Women on bridge Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Women on bridge Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Stone bridge over water with trees in background
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Trails at Ipswich River

At Ipswich River you can explore 12 miles of interconnecting trails that wander through forests, meadows, and wetlands.

Following the paths will take you to a vernal pool, along boardwalks, up a drumlin, and on top of an esker. Don't leave before paying a visit to our unique rockery, which was constructed in 1905. This grotto of narrow passages and caves is the perfect for kids (and adults) who love to climb!

The observation tower is closed until further notice.

A screenshot of Ipswich River's digital trail map

Digital Trail Map

Use your smartphone to navigate the sanctuary. View the map

A section of Ipswich River's downloadable trail map

Download the Trail Map

download Ipswich River Trail Map (740.7 kB)

Trail Descriptions

Bradstreet Lane 

Distance: 0.3 miles

Take the old carriage road located near the visitor center at the top of the hill. It offers views into our fields and woodland habitats. Look for eastern bluebirds as you travel along the edge of the field.

Drumlin Trail 

Distance: 1.3 miles

Walk old carriage road and circle around the lower section of a glacial drumlin where this trail gets its name. A wide, easy trail that offers access to a number of our other trails. Stop at the wisteria arbor to take a break and enjoy the blooms in the spring.

Ipswich River Trail 

Distance: 0.4 miles

Hike to the edge of the Ipswich River where members can rent canoes to paddle this beautiful, winding river. Located off Bunker Meadow trail.

Rockery Trail 

Distance: 0.5 miles

Rockery trail is our most-visited trail. Start at the top of the hill and walk over wetland boardwalks and bridges. Admire the wetlands full of waterfowl, red-winged blackbirds, muskrats and otters. This trail leads to the popular Rock Grotto, a man-made structure built in the 1900’s.

Stone Bridge Trail 

Distance: 0.2 miles

The stone bridge offers a great vantage point to observe beavers, their lodges, and many other animals swimming by.

South Esker Trail 

Distance: 0.5 miles

Traverse along this elevated narrow trail created by a glacial stream that offers views of the Ipswich River, marsh, and cattail stands. Watch your step as this trail has many rock deposits left behind from a glacier.

North Esker Trail 

Distance: 0.3 miles

Located between two wetlands and overlooks hassocky meadow. On this trail you can find forest habitat and wetlands. It leads out to distant trails.