Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Newington, NH
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors the opportunity to view and/or photograph wildlife

03/04/2026

The annual spring turkey hunt lottery is now open through March 31. Winners will be selected in early April and receive a permit to hunt the entire New Hampshire turkey season. The lottery is free to enter, but all entries must be received on Rec Access. Do NOT enter multiple hunters on one application, each hunter must enter using their individual account: https://parkerrivernwr.recaccess.com/ #/product-list

Please note: two priority permits are reserved each year for youth, novice, and/or mobility impaired hunters. If you have questions about entering in the priority category, please contact Ella Weber, visitor services manager, at [email protected].

02/23/2026

Update: normal hours have resumed.

Winter storm ahead! Beginning Monday February 23 the refuge will be closed until snow removal is complete. We will update this post when normal hours resume. Thank you for your patience so we can ensure the safety of our team and the public.

02/20/2026

Murder mystery dinner party! Birds of prey remain expert hunters in the winter, where they use their sharp eyesight and keen hearing to catch prey in the snow. You can be a detective in the woods by observing wing imprints, footprints, fur, blood, and other remains to understand what may have taken place.

02/18/2026

Interested in volunteering at the refuge? Join us this Saturday February 21 at 10am at the Parker River NWR visitor center for our Annual Volunteer Training. Learn about the different volunteer program opportunities at Great Bay and Parker River, the nuts and bolts, and upcoming programs, events, trail days, and more! This training is open to long-time, new, and prospective volunteers, and is a great way to meet other volunteers too.

Not sure if being a refuge volunteer is for you? Attending does not require you to sign up, feel free to join and decide later.

Register here: bit.ly/parkerriversignup

02/17/2026

Thanks to all who joined our behind the scenes snowshoe last week! Snowy winter woods provide excellent nature viewing opportunities, from tracks in the snow to bald eagles overhead.

While you have to be with a refuge ranger to snowshoe in closed areas, both refuge trails are open to explore! Please be mindful that the Peverly Pond Trail is a boardwalk with drop offs that may be hard to see in the snow.

02/02/2026

Program alert! Join a refuge ranger this Thursday at 9am to snowshoe the Ferry Way Trail. Open to all ages, limited snowshoes available to borrow. Learn about wildlife, habitats, and history at Great Bay.

This program is free but registration is required at: bit.ly/parkerriversignup

01/30/2026

Native gardens aren’t just for warm weather pollinators! Dried stems provide shelter for overwintering insects, and seed heads provide important food for birds and other wildlife during heavy winter snow and freezing temperatures. Next time you’re at the refuge, check out the pollinator garden for signs of wildlife activity!

01/24/2026

Update 1/28: snow removal is complete! Please note that the refuge does not clear trails and some areas may not be accessible. Snow shoes are welcome on refuge trails.

Update 1/27: snow removal is ongoing. Thank you for your patience.

Winter storm ahead! Please note: snow removal will begin after the storm has passed. We will update this post once snow removal is complete, and roads, trails, and parking areas are accessible. Thank you for your patience and stay warm!

12/23/2025

Update: the refuge has reopened! Please remember the refuge does not use salt. Drive slowly and use caution.

Please note: due to a wintery mix on the forecast, the refuge will delay opening on Wednesday December 24. The refuge does not apply salt to roads or trails, so conditions may be significantly slicker than local areas. Please use caution, and thank you for your patience so we can ensure the safety of our team and visitors.

12/11/2025

Restoration season isn't limited to the summer season! This week, crews began work within Welsh Cove, a salt marsh unit visible from the Ferry Way Trail. When complete, this innovative restoration project will reduce phragmites, an invasive plant, and increase salt marsh resilience into the future.

12/01/2025

With wintery weather on the horizon, the refuge will delay opening on Tuesday December 2nd until staff can assess road and trail safety conditions. Thank you for your patience!

Address

4 Arboretum Drive
Newington, NH
03801

Telephone

+19784655753

Website

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_bay/

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