Family Hike: Brown Hill Summit

The highest point at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Brown Hill, offers special experiences well worth the work. Along the way to the top, you'll encounter one of the sanctuary's largest glacial boulders; pass through distinct habitats of shrub forest, open meadow, and woodland; and look for the birds moving south in fall migration.

Near the summit stands a Motus wildlife tracking tower part of a continent-wide network that detects tagged birds, bats, and insects as they pass overhead, generating real scientific data that anyone can follow online. A naturalist will explain how the tower works and how the data connects Wachusett Meadow to migration research happening across the hemisphere—and how you can get involved.

Expect to hike 1 to 2 miles over uneven terrain with approximately 450 feet of elevation gain.