Located on the New Hampshire and Maine border, Great Bay estuary is a complex embayment and New Hampshire's largest estuarine system. The Great Bay Reserve offers a diversity of land and water area, including upland forest, salt marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks, rocky intertidal, eelgrass beds, channel bottom/subtidal and…
About Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Located on the New Hampshire and Maine border, Great Bay estuary is a complex embayment and New Hampshire's largest estuarine system. The Great Bay Reserve offers a diversity of land and water area, including upland forest, salt marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks, rocky intertidal, eelgrass beds, channel bottom/subtidal and upland field habitats. The reserve encompasses 10,235 acres, including approximately 7,300 acres of open water and wetlands. The Bay's cultural heritage is equally diverse, from paleo-Indian villages 6,000 years ago to colonial transportation and industrial use and ultimately protection in the face of a proposed oil refinery in 1973.
Photos
View from the Discovery Center at Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, New Hampshire — Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
How to Get There
The reserve is located 10 miles inland from the coast of New Hampshire and the Maine border.
Plan Your Visit to Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Heading to Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?
No central reservation system listed for Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3086) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?
The reserve is located 10 miles inland from the coast of New Hampshire and the Maine border.
How do I contact Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?
You can reach the park at phone: 603-868-1095 or email: [email protected].
