Ninigret
Charlestown, RI 02813
Plan Your Visit
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge offers fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, environmental education, and wildlife photography activities. The refuge is known for its glacial history and spectacular birding during migration.
- At the Kettle Pond Unit, visitors can explore habitat dioramas in the visitor center or hike 1.5 miles of trails leading to Watchaug Pond or an Observation Tower. Kettle Pond Visitor Center is open daily, 10am-3pm (winter) or 10am-4pm (summer).
- The Salt Pond Unit features 3 miles of trails which provide views of the coastal salt pond and historical insights into the area's use as a Naval airfield. Visitors can access the Salt Pond Unit off Route 1 (Ninigret West) or through Ninigret Park (Ninigret East). Ninigret East offers a bathroom open seasonally.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Interested in getting involved with any of the five Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges or the Providence Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership? Opportunities include volunteering, internships, employment, and becoming a member of the Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island. Click here for more information.
Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Work with Us
Our dedicated employees perform a wide range of jobs at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries and with public, tribal and private partners.
We hope you’ll join us in advancing our mission of working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
About
Established in 1970, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge consists of 858 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including grasslands, shrub lands, and wooded swamps. Formerly part of the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Fields, the refuge offers over four miles of hiking trails and views of Ninigret Pond, the largest coastal salt pond in Rhode Island. The headquarters unit features the Kettle Pond Visitor Center and a forested upland habitat home to various oak and pine species.