This past week James was looking for easy hikes that we could enjoy together and he discovered the tranquil Massachusetts Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary was an easy mile and a half hike, that we leisurely explored while taking photos.
Hiking Trails Await
James and I have been working on getting into better shape as of late. I really enjoy the treadmill and James really likes to hike. We have been doing a lot of both, the wonderful world of compromise. I know when we relocate next year that I want to be in shape to hike. So, I’ve been giving in and hiking more.
It was a beautiful spot, hidden from the road, and very natural feeling. We parked in the small parking lot and walked the path to the information boards. The boards gave some information on the Trail Head House, Summer Stars mission, visitor information and a small gallery of photography.
Beautiful Trail Head House
James and I followed the trail to the Trail Head House and went inside to explore. There is a small sign as you enter to refrain from taking photos. So we did. They have many photos of the building interior on their website.
When we entered we met a cheerful volunteer, who gave us a tour and explained about the sanctuary. They have artist exhibits that change twice a year and a cozy book library. Here, there is also a live video feeds from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where you will see birds in the rehabilitation process.
You will also find a beautiful open area that they call the cave. It’s here that they have speakers and presentations. This area is an absolutely stunning area. Let’s not forget the roof top terrance which is a beautiful touch and a great place for a snack or picnic. Last but not least restrooms, yay, and they are even environmentally responsible.
Beginning Our Wonderful Hike
After our visit to the Trail Head House, we decided to take the approximately 1.5 mile trail. There is a half mile handicap accessible trail, but we stuck to the longer trail. James had I had a great easy hike.
While hiking you really get a great feel for nature. The trail is kept relatively undisturbed. They are marked well and easy to follow but are kept as close to natural as possible. As you will see with the sanctuaries hours, they are only open for four days to the public. The other days are left to the natural inhabitants to roam freely without us humans disturbing them.
As we walked the trail it was every bit as tranquil and serene as the owner had envisioned it to be. It was a slice of heaven. We did encounter two couples along our walk and both were just as joyful and happy to have found this amazing spot.
Clean Restrooms and Water Filling Station
As we concluded our hike, we returned to the Trail Head House to use the restrooms. We didn’t realize that they also had two restrooms outside and two inside. There is a bottle refilling station too, a great touch!
Meeting The Friendly and Humble Owner
When James and I were heading back to our car, the owner Shalin Liu arrived. We had the pleasure of speaking with her, hearing her vision for the sanctuary and her future plans for this gem. Shalin has a passion for Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary and wants her property to fly under the radar, as to not get destroyed by too much traffic. If there is a spike in traffic it will no doubt lose its charm as a place of tranquility and personal self refection. We definitely don’t want to see that happen!
James and I thought long and hard as to whether to even write about Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary. Not because it isn’t amazing, but because it is amazing and we do not want to see it threatened by others lack of respect for the environment. We are trusting our readers that want to take a ride and visit this beautiful place that you will do your part to preserve this slice of heaven.
The tranquil Massachusetts Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary is 45 acres in size but it is immediately surrounded by 700 acres of forest. This allows for wildlife to flourish and call this stretch of woods its home. It is an amazing to me that in Central Massachusetts we have such a large parcel of wilderness for our forest animals. That makes me smile!
You can find Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary on Facebook, Check it out and discover Massachusetts Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary.
Are you looking for more Massachusetts Travel Blogs? Click the links below:
https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2019/04/08/campbell-falls-state-park/
https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2019/04/02/massachusetts-glendale-falls/
Looks like a really nice hike. Glad you had good weather! 😊
Thank You, It was a great hike and a great place to visit. The Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary was a real treat. It is a serene and tranquil place to reflect on things.