We Bet You Didn’t Know There Was A Pet Cemetery On This Massachusetts Hiking Trail

There is always something new to discover on a walk through the woods. The grounds of the Greenways Conservation Area in Wayland, Massachusetts are no exception. While you are bound to see beautiful trees, flowers, and wildlife, you may be surprised when you stumble across a pet cemetery. The Greenways Conservation Area is protected by the Sudbury Valley Trustees and is located on part of the former Paine Estate.

The Paine family were animal lovers and owned many pets over their lifetime. To preserve their memories, they buried their beloved animals in this small pet cemetery on their estate.

Each headstone contains the name of one of their pets. Many have an inscription describing the pet’s personality.

Most of the stones belong to dogs; however, one grave is for a very unusual pet. Simmy, the family’s monkey, lived for 34 years!

The Greenways Conservation Loop Trail is a great place to get outdoors with the family. The loop is 1.2 miles long and is considered to be an easy walk.

The trail is a mix of wetlands, woods, and fields.

Enjoy the beautiful pine trees, pollinator plants, and scenic water views.

The trail is a great place to go birdwatching. Wrens, woodpeckers, and sparrows are just a few of the birds that have been spotted here.

You may also catch a glimpse of beavers, rabbits, and other wildlife.

When you are done hiking, stop for a rest or enjoy a snack at the picnic table overlooking the river.

To find out more information about the Greenways Conservation Area, please visit their official website. Have you visited this pet cemetery? Or maybe you know of another local trail that contains a hidden wonder. We would love to hear all about it in the comments! For a great place to eat in Wayland, check out the Dudley Chateau.