Great Bay

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1992 and occupies more than 1,000 acres along the eastern shoreline of New Hampshire’s Great Bay in the town of Newington. The refuge was created to protect one of the largest and most productive estuaries on the Atlantic Coast north of Massachusetts, where fresh water flowing from inland rivers mixes with the tides of the Atlantic Ocean. This unique environment supports an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, with habitats ranging from mature upland forests and open grasslands to freshwater wetlands, marshes, tidal mudflats, and open estuarine waters. Much of the refuge occupies land that was formerly part of Pease Air Force Base, and former military property has gradually been restored to provide valuable wildlife habitat while offering visitors opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education. Great Bay serves as a vital stopover for thousands of migratory birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway each spring and fall. The refuge is especially important for the federally protected bald eagle, whose wintering populations rely on the bay’s open waters and abundant fish. Peregrine falcons are frequently seen during migration, while numerous state-listed species—including the common loon, pied-billed grebe, osprey, common tern, northern harrier, and upland sandpiper—also depend on the refuge’s diverse habitats. During the colder months, Great Bay becomes New Hampshire’s most significant wintering area for American black ducks and hosts large numbers of other waterfowl. Beyond the refuge itself, Great Bay NWR also manages the Karner blue butterfly conservation easement in Concord, protecting one of the few remaining habitats in the state for this federally endangered butterfly and demonstrating the refuge’s broader commitment to conserving New Hampshire’s native ecosystems.

This hike begins at the parking area across from the visitor center and immediately enters a peaceful landscape where nature has reclaimed land once dedicated to military operations. The trail follows the fence line of a former weapons storage complex before reaching a scenic beaver pond, where beaver lodges, dams, and wetland vegetation create excellent habitat for turtles, frogs, dragonflies, waterfowl, and other wildlife. From the pond, hikers can choose to travel the loop in either direction as the trail winds through open meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers before entering a quiet hardwood forest of oak, maple, and beech. Along the route, interpretive signs provide information about the refuge’s wildlife, history, and habitat restoration efforts. The highlight of the hike is an elevated observation platform overlooking Little Bay and Great Bay, offering sweeping views across the estuary and an excellent vantage point for spotting bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, cormorants, and migrating waterfowl. Depending on the season and tide, visitors may also observe shorebirds feeding along the mudflats or fish breaking the surface of the bay. After enjoying the views, the trail continues through shaded woodlands before returning to the beaver pond, where hikers retrace their steps to the parking area. With relatively gentle terrain, well-maintained trails, and outstanding opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography, this hike offers an enjoyable outing for visitors of nearly all ages while showcasing one of New Hampshire’s most ecologically important coastal landscapes.