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Mass Audubon's Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary
4.4 ★★★★☆ 58 Google reviews · Running trail in Fitchburg, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mass Audubon's Flat Rock 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.
Wooded area with hiking trails providing habitat for various species.
What runners say about Mass Audubon's Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary
“We took the blue trail which was a lot of uphill but worth it when you get to the top and are able to see the sweeping views and picturesque scenery.”
“The trails are well-marked, easy to follow, and offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife in a quiet setting.”
“This wildlife sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend time outdoors.”
I love this trail. I haven’t done too much of it yet but it’s well loved and respected by people I can tell. It’s a little odd to find because it is behind the hospital.
Flat Rock has multiple trails to choose from. I am an inexperienced hiker and found the main trail to be fairly easy to walk on. Some of the others are more uphill. Beautiful area and there is a lot of parking available as well. Free to enter. No pets or horses allowed on the trail.
This wildlife sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend time outdoors. The trails are well-marked, easy to follow, and offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife in a quiet setting. It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk or just to take in the scenery.
A nice spring Saturday walk in the woods. (April 2023). Parked at the main lot, then walked the Main Path to the Swap Path, to the Pigpen Path and finally the Hemlock Hill Path. Lots of recent bushwhacking, but Hemlock needs more work - some good sized trees to jump over.
Trail conditions & character
“We took the blue trail which was a lot of uphill but worth it when you get to the top and are able to see the sweeping views and picturesque scenery.”
“And it’s majorly confusing if you try walking here but you’ll see a sign once you go up the hill and if you just keep driving following the fencing then you’ll find the trail.”
“Wife and I visited Fitchburg early November, decided to hike Flat Rock to enjoy nice cool weather.”
“The trails are well-marked, easy to follow, and offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife in a quiet setting.”
“This wildlife sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend time outdoors.”
“Limited parking and maintenance building was no longer present, it want clear if there was seasonal structure or not.”
“Leave covered and some rocks/roots but easy to walk for kids and adults, not for wheelchair/walkers.”
Plan your run at Mass Audubon's Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemassaudubon.org
- Phone+1 978-464-2712
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
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