Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover a peaceful natural escape with diverse flora and fauna, including unique holly varieties and bird habitats. Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birdwatching is at its peak.
Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time
Birdwatching is at its peak.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a peaceful natural escape with diverse flora and fauna, including unique holly varieties and bird habitats. Free admission!
"A beautiful and peaceful place with plenty of trails and opportunities to see wildlife."
Download a Trail Map
Trails can be tricky; a downloaded map is essential for navigation. :iphone:
Tick Protection is Key
Wear long sleeves/pants & repellent. Check for ticks post-visit. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mystery Tree Trail
Various locations
Discover unique trees, including the fragrant Japanese tree, and enjoy a peaceful, sensory experience.
Barn Swallow Barn
Near the pond
Observe a dedicated structure for barn swallows, a unique wildlife viewing opportunity.
Vernal Pool & Pond Trails
Around the pond
Explore trails leading to a vernal pool and a scenic pond, offering chances to see diverse birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tick Alert: Be Prepared!
Trail Navigation & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download a Trail Map
Trails can be tricky; a downloaded map is essential for navigation. :iphone:
Tick Protection is Key
Wear long sleeves/pants & repellent. Check for ticks post-visit. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Snacks & Water
No facilities on-site, so bring your own provisions for a full day. :water_wave:
Observe the Franklinia Tree
Catch the Franklinia tree in bloom during autumn. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download a Trail Map
Trails can be tricky; a downloaded map is essential for navigation. :iphone:
Tick Protection is Key
Wear long sleeves/pants & repellent. Check for ticks post-visit. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Snacks & Water
No facilities on-site, so bring your own provisions for a full day. :water_wave:
Observe the Franklinia Tree
Catch the Franklinia tree in bloom during autumn. :evergreen_tree:
Free Admission!
Enjoy this beautiful sanctuary without an entry fee. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary for its beautiful, peaceful atmosphere and free admission, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife and unique plant species. However, the significant presence of ticks and the lack of on-site restrooms are recurring drawbacks that visitors should be prepared for.
"Beautiful preserve, several walking trails, not all of the trails are marked, plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, limited parking available, no restrooms, and no dogs allowed, free to enter"
Rob Caraccio
"I enjoyed walking the trails here last weekend. Tall grassy fields with swallows and bluebird houses scattered throughout. There were so many birds flying around. They have a shed that is specifically for barn swallows but unfortunately your not able to go in or see the nests they build. There is decent amount of trails here. Some that lead around a nice pond and to a vernal pool. They also have some picnic tables where you can sit and have lunch"
Danny
"What a beautiful and peaceful place. I would recommend to bring snacks and water and do all the trails in one day. If you can’t the don’t miss the mystery tree trail. That one was my favorite, the smell of the Japanese tree is unbelievable. Go to their page before going, download the trail map, and read about the things you will see on your trip there."
Lyann Antongiorgi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary is located in East Falmouth, Massachusetts. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available on-site, though it can be limited during peak times.
Yes, Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 30 miles from Boston, making it a feasible day trip for those looking for a nature escape near the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary offers free admission, making it an accessible natural escape for everyone.
The sanctuary is generally open during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any specific seasonal hours or closures before your visit.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary to protect the wildlife and their habitats.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sanctuary features mostly level single-track trails that wind around a pond and lead to a vernal pool. While many intersections are marked, having a downloaded trail map is highly recommended.
Visitors can spot a variety of birds, including swallows and bluebirds. The sanctuary is also known for its diverse plant life, including various holly species, rhododendrons, and the Franklinia tree.
No, there are no restrooms available at Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary, so plan accordingly before your visit.
Absolutely! The diverse flora and fauna, scenic pond views, and unique trees like the Franklinia offer excellent opportunities for nature photography.
Given the prevalence of ticks, it's advisable to wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities within the sanctuary itself, East Falmouth and nearby towns offer various dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants.
Yes, there are picnic tables available where you can enjoy a meal amidst nature. Remember to pack out everything you pack in.
📸 📸 Photography
The pond area, the vernal pool, and the trails featuring the diverse holly and rhododendron collections are prime spots. The Franklinia tree is also a unique photographic subject.
Yes, with numerous birdhouses and varied habitats, Ashumet Holly offers good opportunities for bird photography, especially for species like swallows and bluebirds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on shorter loops or the Mystery Tree Trail for younger children to keep their attention. The Barn Swallow Barn can be a fascinating point of interest, offering a glimpse into bird behavior.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
Be prepared for ticks by wearing protective clothing and using repellent. The diverse plant life, including numerous holly varieties and the Franklinia tree, adds to the botanical appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Avoiding Ticks
Beyond tick precautions, visitors can enjoy the diverse plant life, including a reported 60 varieties of holly, as well as introduced rhododendrons and inkberry. The Franklinia tree, which blooms in autumn, is a notable attraction.
Wildlife and Botanical Wonders
Beyond the more common sightings, the sanctuary's trails lead to interesting ecological features like a vernal pool, which supports unique amphibian life cycles. The presence of invasive porcelain berry is noted in some areas, a common challenge in maintaining natural habitats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit