Visitor Opportunities
Designated visitor use areas on the refuge are open to the public year round from sunrise to sunset. Please be aware that most wildlife habitat
managed by the refuge is closed to the public as designated by "Area Closed" or "Unauthorized Entry Prohibited" boundary signs.
If you require any assistance please contact the field office Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Hiking Trails
Carson Trail
The Carson Trail at Rachel Carson NWR headquarters in Wells, Maine offers a variety of viewing opportunities for visitors.
The Carson Trail is a one-mile walk along an upland edge which offers vistas and close-up views of one of southern Maine’s most valuable ecosystems.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Carson Trail. All refuge trails are open 7 days a week during daylight hours only.
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| Download and print the Carson trail guide in PDF form here. |
Cutts Island Trail
The Cutts Island Trail is located in Kittery, Maine. The trail offers 1.8 miles of scenic upland hiking and beautiful salt marsh views.
There is a restroom at the trail head (no running water). The trail is
open from sunrise to sunset for foot traffic only. No pets are allowed on this trail.
Please be advised that hunting is allowed, by refuge permit only. If you are walking the trails during hunting season you may consider wearing an
orange hat or vest/coat.
Download directions and trail map here (.pdf)
Hunting Information
USFWS proposes to expand hunting opportunities at Rachel Carson NWR
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge has been open to big game, migratory bird, and upland bird hunting since 1980 on eight of its eleven divisions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to permit fall wild turkey hunting in all areas open to deer hunting, in addition to offering hunting opportunities on an additional 165 acres of refuge lands. These changes update the current hunt plan from 1990 and are more consistent with the objectives of the Refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan approved in 2007 and State regulations.
The new draft hunt plan, draft environmental assessment, and compatibility determination are available for public review and comment from May 4, 2012 to June 2, 2012. A copy may be downloaded here (2.79 MB .pdf file), or can be viewed at the refuge headquarters in Wells and at the local library in Wells.
Prior to completing the documents, it will be important to consider any public comments, including any issues, concerns, opportunities, or suggested alternative deer management strategies. Written public comments will be accepted from May 4, 2012 through June 2, 2012 and can be mailed or dropped off at:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Attn: Deer Management
321 Port Road
Wells, ME 04090.
Refuge hunting information is updated annually. The information below is intended to provide users with an idea of the opportunities
we offer at the refuge.
The refuge will be open to the following hunting season:
1. Deer: Firearm and Archery
-Fox & Coyote may be taken with bow or shotgun with Deer permit during the Firearm Season
2. Migratory Birds - (Duck, Geese, Woodcock, Snipe)
3.Upland Game Birds-(Ruffed Grouse, Pheasant, Quail)
4. Special Falconry Season
*HUNTING PERMITS ARE REQUIRED*
*A FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH PERMIT*
*ATV'S ARE NOT PERMITTED*
A HUNTING PERMIT ALLOWS YOU TO BE ON REFUGE LANDS ONLY DURING THE APPROPRIATE SEASON!!!
How to obtain a refuge hunting permit:
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Hunting permits are available starting the last week in August through December 31 each year.
- Permit fees are payable by cash or check only.
- Bring a copy of your current year Maine hunting license to the refuge headquarters in Wells, along with payment. You will be issued your permit
and maps that outline permitted hunting areas.
- You may also obtain a refuge permit by mailing a copy of your current year Maine hunting license to the refuge headquarters along with payment.
Your permit and hunting maps will be mailed to you. Be sure to include your phone number, address, and indicated what species you want to hunt.
If you have any questions, please contact the refuge office before entering the field:
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
321 Port Road
Wells, Maine 04090
Phone: (207) 646-9226
rachelcarson@fws.gov
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm
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Fishing Information
The following sites may be used by anglers. All Maine fishing regulations apply. Use of all areas contingent upon user cooperation.
Refuge regulations require use of non-lead jigs and sinkers to prevent waterbird poisoning. Areas open dawn until dusk only.
Anglers must attend
their lines at all times. The collection of bait fish is prohibited on the refuge. Carry out all litter, including monofilament, which can be dangerous to
birds and other wildlife. Obey refuge signs and private property. Locations are described from south to north.
Chauncey Creek ~ Kittery
Carry-in boat access only at the intersection of Cutts Island and Seapoint Roads. Note that tidal changes in this area may cause previously
navigable channels to become treacherous or impassable. Park adjacent to the site on Seapoint Road.
Brave Boat Tidal Creek ~ York
Fishing permitted on north side of stream bank from Brave Boat Harbor Road to the first trestle downstream, approximately 1000 feet.
Park at pull-off northeast of Brave Boat Harbor Road, south of Payne Road, adjacent to creek. No refuge parking available.
Ogunquit River ~ Ogunquit/Wells
Anglers may fish on the north bank of the Ogunquit River,
east of Route 1. Access is limited to the marked and posted areas at the refuge boundary
corner behind the Ogunquit River Plantation Hotel east (downstream), on the Wells side
of the river, for approximately 500 feet.
No refuge parking available.
Stevens Brook ~ Wells
The east side of Stevens Brook is open for fishing from Bourne Avenue to the point where
Stevens Brook approaches Ocean Avenue
(approximately 1/4 mile). Approach from the
public parking lot on Ocean Avenue.
Webhannet River ~ Wells
Fishing permitted along the west bank of the Webhannet River. The area begins at the
north side of Mile Road and continues approximately 400 feet
north (downstream), ending
at the first tidal creek.
Merriland River/Skinner Mill ~ Wells
Anglers may fish from the refuge boundary, east (downstream) for approximately
1000 feet, which includes the oxbow. Access is by an existing trail
on the south side of
the river across private property. Park on Skinner Mill Road; no refuge parking available.
Mousam River ~ Kennebunk
Fishing permitted east of Route 9, on the north side of the river, west to our posted boundary and east to the point opposite Great Hill Road
(approximately 3/10 mile). Access will be from the bridle path along the first tidal creek. Fishing is currently allowed on the opposite bank and at the
mouth of the Mousam River. Park on Route 9; no refuge parking available.
Goosefare Brook ~ Saco
Anglers may fish on the south side of the Goosefare Brook outlet. There is very little parking in the immediate area; use the public parking lot at the
end of Bayview Road.
Spurwink River ~ Scarborough
Fishing permitted along the west bank of the Spurwink River, north of the Route 77 bridge. The area extends approximately 1000 feet, ending at a
point near the fork in the river. Limited parking available just off Route 77.
Shellfishing
The refuge tidal flats offer opportunities for recreational shellfishing. Town licenses are required and all refuge, state, and town shellfishing regulations
apply. Access is limited to 1 person per license and from sunrise to sunset.
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