Trails at Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

The trails at Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary lead you through the shade of a mature white pine forest and along the edges of wetlands and meadows. 

The sanctuary’s history as a Christmas tree farm is readily apparent from the numerous spruce and fir trees dotting the property, slowly being replaced with native grasses, shrubs, wildflowers, and trees as we restore the land with native plantings. 

Viewpoints with benches provide opportunities for birding, photography, and sketching.  

Trail Descriptions

Pitch Pine Loop (0.24 miles)

Pitch Pine Loop provides an easy walk along the edges of the farm field and through the newly emerging native shrubs and grasses. The trail is named for the two tall pitch pine trees along the path, trees which are known for their prickly cones and ability to grow in sandy, low-nutrient soil. 

Goldenrod Trail (0.14 miles)

Goldenrod Trail circles the inner portion of Pawtucket Farm and allows you to feel completely surrounded by nature. Look for brilliant yellow flowering goldenrod in the summer in the meadow on the west edge of the property. Take the short spur up to the top of Birch Hill to look for woodland birds and wildflowers, especially in the spring and fall.  

Huckleberry Trail (0.33 miles)

The steeper and more rugged Huckleberry Trail circles around the edges of the sanctuary for views of the farm field and glimpses of the Merrimack River. Watch for hawks soaring above the hill and large Pileated Woodpeckers among the tall pines.