About Nahant Thicket

Song Sparrow at Nahant Thicket (Photo: Rosemary Mosco)
Song Sparrow (Photo: Rosemary Mosco)

At just four acres, Nahant Thicket is among Mass Audubon’s smallest wildlife sanctuaries. Yet, it’s an inviting spot for hundreds of migrating songbirds such as warblers, vireos, and thrushes passing through each year.

A short trail winds through “the Thicket”—a tiny patch of red maple swamp, brushy tangles, and a traversing stream.

Location

Furbush Road, Nahant, MA 
Get directions or contact us >

Hours & Admission

Trails: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Free, donations appreciated

Facilities

2 parking spaces located on Furbush Road (not plowed in winter)

Acres

4

Trail Mileage

0.25 miles

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Coastal marine waters across the street from the sanctuary where loons, grebes, ducks, and seabirds often occur in variety and abundance during the winter.
  • Migrant birds at their most diverse in May, September, and October.
  • Butterflies during summer and fall.

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