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 Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
Grab your binoculars if you’re heading to Allens Pond. You can observe spectacular bird life and salt marsh activity from a number of vantage points at this site. Over 300 bird species have been recorded during migration or nesting season. The sanctuary’s half-mile stretch of beach provides important nesting habitat for rare piping plovers and terns. The sanctuary also attracts many raptors in all seasons including nesting ospreys and migrant bald eagles.
The Quansett Trail system offers visitors the opportunity to observe, interact with, and learn about the great diversity of habitats in the sanctuary. Visitors have many options to choose from including two western loops: one around a fresh pond, the other with a giant boulder to climb for treetop views. Two smaller loops provide east and west overlooks of the pond. Please note that we do not have a nature center; however, correspondence may be directed to 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport, MA 02790, or call 508-636-2437.
The Allens Neck Trail system, located off Allens Neck Rd. in Dartmouth, MA offers 1.5 miles of trails along the Woodland and Boulder Loops. Visitors can wander through rich wetlands, across old pasture land and among giant boulders or pass vernal pools throbbing with fairy shrimp and tadpoles.
Address:
1280 Horseneck Rd.
Westport, MA 02790
508-636-2437
allenspond@massaudubon.org
Nature Center/Trail Hours:
Trails open every day, dawn to dusk.
- For Your Safety
- Do not feed any animals
- Stay on trails to avoid ticks and poison ivy
- Do not smoke anywhere on the sanctuary
- Do not pick or collect plants or crops without permission
- Avoid Conflicts with Wildlife
- Do not bring pets, leashed or unleashed, on to the site
- Picnic only in designated areas
- Do not bring motorized vehicles or bicycles onto the site
- Hunting, fishing, or trapping are not permitted
Directions:
From Interstate 195, in Westport, take Exit 10 (Rt 88 South). Follow Route 88 to its end, passing Horseneck Beach on the way. Turn left at the ocean-side stop sign onto East Beach Road and follow the road east along the shoreline. As it makes an obvious, 90 degree bend to the left, turning north and away from shoreline, look for Sanctuary signs at the corner and right. This BEACH LOOP entrance is marked with Massachusetts Audubon Society logo signs. There is only limited parking on the town road (along Horseneck Road going north).
To start at the trailhead of the QUANSETT TRAIL SYSTEM or meet at the Field Station, continue 0.25 mile north away from beach to the Field Station and parking lot on your right. Trail entrance begins at the parking lot.
To reach the ALLENS NECK TRAIL SYSTEM of the Sanctuary, continue north on Horseneck Road for approximately 1.7 miles. Take the first right (also Horseneck Road but now entering Dartmouth). Proceed for 1 mile and take a right onto Allens Neck Road (can be difficult to see). At the sharp bend, continue straight, through the single white gate, and park immediately on your right. Massachusetts Audubon Society logo signs are posted.
Acres:
593
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