Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm Trail

Seven miles of trails wind through fields, woods, wetlands, salt marsh, estuary, and barrier beach on this historic former farm, now part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Do your kids know what an estuary is? It’s where salty sea waters meet fresh land waters. Estuaries provide important habitat for a number of birds, fish, and other animals, including some rare species that can be found here. At the Wells Reserve, you can observe where the currents of the Little and Webhannet Rivers meet the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Maine. Before hitting the trails, pick up a trail map, visit the exhibits, and browse the gift shop at the visitor center, housed in the restored farmhouse. Located in another building, the Maine Coastal Ecology Center also has educational exhibits and research and teaching laboratories. Call ahead for current hours. The route described here will take you past a salt marsh, through a maple swamp, down to the beach, and over an extensive boardwalk.