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Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
4.8 ★★★★★ 386 Google reviews · Running trail in Norfolk, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mass Audubon's Stony Brook 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.
Family-friendly site featuring a pond, wetlands, trails, boardwalks and wildlife.
What runners say about Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
“It’s completely gorgeous with all the birds, and free for Norfolk residents!”
“Just a heads up—dogs aren't allowed, so it's a great spot for a peaceful outing with your loved ones!”
“Looking for a fantastic family-friendly hike that's perfect for kids?”
Lovely hiking trail around ponds, marsh and stream. No fee for the trail. There's a small museum but we didn't venture in. It was a wonderful easy walk in the crisp fall air. The Colors were still beautiful
UPDATE: Today, I came back with my 7 and 4 year old kids. There are about three spots in the wooded areas that have rocks for kids to climb on and teepees made from giant branches. We spent over an hour there, the kids had such a blast! This place is gorgeous! Beautiful and easy walk for yourself and with kids.
Looking for a fantastic family-friendly hike that's perfect for kids? Check out this short, scenic loop! It's an ideal adventure that allows everyone to enjoy nature together. Just a heads up—dogs aren't allowed, so it's a great spot for a peaceful outing with your loved ones!
I can't begin to say what a nice experience we had at Stony Brook. My companion has mobility issues and it is hard for her to hike on the usual types of hiking trails. The trails at Stony Brook are well groomed, relatively wide, and not steep. They have a boardwalk out across the marsh with great views.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s completely gorgeous with all the birds, and free for Norfolk residents!”
“I especially love all double paths- one with stairs, one for wheelchair/stroller visitors.”
“Just a heads up—dogs aren't allowed, so it's a great spot for a peaceful outing with your loved ones!”
“day 6 (17jun24) sanctuary 13: looped around dam to boardwalk over marsh and beech grove island then back via sensory trail to parking - approx 1 mile.”
“this is closest MAS to my house and I've been here many times, so did not cross street to other trail system down to bristol pond (tired after moose hill earlier today).”
“day 6 (17jun24) sanctuary 13: looped around dam to boardwalk over marsh and beech grove island then back via sensory trail to parking - approx 1 mile.”
Plan your run at Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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 — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemassaudubon.org
- Phone(508) 528-3140
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–4 PM |
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