About Burncoat Pond

View of the pond in early autumn at Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, which encompasses the west side of its namesake pond, provides critical habitat for its resident and migratory wildlife.

With moderate-to-rugged trails, the sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity for peaceful walks—passing through fields, traversing hardwood-white pine forests, skirting wetlands, crossing over streams, and ending at the pond.

Acres

245

Trail Mileage

2 miles
Details & map >

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Northerly view into Burncoat Pond from atop Richard’s Overlook, a large boulder off of Flat Rock Trail.
  • Mountain laurel, which bursts into delicate clouds of white and pink in late spring.
  • Deer, foxes, raccoons, beavers, otters, coyotes, fishers, muskrats, and bears along with a wide variety of birds, from the Wood Duck and Great Blue Heron to small sparrows and warblers.
  • Longer walks by visiting the Midstate Trail as well as the adjacent Greater Worcester Land Trust and Sibley Farm conservation area.
  • Programs offered through Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location

Greenville Street, Spencer, MA 
Get directions or contact us >

Hours

Trails: Open daily, dawn to dusk

Admission

Free, donations appreciated 

Property Regulations

All of the land at our wildlife sanctuaries is protected. By conserving these open spaces, Mass Audubon, along with our members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts.  

  • No dog walking or horseback riding; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome) 
  • No walking off trail  
  • No collecting or picking natural items.  
  • No bike riding or operating motorized vehicles; day passes are available for powered mobility devices   
  • No running, swimming, or camping 
  • No operating drones or other remote-controlled vehicles   
  • No fishing, hunting, trapping, or releasing of animals   
  • No feeding wildlife   
  • No Smoking