Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

One of many properties owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, this sanctuary is truly extraordinary. Covering more than three and a half square miles, you can walk (or canoe) all day and not see it all. Located in the Towns of Topsfield, Wenham, and Hamilton in Essex County, the property contains much of the "Great Wenham Swamp", and contains or has frontage along eight miles of the Ipswich River. Here you can truly "get away from it all", and not hear or see signs of civilization for hours at a time. And all within thirty miles of Boston.

As you might expect, there is a great variety of wild life, from creepy-crawly things in the swamp, to great blue herons overhead. With programs for adults and/or kids, there's always something for everyone. You can even picnic and/or camp at sites accessible only by canoe.

The main entrance is at 87 Perkins Row In Topsfield. Follow the driveway up the hill to the parking area and visitor's center.

Just down stream and off the property are the 721 acre Bradley Palmer State Park and the over one thousand acre Pine Swamp section of Willowdale State Forest. Together these three nearly adjacent properties provide over four thousand acres of public access land.

There are four town line boundary posts in the Sanctuary. Two are on Perkins Island (Topsfield-Wenham 1 WM and Topsfield-Wenham 2).

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 2,265 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: There are more than ten miles of interconnecting trails. Grades from level to moderate, mostly easy. What points of interest are there?: An observation tower overlooking the Ipswich River and Great Wenham Swamp; trails through meadow, forest, and wetland; birds will eat from your hand; many special programs throughout the year; summer day camp; nature and education centers; a 10 kW photovoltaic "green energy" array; and canoe rentals. What activities are available?: Hiking, canoeing, bird watching, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, many special programs. No bikes. Hours of accessibility?: Dawn to dusk. List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Poison ivy and ticks. Dogs Allowed?: No Is a permit/fee required?: Yes If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: No fee if member of Mass Audubon. Otherwise $4/day for adults and $3/day for children, payable at the office on site. Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   10/17/2011 juneebug visited it