About North Hill Marsh

Trail at Mass Audubon North Hill Marsh, © Rosemary Mosco, Mass Audubon

North Hill Marsh can best be described as a sanctuary within a refuge. Situated within Duxbury’s Eastern Greenbelt, 1,000 acres of contiguous open space, the sanctuary’s oak and pine woodlands, wetlands, and 90-acre pond provide habitat for wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl.

A clearly marked trail system circles the pond and travels through Duxbury Town Forest.

Location

Mayflower Street, Duxbury, MA Get Directions >
Managed by North River Wildlife Sanctuary

Hours

Trails: Daily, dawn to dusk

Admission

Free, donations appreciated

Facilities

Parking

Acres

146

Trails

5 miles

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Snapping and Painted, as well as the more rare Spotted and Box turtles, often seen in the wooded and shore areas.
  • A variety of birds such as Ring-necked and Black ducks, Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, herons, Kingfishers, and egrets congregate around the pond.
  • Approximately 100 pairs of Tree Swallows that inhabit the nesting boxes placed throughout the marsh.
  • Mink along the water’s edge and muskrat and otters in the pond.