Don’t you love the feeling of stumbling upon a hidden treasure? This Massachusetts park flies under the radar, but it’s one of the prettiest natural spots in the state. Filled with gorgeous greenery, amazing wildlife and a pretty great boardwalk trail, you’ll want to visit this one in every season. Read on to learn why Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary deserves your attention.
Moose Hill is Mass Audubon's oldest wildlife sanctuary, which means the natural splendor here has been left alone to flourish for quite some time. It’s filled with lush forest, fields, hiking trails and even an amazing maple swamp boardwalk.
There are over 25 miles of trails in Moose Hill. The four main trails are Summit Trail, Vernal Pool Loop, Billings Loop and Bluff Trail. The Bluff Trail will take you along the gorgeous boardwalk and through the red maple swamp, which looks especially handsome during the autumn months as the leaves turn to scarlet and gold.
As the weather turns cooler, Moose Hill becomes even more magical. The sanctuary is actually a maple sugaring spot, and the park hosts free demonstrations of how to make maple syrup. Bring your curiosity and your sweet tooth. The park operates an outdoor day camp for kids during the summer, and often hosts star-gazing events on clear nights throughout the year.
Kids will love the nature play area at Moose Hill, otherwise known as Cookie’s Garden. It’s a safe place where kids of all ages can harness the power of their imaginations while they hop, swing and climb around the sanctuary’s natural elements.
The trails in Moose Hill are exceptionally scenic. They’ll take you past old barns and sugar shacks (Billings Loop), ancient stone walls and orchards (Bluff Trail), tadpole ponds and rolling hills (Vernal Pool Trail), rhododendron gardens and streams (Kettle Trails) and even to an old fire tower (Summit Trail).
Wildlife is everywhere. You're bound to run into something feathered or furry during your visit. As this place has been a protected sanctuary for years, some of the animals aren't as shy as you might expect. This little guy gamely posed for a photo.
Of course, the park's trails are absolutely stunning under a fresh layer of snow. The powder coats every branch and bough, muffling everything but the crunch of your footsteps. Walking these paths is truly a meditative experience in the winter.
Moose Hill may not be one of the most well-known parks in Massachusetts, but photographers have long treasured the amazing shots that can be achieved at this place. Local groups have occasionally organized photography workshops in the park.
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. See you on the trails!
The sanctuary is located at 293 Moose Hill Parkway in Sharon. Sharon residents can get in for free. Non-members are admitted for $4 per adult, and $3 per child. If you’re looking for even more amazing natural spots to explore in Massachusetts, check out these 19 secret spots where nature will completely relax you.
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