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Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,034 Google reviews · Running trail in Wells, Maine · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This large salt marsh & estuary features hiking trails, trees & many bird-watching opportunities.
What runners say about Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
“It's well maintained and a good distance and makes a full loop.”
“This is an easy walk in a beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest with viewing stations overlooking magnificent tidal flats with a meandering stream.”
“A nice relaxing gentle walk through serene vistas and marshes.”
“This is an easy walk in a beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest with viewing stations overlooking magnificent tidal flats with a meandering stream.”
4.20.25 This is a very easy walking trail that's great for small children and older folks. You can't get lost as you follow the enclosed walking path. The views are very pretty. Sneakers are perfect for this stroll. There are bathrooms on the premises. That is, 2 rooms with toilets, no sinks.
This was a great place to stretch your legs and see nature. The path was clear and some was boardwalk. The fall is a beautiful time to go. We went the full loop and took us less than an hour. Flat, easy walk. And did you know Rachel Carson is on a 17cent US postage stamp?
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to enjoy scenic views, hiking, wildlife, and the outdoors. It was established in 1966 to protect salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. There is a visitor center and a hiking trail here for all to enjoy for fee.
we really enjoyed our short walk around the mile loop at Rachel Carson. The woods are beautiful and the chipmunk population is quite entertaining. This is a very nice preserve, and worth the walk. It’s very flat and the trail is easy and well-maintained.
Trail conditions & character
“This is an easy walk in a beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest with viewing stations overlooking magnificent tidal flats with a meandering stream.”
“we really enjoyed our short walk around the mile loop at Rachel Carson.”
“The trail is mostly flat, is wide, and is easy to follow.”
“A nice relaxing gentle walk through serene vistas and marshes.”
“Beautiful trail and boardwalk overlooking estuarine habitat.”
“Great for kids or pets and looks to be handicap accessible the entire trail.”
“It was muddy in some spots from the rain, so if you do have handicap equipment make sure you go during the dry season.”
Plan your run at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone(207) 535-9145
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Wells
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wells Reserve at Laudholm
4.8 ★★★★★ 362 reviews
Conservation center featuring trails through woodlands & wetlands, plus historic farm buildings.
Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary
3.9 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews
Butler Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
