About Rocky Hill

Lichen on rock at Mass Audubon Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, © Rosemary Mosco, Mass Audubon

Located on the Groton-Ayer town line, Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is a land of impressive ledges, large boulders, beaver ponds, vernal pools, and extensive uninterrupted woodlands. The sanctuary lies within a state-designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern and supports moose, beavers, and porcupines, as well as nearly 100 species of birds and more than 240 plant species.

Acres

441

Trail Mileage 

3 miles Get details >

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Rocky outcrop that overlooks a beaver pond provides a unique, eye-level view of numerous active Great Blue Heron nests.
  • Granitic ridges, with exposed ledges on the hillsides and smaller outcrops and large boulders that provide protective cover for porcupines, nesting turkey vultures, and snakes.
  • Plenty of rock surfaces, ideal growing sites for lichen, such as rock tripe or for rock polypody fern.
  • Wood Frogs in the vernal pool alongside the Vernal Pool Trail in spring.