Home › Massachusetts › Mattapan › Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6 ★★★★★ 322 Google reviews · Running trail in Mattapan, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center and 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-themed center on former hospital grounds featuring exhibits, trails and gardens, plus bird watching.
What runners say about Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
“I love going and walking around this beautiful place both by myself to relax and destress and to walk with my dog .”
Amazing birding spot and really manageable trails for a family as well.
It's a beautiful place with a friendly, very knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend this place and thesmall trail for seniors and families. We saw a lot of birds (woodpeckers, robins, blue jays, crows...) that were happily chirping because it was extremely cold and windy and they were un bothered.
Came here for a bday party. The staff was very kind, educational and interactive. The kids got to learn about different animal skeletons, go on a nature walk to spy various animals/markings/droppings, and they even got to pet the corn snake. The facility is very clean and spacious.
I've been in Boston a long time and only very recently found out about this lovely little pocket of green! It's located not too far south of Franklin Park and is pretty easy to reach by bike. They have a bike rack by the building in the grass. When you arrive there's a main building where you're supposed to sign in.
Trail conditions & character
“I love going and walking around this beautiful place both by myself to relax and destress and to walk with my dog .”
“Has short gravel trails, nature exhibits for kids, lots of picnic tables, clean bathrooms and water fountains.”
“Has short gravel trails, nature exhibits for kids, lots of picnic tables, clean bathrooms and water fountains.”
“They explained they have several trails of varying length, and an accessible one too.”
“Has short gravel trails, nature exhibits for kids, lots of picnic tables, clean bathrooms and water fountains.”
“There is a big map of all the trails at the parking lot so next time I'll just take a photo.”
Plan your run at Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center and 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemassaudubon.org
- Phone+1 617-983-8500
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–4 pm |
Running trails near Mattapan
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Franklin Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 6,039 reviews
This large natural area with fields, wetlands & ponds offers a zoo, golf course & sports courts.
Lower Neponset River Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Riverfront park featuring a pool, playgrounds and pathways for walkers, hikers, runners and cyclists.
Boston Walking City Trail (South Trailhead)
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Sherrin Woods
4.4 ★★★★☆ 69 reviews
Wooded greenspace featuring a playground, nature trails and a tennis court.
Larz Anderson Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,371 reviews
This landscaped park offers pathways, ponds, gardens, a skating rink & an auto museum.
Stony Brook Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
Waterside, kid-friendly recreation area for hiking, biking, jogging and relaxing.