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Mass Audubon Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6 ★★★★★ 217 Google reviews · Running trail in Pittsfield, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mass Audubon Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve with trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and wildlife-watching.
What runners say about Mass Audubon Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
“Well maintained except for short driveway to parking which has some serious potholes.”
“Beautiful, peaceful area - not the right spot if you're looking for a tough hike, but perfect for a ramble or a walk and talk with a friend.”
“Beautiful, peaceful area - not the right spot if you're looking for a tough hike, but perfect for a ramble or a walk and talk with a friend.”
“Nice easy walk with beautiful views.”
My first experience here was almost a year ago, so I’ve had the opportunity to experience it through the seasons. It is a lovely, flat nature preserve that is used for hiking/walking, or snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. It can get pretty busy with XC skiers when the snow/weather is nice.
Wonderful place to bird watch and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Very quiet, the people who come here are pleasant and respectful. You can see deer, beavers, rabbits, butterflies, and many different bird species. Very close to the city but it certainly doesn't feel like it!
This hiking trail is a hidden gem and seems underrated. We visited during christmas and pathway was snow filled. There is a little pond where you can find beautiful ducks. Don’t miss out if you are nearby
We enjoyed an extremely peaceful walk along Sacred Way Trail. The sounds of this wildlife sanctuary were wonderful. The woodpecker pecking was great to hear. But then my wife met her match when she saw a snake slide across the bridge we were crossing. So we had to retreat and take the crossover trail and head back.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful, peaceful area - not the right spot if you're looking for a tough hike, but perfect for a ramble or a walk and talk with a friend.”
“Beautiful, peaceful area - not the right spot if you're looking for a tough hike, but perfect for a ramble or a walk and talk with a friend.”
“Well maintained except for short driveway to parking which has some serious potholes.”
“sacred way trail along housatonic river likely wet and muddy in spring, but level and wide with plenty of boardwalk thru elderberry /arrow-wood floodplain swamp.”
“sacred way trail along housatonic river likely wet and muddy in spring, but level and wide with plenty of boardwalk thru elderberry /arrow-wood floodplain swamp.”
“The loop trail is short and flat, which is what we were looking for because we didn't have a lot of time.”
“sacred way trail along housatonic river likely wet and muddy in spring, but level and wide with plenty of boardwalk thru elderberry /arrow-wood floodplain swamp.”
Plan your run at Mass Audubon Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemassaudubon.org
- Phone+1 413-637-0320
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Pittsfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Springside Park
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