Parker River Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Right now in Parker River Refuge · September
13days to the next fall foliage seasonOct 11–31, Marsh color (glasswort), per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Next 7 days
Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 28 at 1:45AM EDT until September 29 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA- Windy · winds up to 21 mphThis Afternoon
- Rain likely · up to 100% chanceThis Afternoon, Tonight
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 7:07 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Most beaches closed for nesting piping ploversApr–Aug
- Songbird and warbler migrationApr–Jun
- Busiest season; gate can close to cars when fullJun–Aug
- Crimson glasswort in the salt marshOct
- Owls: barred, snowy and short-earedDec–Feb
Best spots around Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
- Hellcat Boardwalk Trail0.91-mile boardwalk trail
- Stage Island TrailTrail of about a mile
- Pines TrailShort wheelchair-accessible path of crushed stone and earth
- North Pool OverlookWheelchair-accessible overlook from an unpaved lot
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across New England, red maple is ahead of a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
Marsh color (glasswort), per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Oct 11–31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (Oct 11–31, Marsh color (glasswort), per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
Is the fall color here from trees?
Mostly not: the show is the salt marsh, where glasswort turns bright crimson, usually mid to late October according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there an entry fee?
Yes for cars: $5 a day per car, covering everyone inside. Walking or biking in is free. The gatehouse takes cash or checks only.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Why might the refuge be closed when I arrive?
In the busy summer months it often fills up and closes to cars. Weekdays, or weekends before 10am or after 3pm, help; people on foot or bike can still enter.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are never allowed at Parker River; service animals are welcome on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else is there in fall?
Fall migration brings shorebirds and ducks along with the color, plus berry picking.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Hellcat Boardwalk Trail: 0.91-mile boardwalk trail; Stage Island Trail: trail of about a mile; Pines Trail: short wheelchair-accessible path of crushed stone and earth; North Pool Overlook: wheelchair-accessible overlook from an unpaved lot.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Most beaches closed for nesting piping plovers (Apr–Aug).
What is Parker River National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Songbird and warbler migration (Apr–Jun), Most beaches closed for nesting piping plovers (Apr–Aug), Busiest season; gate can close to cars when full (Jun–Aug), Crimson glasswort in the salt marsh (Oct) and Owls: barred, snowy and short-eared (Dec–Feb).