Clean off your lens and focus up—you’ll want keepsakes from these wild and wonderful places long after your visit. Across Massachusetts, jaw-dropping vistas, fascinating details, and ephemeral experiences await your camera roll and social feed.
1. Chase Waterfalls at Broadmoor, Natick
At Broadmoor, a funnel of greenery guides you to marsh views and boardwalk perspectives. Seek out the waterfall along Marsh Trail, where—at the right hour—sunbeams filter through the trees and dance across the water’s surface. The movement, sparkle, and setting combine for a magical shot.
2. Follow Fantastic Ferns at Waseeka, Hopkinton
Wander Waseeka’s shady trails where moisture-loving ferns sprawl in lush overgrown carpets. The green expanse feels timeless, as if you’ve stepped into an ancient world. The serene, textured setting sets the stage for macro shots or sweeping landscapes.
3. Take in the Berkshire Mountain Panorama at Pleasant Valley, Lenox
Earn your view at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Hike the Ledges/Overlook Loop up 850 feet to the summit of Lenox Mountain and take in sweeping sights of Mount Greylock to the north, the Taconic Range to the west, and New York’s Catskills to the southwest. Each season paints a new backdrop—perfect for framing the changing colors and textures.
4. Save Playful Moments in the Rock Grotto at Ipswich River, Topsfield
Venture into the Rockery Trail’s stone grotto at Ipswich River, a network of man-made caves and passageways. Capture friends and family weaving through tunnels, experiment with dramatic lighting, and frame wide-eyed expressions as you discover hidden corners together.
5. Capture What’s Growing at Drumlin Farm, Lincoln
From frolicking lambs in spring to golden drumlin views in autumn, Drumlin Farm brims with seasonal photo ops. Boyce Field offers a colorful mosaic of vegetables, flowers, and pollinator activity. Here’s your chance to savor sustainable agriculture in action—prosperity, productivity, and purposeful land stewardship all in one frame.
6. Achieve Long Views at High Ledges, Shelburne
Gaze out over the Deerfield River Valley from High Ledges’ signature overlook, with Mount Greylock anchoring the horizon. Choose a quick hike via Sanctuary Road Trail or take the longer loop that passes by the Wolves Den—legend says it sheltered the state’s last native wolves. Either route delivers epic perspectives.
7. Meander through Coastal Marshes at Wellfleet Bay, South Wellfleet
Follow the winding boardwalk through a sea of marsh grasses toward ocean views at Wellfleet Bay. Above, a wide-open sky; below, golden and green hues shifting with the breeze. The boardwalk’s gentle curves lead your eye into scenes that evoke exploration and possibility.
8. Get a Bird’s Eye View from the Observation Tower at Arcadia, Easthampton
Climb Arcadia’s observation tower for a bird’s-eye look at Mill River’s wildlife-rich corridor. Watch Great Blue Herons glide low over the water like modern-day pterosaurs and songbirds flitting just outside in the treetops, while experimenting with perspective and angling.
9. Admire Sweet Sheep at Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
This former farmstead blends pastoral charm with rolling meadows and oak woodlands. Wachusett Meadow’s resident sheep graze near historic barns, adding texture and life to your shots. Observe respectfully, and they may reward you with curious stares that resemble modelesque posing for the camera.
10. Watch Bird Boxes at Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
Boston Nature Center hosts one of the area’s largest tree swallow nesting sites. Watch them swoop and dive for insects or focus closely on the activity happening at the nest boxes along the entrance roads. Every frame captures motion, interaction, and the lively rhythm of summer skies.
Share Your Photos
Nature overflows with moments worth capturing when you slow down and truly look. These 10 locations barely scratch the surface—Mass Audubon’s 60+ wildlife sanctuaries offer countless others.
Show off your adventures! Tag @massaudubon on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to share your best content and rack up some nature-inspired internet clout.
Think you’ve caught something extraordinary? Submit your best photos to the Mass Audubon Picture This Photo Contest for a chance to win.
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