Great Bay: a big heron hangout

We like to get our hearts pumping with a paddle across Great Bay. The currents from river inflows and tide shifts can be strong but short-lived. You'll paddle hard for a few minutes (land is always in sight) before reaching the calms of the shoreline. Head for Adams Point, the peninsula separating Litttle Bay from Great Bay.

Here, explore trails and shoreline (look for giant-size horseshoe crabs on the beach!) Then, slip down the Oyster River for a leisurely paddle into salt marshes full of cormorants, blue herons, swans, and other waterfowl. Look for deer in the surrounding fields and hawks and bald eagles overhead.

Strong currents are worth the work

When the kids scream,"I'm hungry!" head to Newick's on the shores of Little Bay for steaming bowls of chowder or picnic at pretty Wagon Hill Farm at the mouth of Oyster River and Little Bay.

	For maps and information, contact the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; (603) 868-1095.
	Adventure Learning (800-649-9728) offers a one-day guided kayak trip to Great Bay.
	Do-it-yourselfers can put in at several public launches, including Hilton Park, off Spaulding Turnpike (Rte. 16) in Dover, NH, Lamprey River in downtown Newmarket, and Adams Point in Durham.
	Families should check out the Sandy Point Discovery Center off Rte. 33 in Stratham, NH, on Great Bay (603-778-0015) for indoor/outdoor exhibits, kids' activities, and self-guided trails.

	Directions to Great Bay Estuary The Great Bay Estuary is located 10 miles inland from the coast of New Hampshire and Maine border. From Boston: follow I-95 North to Spaulding Turnpike (Rt. 16) west. US Route 4 to the north, Route 33 on the south, 151 on the southeast, and 108 on the west all provide good access.

Move on to Plum Island Bike and Hike

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