Nature and Wildlife in New England

New Hampshire’s largest land mammal is the moose, and the best way to see this species in the wild is with local guides like Pemi Valley Moose Tours and Gorham Moose Tours. Nature lovers should also check out The Rocks in Bethlehem, a 1,400-acre forest reservation for hiking, with private tours available.

Maine’s wilderness is home to over 25,000 moose that can be found throughout the state’s 17.6 million forested acres. Maine is home to many species, from black bears and bobcats found in the vast wilderness, to loons calling on the lakes. In 1897 Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby became the first ever Registered Maine Guide. She deeply loved the Maine wilderness and committed herself to showing its wonder to the world. Over the last 200 years the number of Maine guides has grown to more than 4,000, offering guests fun, memorable experiences in numerous outdoor activities.

The Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington, Vermont is a 100-acre preserve, sanctuary, and education centre. For bird sightings, sign up for the museum’s bird walks, where expert spotters lead visitors on strolls throughout the property. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Massachusetts offers wetlands and woodlands to explore with over 12 miles of trails through the Sanctuary’s 1900 acres.  Visitors can grab a paddle and rent a canoe to get a unique look at the area’s flora and fauna. There are even cabin rentals and camping opportunities.

A Rhode Island treasure is Blithewold, a historic 33-acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay in Bristol. It has not only amazing ocean views but also more than 500 species of trees and shrubs in its gardens; highlights include a weeping pagoda tree and a 100-foot giant sequoia that’s thought to be the largest in the eastern United States. Set aside time for a nature outing with Old Lyme’s Black Hall Outfitters, in Connecticut which offers guided kayak tours through the Great Island Salt Marsh.