The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge Is The Most Peaceful Place To Experience Fall Foliage In Maine
By Michelle|Published October 20, 2019
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Fall has come to use slowly but steadily and these days it’s feeling very much like it’s arrived in full force! Between a rainy and windy storm and the fall leaves popping, we’ve had plenty of reminders that summer is truly over, fall is in full swing and…winter can’t be far behind. So, before things get too cold we’ve been trying to get outside as much as possible. This beautiful spot in southern Maine is awash in color and it’s a great way to take in the best of fall in Maine!
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 9,125-acres along 50 miles of coast in York and Cumberland counties. There are a number of beautiful hiking trails that lead to incredible views of the area’s estuaries and salt marshes.
Rachel Carson was an environmentalist and marine biologist who loved this part of Maine. She was an author, perhaps best known for her book "Silent Spring," calling for a stop to dangerous pesticides. Eventually, the was the catalyst for the government reviewing its pesticide policy and banning DDT.
There are five main trails within with the refuge. They are The Cutts Island Trail, The Timber Point Trail, The Goosefare Brook Trail, The Bridle Path and Atlantic Way and Ted Wells Trails.
The trail can be found at the Wells headquarters. From here it takes visitors through salt marshes offering the chance to see and understand important ecology systems in Maine.
Those a bit unsteady on their feet or new to hiking will love that the trail is wide and well maintained. This allows for a smooth surface making it great for wheelchairs and strollers.
To begin your walk take a map from the kiosk located at the trailhead. This will show you the 11 stops along the trail. Each stop allows visitors to explore a different part of the refuge while also teaching about the area.
You can launch them at Chauncey Creek, on Seapoint Rd. in Kittery; Little River, on Granite Point Rd. in Biddeford; and the Spurwink River in Scarborough.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset each day. You can learn more about it here. Or, give them a call on 207-646-9226.
