Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
About
Covering 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats, this refuge was established to preserve the feeding, resting and nesting areas of migratory birds.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
67 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
362 reviews
Excellent
277
Very good
69
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Diane T
Brockton, MA91 contributions
Jul 2022
We drove the entire length of the Refuge on Plum Island on one of the hottest days in July. There were plenty of birds to see- swans and cygnets, an egret, and a lone rabbit on the trail. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of the plovers from the beach (parking lot 1) but could not see them at that angle. This is a great place for birdwatchers or if you feel the need to connect to nature.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MacJack23
New York City, New York130 contributions
Aug 2021
We walked every trail, and saw millions of migrating swallows all heading south. The lay of the land is great. Beautiful raised boardwalk trails over marsh and ocean terrain. It was the second week of August, and we had a fantastic time.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoliveB
175 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Drove to the Lighthouse and Plum Island beach. Walked along beach and over to next beach beautiful views. Then drove to the Hellcat Board walk. It is just where the paved road ends and dirt road begins There is a parking lot and well maintained boardwalk with many outlooks of ocean and Saltmarsh. It is well signed. Recommend it for all ages. Suggest you stop at Bobs Lobster Shack on way back to Newburyport
Written October 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken C
5 contributions
Feb 2022
Make sure you get there early...even in February due to limited parking spaces. Also you can't ride bikes on the beach. Kind of disappointing because I would love to do that in the off season...and don't forget to leave your pet at home.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina D
Woodville, MA32 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great place for bird watchers! There were a lot of people there today on a nice fall day but still a very pleasant experience. There are new boardwalks which make walking very easy for all abilities. Access to quiet and scarcely populated beaches is a plus.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly W
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The volunteer made sure we saw the short film on the different domains of the park and the birds and animals that inhabit each area. It was only 10 minutes in duration but kept your attention and an education, as well.
We have been on a different walk every time we go there. Best ever...
We have been on a different walk every time we go there. Best ever...
Written October 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidwesternParent
184 contributions
May 2022
We rented a car and drove here from Boston. Visiting the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island was a highlight of the day. It's beautiful and well worth a stop. We saw a lot of birds. It was nice to walk on the boardwalk. Excellent views for bird watching. Plus, the nearby beach was open.
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle M
Springfield, NJ13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Such a serene and naturally beautiful place to visit for walk. Take in the picturesque views and have yourself a walk through tree covered path. Spent the afternoon here with my teen walking and talking and enjoying the sights.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FL2045
Texas150 contributions
Jul 2022
If you goal is to take a nice walk along the boardwalks that go back and forth between the beach and the marshes, then this is a lovely place. If you are looking for wildlife, then check with the locals. When we where there, there was no wildlife to speak of. Not sure if it was time of day or the time of year.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abh345678
Brookline, MA301 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
The completely wheelchair accessible Hellcat Trail is awesome. It is about 1 mile long, with views to the bay side and then to the ocean. The parking was easy on a fall weekend. Along with my wheelchair, we had two small kids on scooters.
There is an accessible toilet at the parking lot.
It is so nice to have a wheelchair accessible trail that is longer than 1/4 mile ( so many parks proudly talk about their accessible paths which are way too often less than half a mile long).
There is an accessible toilet at the parking lot.
It is so nice to have a wheelchair accessible trail that is longer than 1/4 mile ( so many parks proudly talk about their accessible paths which are way too often less than half a mile long).
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any locations further south (besides the ramp near entrance) in the refuge to launch a kayak?
Written June 10, 2020
Im interested in visiting Parker river with my little girl! However, she has cerebral palsy and her primary mobility is by wheel chair. I've viewed many photos and it looks as though there are stairs in areas even though its listed as accessible. My question 8s how accessible is it, and if there are specific trails we should take? If so, how does one obtain a map or information on accessibility?
Written September 21, 2019
I think that she would love it but definitely going on the sand /beach in a wheelchair would be difficult. Some of the paths would be ok but sandy paths would be dificult. Some of the viewing areas are to just pull off of the road,which in your case would be fine. I hope she has a great time.
Written September 21, 2019
Parker River admin contact: 978-465-5753, parkerriver@fws.gov
Written March 4, 2017
njhebert58
Pittsburg, New Hampshire
Are we able to walk animals there in Sept.?
Written September 25, 2016
What building is the reading nook in? We have stayed several times and never seen it! Looks like a great spot!
Written July 9, 2015
Not sure of the location of the reading nook, but we walked every trail in the park except the Bird Blind trail as the small parking lot was always full. I think the reading nook may be located at the park headquarters and visitors center located before the main park entrance. It's a large building with a classroom, auditorium and library. Below is the information that my help you.
The refuge headquarters and visitor center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA, 01950. Phone: (978) 465-5753. General email address: parkerriver@fws.gov.
Written July 12, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing