Facility Activities

Photo of the canoe launch off of Weir Hill Trail, with a dark blue canoe sitting on the ground in front of the Sudbury River
Image Details

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge provides visitors with many wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities. The refuge has long been a favorite stop for bird watchers. Visitors can hike the nature trails and observe, photograph, and study wildlife and plants. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the trails in the winter can provide wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. Other enjoyable recreation includes hunting various species and fishing on the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. The Sudbury Unit allows boating on the Sudbury River and has a canoe and kayak launch area. Refuge staff and a volunteer group love to host programs for the public to learn more about the importance of wetlands, migratory birds, and conservation.

Hunting

Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciate of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. 

To purchase a permit...

Fishing

Fishing is allowed via nonmotorized boats on the Concord and Sudbury Rivers and from the launch areas. There is a boat launch off the Weir Hill Trail at the Sudbury Unit for Sudbury River access. There is a boat launch off Route 225 in Carlisle for Concord River access. All refuges, hatcheries...

Wildlife watching

The refuge is a popular destination for birders and others who enjoy observing wildlife. Great Meadows support a diverse mix of migratory birds including waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, shorebirds, passerines, as well as resident mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Both...

Photography

Each season brings a unique change to the landscape and what wildlife you’re able to photograph at the refuge. During most of the year at the Concord Unit visitors are likely to see Great Blue Herons hunting for fish and muskrats swimming or eating vegetation. At the beginning of spring a...

Hiking

The trails are open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Visitors are required to stay on designated paths and trails. No picking or disturbing wildlife or vegetation. Other than certified service animals, dogs are not allowed on the refuge. While...

Boating - non-motorized

Nonmotorized boating is allowed on the Sudbury River in the Sudbury Unit of the refuge. There is a canoe/kayak launch on Weir Hill Trail. There is a canoe/kayak launch off Route 225 in Carlisle for Concord River access. Please remember to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft after and before...

Birding

The three refuges, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, are composed of approximately 7,000 acres of diverse habitat, including open water, marshes, and uplands. The wetland portions receive heavy use by waterfowl...

Snowshoeing

When snow is available, snowshoeing is permitted on all trails. Snowshoers please have winter etiquette while on trails and do not step on ski tracks; walkalong aside when available. Be on the lookout for tracks in the winter months!

Cross-country skiing

When snow is available, cross-country skiing is permitted on all trails. Be on the lookout for tracks in the winter months!