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is marvelous and inspiring.
As a bonus, there is a small ranger station here with information both about the bird species you’ll find as well as information about Silent Spring and the work of Rachel Carson. If you stop into the ranger station before heading out on the trails you’ll get a little extra insight into what makes places like this special and integral to preserving nature.
Tips for Enjoying the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Like when you’re visiting any National Wildlife Refuge, remember that this is a place that is set aside for the WILDLIFE, not for the enjoyment of humans. Yes, it’s very enjoyable to visit and the rangers have done a wonderful job at making the Rachel Carson NWR a place you want to return to in every season, but the human-focused services here are minimal as this is an area set aside for creatures. When you visit, take the approach of getting to respectfully enjoy the birds’ home. Take only photos and leave no trace.
Something that may just add to your experience here, and also if you’re planning to visit the nearby Wells National Estuarine Reserve, is to download the Merlin bird app in advance. If you aren’t familiar, this is one of the coolest apps for birdwatching and in a place like the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, it’s invaluable. The Merlin app helps you identify birds, both visually and with their bird songs, and it keeps track of them for you. I love using it and here where there is so much animal activity it’s awesome. And being at the estuary you’ll get much different birds than you’ll see at the Saco Heath Preserve up in the hills.
You should plan to spend more than an hour here if you’re visiting in summer or fall. In springtime you’ll want longer because of the number of birds in the forest and because of all the migrating birds in the estuary. The trail through the woods has quite a few observation deck areas to be able to look out across the tidal zone where many passing species stop to rest. You’ll be surprised by the variety you’ll observe if you visit the Rachel Carson NWR on a sunny spring day as cranes, geese, shorebirds and more make their way north. I think it’s magical.
Being Prepared for the Wildlife Refuge
Of course you know I’m going to say that you need to bring all of your birdwatching gear when you visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. This means that you should plan on bringing your binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens (up to 800mm is ideal), your field guide for birds of the Northeast, and a smartphone with the Merlin app. That’s kind of the full package to spend an afternoon geeking out in the woods, loving on nature and having a wonderful time in the great outdoors. If you’re into it, bringing along a sketchpad or plein air painting setup is another great way to enjoy the wildlife refuge.
When it comes to footwear, plan on the trails being a little messy. Mud season in Maine lasts from March through June, so keep in mind that you’ll likely encounter some muddy spots on the trail. I love my Xtra Tuff boots for any sort of adventure in the woods, but if you don’t have your own galoshes, just shoes that you won’t be upset if they get dirty should be fine. Remember though, just because you have on boots doesn’t mean that you should go wandering far off the trails. Part of being a wildlife refuge is protecting the land for the habitation of animals, so don’t have a negative impact.
While the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is indeed set aside for the conservation of natural space for animals, there is a nice picnic area for human use too. There are plenty of tables, trash bins and bathrooms right next to the parking area, so it’s easy to plan a pleasant picnic lunch when you come for a visit. Keep in mind though that the bathroom situation is that of a natural composting pit toilet, so don’t get your hopes up of a luxurious potty experience.
Getting to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is located halfway between Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, very near the Wells Reserve. It’s fifteen minutes from Ogunquit and ten minutes from Kennebunkport. Easy! When you arrive, there is not a ton of parking, so be patient as people vacate their spots. If the lot is full, be mindful of signage and don’t park some place that will get your towed or ticketed. If there’s no place for you to park, pop over to the Wells Reserve and enjoy that, then return to the Rachel Carson NWR for a birding walk afterwards.
Wildlife Refuge Operating Information
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, sunrise to sunset
- Refuge office phone number: 207-535-9145
- Company website: Fish and Wildlife
- Trailhead address: 321 Port Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Get Silent Spring by Rachel Carson here!
More Things to Do in Portland and Southern Maine
Portland, Maine is a great city to explore, especially with kids. Yes, we love the lighthouses all around the coast, but in Portland you’ll find some great museums, fun bookstores, lots of good food and plenty of tours to get you out on the water. This is a very historic city that’s seen big changes as the world of industry evolves.
Southern Maine has more wonderful towns that are also easy to visit, as everything is surprisingly close to Portland. Ogunquit, Saco, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach and more are all within a 45 minute drive of Portland, making it a no-brainer to add to your trip if you want. Also, heading out towards Sebago Lake, you’ll find more beautiful small towns and awesome state parks and the like to enjoy. If you weren’t planning on spending much time in Portland or Southern Maine during your trip, think again and see about adding some of these fun activities to your itinerary.
Portland Ideas:
- do a whale watching trip
- walk around the historic seaport area
- visit the Portland Art Museum
- check out the three lighthouses in Portland: Portland Head, Spring Point Ledge and Bug Light
- eat whoopie pies and lobster rolls
- visit the Museum of Cryptozoology
- check out one of the several historic cemeteries
- rent bikes to explore the Portland area
Southern Maine Activities and Destinations:
- do a day trip up to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
- visit Old Orchard Beach and the midway style boardwalk
- hike at the Saco Heath Preserve
- spend a day or two in Maine’s beautiful LGBTQ+ hub of Ogunquit
- day trip out to Sebago Lake State Park (the best picnic spot in Maine)
- trek to the Nubble Lighthouse
- explore the many natural preserves and estuaries for hiking and kayaking
Check out these great options:
Where to Stay in Portland or Southern Maine
I like staying in downtown Portland because there are lots of great places to eat all through the historic area and business district. There are walkable sights like the State Theater, the Longfellow House and the whole waterfront/port area. You’ll find both unique and national brand hotels in downtown Portland, so if you like to travel with point or earn loyalty, you can do that.
If you venture beyond the city to places like Cape Elizabeth or Freeport you’ll have even more options, especially for places to stay that are quintessential Maine. One of our favorites will always be the Harasseeket Inn in Freeport or a glamping trip to the Desert of Maine. We love unique, boutique stays!
When you’re looking at going further south to Kennebunkport, Ogunquit or Old Orchard Beach, you’ll find TONS of options. For these areas I would recommend finding a hotel or inn that’s walking distance to the main activities you’re planning. If you have the option to be ON the beach, do it!
Check out some of our favorite picks for where to stay in Southern Maine:
I hope you’ll consider taking a stroll and birding at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season, and particularly in spring and fall. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
