There is something satisfying about walking on a boardwalk — hearing the creaky wood under your feet, feeling the breeze on your face, and listening to chirping birds overhead. Across the state, Mass Audubon sanctuaries have miles of boardwalks from the sandy coast of Cape Cod to evergreen-backdropped ponds in the Berkshires. This summer, take a stroll at one of these five fan-favorite boardwalks at our wildlife sanctuaries to ignite your senses.
1. Stony Brook, Norfolk
Known for its extensive boardwalk system, Stony Brook has 2 miles of trails that allow you to feel like you’re hovering above water while enjoying prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Watch for Belted Kingfishers and Eastern Bluebirds as you make your way down the path.
The All Persons Sensory Trail is wide and level, traversing a pine forest and crossing over an extensive wetland boardwalk. It is accessible for mobility devices, and the self-guided tour includes a post-and-rope guiding system for the visually impaired.
From the Nature Center, head down the All Persons Sensory Trail for a 2,000-foot round-trip, universally accessible experience.
2. Broadmoor, Natick
A gentle downhill walk brings you to Broadmoor’s boardwalk through Indian Brook marsh. Look down to spot Painted Turtles basking among water lilies on the water's surface. Watch for Great Blue Herons in the distance patiently hunting for fish and muskrats busily swimming through the water near their lodge.
Begin at the Nature Center and take the All Persons Trail to the 430-foot boardwalk. For more views, continue to the Marsh Trail for a second boardwalk centered on Indian Brook for picture perfect views.
3. Tidmarsh, Plymouth
Immerse yourself in nature at Tidmarsh’s impressive 900-foot boardwalk, which wanders through wetlands adjacent to Beaver Dam Brook. The sanctuary is known for attracting a variety of colorful butterflies, so look for Monarchs and Spicebush Swallowtails in the tall grasses and wildflowers that line the trail.
Take Restoration Way to Sandplain Stroll and enjoy wildlife viewing areas. Then head through Forest Trail to Red Maple Path to explore the boardwalk.
4. Wellfleet Bay, Wellfleet
Breathe in the salty air and step to the edge of Cape Cod Bay via the Boardwalk Trail at Wellfleet Bay during low tide. Along the journey across salt marsh and sandy beach, you can see fiddler crabs rustling around the trail’s edge and shorebirds such as Semi-palmated Plovers and Greater Yellowlegs scouring the ground for invertebrates.
Starting at the Nature Center, take the All Persons Trail to Goose Pond Trail. Continue past Try Island Trail and connect to the Boardwalk Trail that leads to the beach.
5. Pleasant Valley, Lenox
The 7-mile trail system at Pleasant Valley features ample opportunities to traipse over boardwalks that lead you through marshes, across streams, and around ponds. This sanctuary’s boardwalks offer chances to spot signs of beavers, the site's iconic residents. Birders can keep an eye out for American Redstarts and Gray Catbirds flitting through the willow and dogwood shrubs at the trail’s edge.
Take Bluebird Trail from the Education Center and head toward Yokun and Beaver Lodge trails. There you’ll wind around the pond through the woods and across boardwalks.
Best Boardwalks and Beyond
With hundreds of miles of trails throughout Massachusetts, this list just scratches the surface of scenic paths. Discover something new this weekend at a wildlife sanctuary near you.
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