Fall has come to use slowly but steadily and these days it’s feeling very much like it’s arrived in full force! Between a rainy and windy storm and the fall leaves popping, we’ve had plenty of reminders that summer is truly over, fall is in full swing and…winter can’t be far behind. So, before things get too cold we’ve been trying to get outside as much as possible. This beautiful spot in southern Maine is awash in color and it’s a great way to take in the best of fall in Maine!
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 9,125-acres along 50 miles of coast in York and Cumberland counties. There are a number of beautiful hiking trails that lead to incredible views of the area’s estuaries and salt marshes.
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It was established in 1966 to protect important land that’s home to migratory birds and other wildlife.
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Rachel Carson was an environmentalist and marine biologist who loved this part of Maine. She was an author, perhaps best known for her book “Silent Spring,” calling for a stop to dangerous pesticides. Eventually, the was the catalyst for the government reviewing its pesticide policy and banning DDT.
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There are five main trails within with the refuge. They are The Cutts Island Trail, The Timber Point Trail, The Goosefare Brook Trail, The Bridle Path and Atlantic Way and Ted Wells Trails.
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But, for those looking for something simple, there’s nothing better than the Rachel Carson trail, which is one-mile of beauty.
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The trail can be found at the Wells headquarters. From here it takes visitors through salt marshes offering the chance to see and understand important ecology systems in Maine.
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Those a bit unsteady on their feet or new to hiking will love that the trail is wide and well maintained. This allows for a smooth surface making it great for wheelchairs and strollers.
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To begin your walk take a map from the kiosk located at the trailhead. This will show you the 11 stops along the trail. Each stop allows visitors to explore a different part of the refuge while also teaching about the area.
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The looped trail leads around the Branch Brook and Meriland River and then sees them come together to form the Little River.
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This area also allows for exploration via non-motorized boats like kayaks or canoes.
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You can launch them at Chauncey Creek, on Seapoint Rd. in Kittery; Little River, on Granite Point Rd. in Biddeford; and the Spurwink River in Scarborough.
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Plan to spend about an hour on the trail but this will vary depending on your pace and how many times you stop.
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The refuge is open year-round, but as you can see, fall is when this place comes alive!
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The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset each day. You can learn more about it here. Or, give them a call on 207-646-9226.
Dacw6 / TripAdvisor
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Jon R / TripAdvisor
abigaillee1206 / TripAdvisor
billandkent / Flickr
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To see even more of Maine’s colors, check out this fall foliage road trip through the state.
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Address: 321 Port Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
