Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge

I’ve passed by Ninigret many times but this was my first time going here to take walks. I was staying at Willows Motel which is a short walk to the West Entrance of this refuge. I went there three times and walked all of the trails. It’s different from most National Wildlife Refuges I’ve been to. It’s an old air strip with some of the runway still there. The trails are made up of some paved parts, some gravel areas and some dirt trails. Two trails go down to Ninigret Pond with nice views of the water. This 900 acre park is well worth a visit to take a walk.

There is also Ninigret park which is attached to the Wildlife Refuge and has a different entrance and parking area. It’s a park with tennis courts, ball fields, nature center and lots more park things.

For the Refuge signs say “No Jogging, no biking, no dogs”. I found a few people walking their dogs and biking. I know people want to walk their dogs but this is a Wildlife Refuge, not a park. That’s the same reason for no jogging or biking.

There are two entrances and parking lots. I entered from the West Entrance. This has a large parking lot but no bathrooms. The only bathrooms are located near the East Entrance. This is a composting toilet and was in good shape.

I wish I found this Refuge years ago. Next time I will also visit the other side where the park is located.