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A serene lake next to bright green conifer trees and a blue sky
Ferry Way Trail Closed

Please note the Ferry Way Trail will be closed from June 2 - June 13 for trail maintenance. Our team will be using heavy equipment and rehabbing sections of trail. For your safety and the safety of our team, please do not use the trail until work is complete. Thank you!

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A close up view of a groundhog sticking its head out of a hole in the ground.
Stay in Touch

The best way to stay up-to-date on all things refuge is by signing up for our newsletter. Monthly newsletters go out on the first of every month, with recent highlights, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more! .

Established in 1992, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located along the eastern shore of New Hampshire's Great Bay in the town of Newington. The refuge protects more than 1,000 acres along the seacoast for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shoreline along the bay, and consists of mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, streams, woodlands and fields. These diverse habitats support many plants and animals native to the area, including New Hampshire's greatest concentration of wintering bald eagles, and several state-listed rare and endangered species.

The rich and varied habitats of the refuge provide wildlife and visitors alike with a place to rest and recharge. Several recreational opportunities are available for visitors to watch wildlife, hike, bike, and hunt on the refuge.

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, please contact Parker River at (978) 465-5753. The general email address for Great Bay NWR is [email protected]

Visit Us

image of great bay in new hampshire from a platform
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Come explore YOUR  national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge  by visiting during open hours, or joining one of our programs!

The refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. You can learn more about how to enjoy some of our popular activities by following the links below:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Wildlife Observation & Photography
  • Hunting
  • Volunteering

Location and Contact Information